What are Working From Height Regulations?
Working from height regulations refer to safety regulations and guidelines that are designed to protect workers who perform tasks at height. These regulations provide rules and requirements that must be followed by employers and workers to ensure that work at height is carried out safely and that the risk of accidents and injuries is minimised.
The specific working from height regulations cover several key areas, including:
Risk assessment: Employers are required to assess the risks associated with working at height and implement appropriate measures to minimize those risks.
Planning and organization: Employers must plan and organize work at height, taking into account factors such as the nature of the task, the equipment to be used, and the competence of the workers involved.
Competence and training: Workers who perform tasks at height must be competent and trained to do so safely. This may include training on the use of equipment, hazard identification, and emergency procedures.
Equipment and systems: Regulations may specify requirements for the design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of equipment used for working at height, such as ladders, scaffolds, and safety harnesses. We offer height safety inspections and cover all aspect of fall arrest and height safety compliance testing including ladder safety testing and anchor bolt recertification.
Emergency procedures: Employers are often required to have emergency procedures in place, such as rescue plans and first aid provisions, to address potential incidents or accidents that may occur while working at height.
Inspections and records: Regulations may require regular inspections of equipment and systems used for working at height, as well as keeping records of inspections, training, and other relevant information. We can help you with all your annual and 6 month height safety inspections to make sure your company is compliant. We offer annual safety testing and 3 year safety testing packages to save you time and money.
Coordination and communication: Employers may be required to ensure proper coordination and communication among workers who are working at height, as well as with other workers or contractors who may be working nearby.
Compliance with working from height regulations is crucial to ensure the safety of workers who perform tasks at height. Employers and workers should familiarise themselves with the specific regulations and follow them diligently to prevent accidents and injuries while working at height and remain compliant.
What is working from height?
Working from height generally refers to any task or activity that is carried out at an elevated level where a person could potentially fall and suffer injury. This can include tasks such as working on ladders, scaffolds, roofs, platforms, or other elevated surfaces, as well as working near edges or openings that pose a fall hazard.
Working from height can encompass a wide range of industries and job roles, including construction, maintenance, painting, window cleaning, telecommunications, and more. It can involve various types of work, such as installation, repair, inspection, cleaning, or maintenance activities.
Working from height can pose significant risks to workers if proper safety precautions are not followed. Falls from height can result in serious injuries or fatalities, which is why working from height regulations and guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of workers.
Examples of working from height activities include:
Roofing work: Installation or repair of roofs on buildings or structures that require workers to work at an elevated level.
Construction work: Tasks such as erecting or dismantling scaffolds, working on elevated platforms, or installing structural components at height.
Window cleaning: Cleaning windows on high-rise buildings using ladders, bosun's chairs, or other equipment.
Maintenance work: Maintenance activities on elevated structures, such as bridges, towers, or telecommunications equipment.
Painting and decorating: Painting or decorating tasks that require workers to work on elevated surfaces using ladders, platforms, or other equipment.
Tree trimming: Trimming or pruning trees at height using ladders, aerial lifts, or other equipment.
Installation and repair of utilities: Installation or repair of utilities such as electrical lines, telecommunications lines, or HVAC systems at height.
It's important for employers and workers engaged in working from height activities to be aware of and comply with relevant working from height regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of workers and prevent accidents. Proper training, use of appropriate equipment, risk assessment, and adherence to safety procedures are essential to mitigate the risks associated with working from height.
Get in touch with us at Altus Safety to arrange your Height Safety Inspections and ensure you remain compliant. We have annual and 3 yearly plans in place to help save you money and time. Call us today on 0330 113 0870 to book an appointment.
