Working at height

The purpose of this method statement is to provide a safe and effective procedure for working at height. It outlines the steps, responsibilities, and safety measures required to minimize risks associated with working at height and ensure the safety of personnel involved.

This method statement applies to all activities involving work at height, which includes any work conducted where there is a risk of falling and injury. This can include tasks such as roofing, scaffolding, ladder work, maintenance on elevated structures, and the use of mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs).

Site Manager/Project Manager: Ensure all work at height is planned, organized, and conducted according to this method statement. Ensure that all equipment is available and maintained, and that all personnel are trained and competent. Supervisors: Oversee work at height activities, ensure compliance with safety protocols, and address any hazards or incidents immediately. Workers/Operatives: Follow the procedures outlined in this method statement, use equipment safely, and adhere to all safety precautions. Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor. Health & Safety Officer: Provide safety guidance, ensure that all personnel are trained in working at height procedures, and conduct regular safety inspections.

Fall Protection Equipment: Includes harnesses, lanyards, shock absorbers, and anchor points. Scaffolding: Properly erected and inspected scaffolds with guardrails, toe boards, and access ladders. Ladders: Appropriate ladders, secured and inspected before use. Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs): Inspected and certified equipment, including scissor lifts and cherry pickers. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Including hard hats, non-slip footwear, gloves, and high-visibility clothing. Safety Barriers and Signage: To prevent unauthorized access to areas where work at height is being conducted. Tool Belts and Lanyards: For securing tools and preventing them from falling.

Planning: Conduct a risk assessment to identify hazards associated with the work at height. Determine the appropriate method of access (e.g., ladders, scaffolds, MEWPs) and fall protection measures. Ensure that all equipment required for the task is available, inspected, and in good condition. Preparation: Set up safety barriers and signage to secure the work area and prevent unauthorized access. Inspect all equipment, including fall protection gear, ladders, scaffolds, and MEWPs, to ensure they are in proper working order. Verify that all workers involved in the task are wearing the appropriate PPE and that their fall protection equipment is properly fitted and secured. Execution: Access the work area using the selected method (e.g., ladder, scaffold, MEWP). Ensure that all tools and materials are secured to prevent them from falling. Continuously monitor the stability and safety of the work platform or access method. Maintain clear communication between workers, especially when moving or adjusting equipment. Post-Work: Safely descend from the work area and remove all tools, materials, and equipment. Dismantle safety barriers and signage only when the area is completely safe. Inspect all equipment after use, report any damage or wear, and store it properly.

Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment before starting any work at height. Identify potential hazards and implement control measures. Equipment Inspection: Regularly inspect all equipment used for working at height, including ladders, scaffolds, and fall protection gear. Do not use damaged or defective equipment. Fall Protection: Always use fall protection equipment when working at height. Ensure that harnesses and lanyards are properly secured to anchor points. Ladder Safety: Ensure ladders are secured, positioned on a stable surface, and used only for short-duration tasks. Weather Conditions: Avoid working at height during adverse weather conditions such as high winds, rain, or snow, which can increase the risk of slipping or falling. Communication: Maintain clear communication between all workers involved in the task, especially when coordinating movements or using MEWPs.

Fall Incident: If a worker falls or is injured while working at height, immediately initiate emergency response protocols. Provide first aid, secure the area, and call emergency services. Equipment Failure: In case of equipment failure, stop work immediately, secure the area, and report the issue to the supervisor. Do not resume work until the equipment is repaired or replaced. Rescue Plan: Ensure a rescue plan is in place and that all workers are familiar with it. The plan should include procedures for safely lowering a worker who has fallen and is suspended in a harness. Evacuation: In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation, workers should descend safely from the work area following pre-established evacuation routes.

Waste Management: Dispose of any waste materials, including damaged equipment or packaging, in accordance with local environmental regulations. Noise Control: Minimize noise levels by using quieter tools and equipment where possible, especially in residential or sensitive areas. Spill Prevention: Ensure that any liquids or hazardous materials used at height are secured to prevent spills that could contaminate the environment. Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient equipment, such as battery-operated tools, to reduce the environmental impact.

Worker Training: All workers must be trained in working at height procedures, including the use of fall protection equipment, ladders, scaffolding, and MEWPs. Competence Assessment: Workers should be assessed for competence before being allowed to work at height. Only those who have demonstrated proficiency should be permitted to perform these tasks. Refresher Training: Provide regular refresher training to ensure workers stay up-to-date with safety practices and new equipment. Emergency Training: All personnel should be trained in emergency procedures, including rescue operations and first aid.

Regular Inspections: Supervisors should conduct regular inspections of work at height activities to ensure compliance with the method statement and safety standards. Incident Reporting: Any incidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions should be reported immediately, investigated, and documented. Corrective actions should be taken to prevent recurrence. Method Statement Review: The method statement should be reviewed and updated periodically or when new equipment, techniques, or regulations are introduced. Feedback: Gather feedback from workers and supervisors to identify areas for improvement in safety and efficiency when working at height. This method statement provides a comprehensive guide for safely conducting work at height, ensuring the protection of workers and others in the vicinity while maintaining compliance with safety regulations and best practices.