Blog

6 Best Practice Tips for Working at Height

Work at height training

Risks associated with working at heights necessitate careful planning and safety measures. Whether you’re in charge of roof repairs, window cleaning, or construction, adhering to recommended standards can help guarantee that your work at height is done safely. Here are some best practices for you to remember.

Conduct Proper Work at Height Training

Everybody who is expected to work at a height needs to complete appropriate work at height training. Workers will learn about emergency response protocols, fall protection equipment use, hazard identification, safety procedures, and more during this training. Periodically repeating your training might aid in reiterating safe work procedures.

Perform a Risk Assessment

Make sure to thoroughly analyze the risks associated with any job before beginning any that involves working at heights. Take into account factors such as the sort of work being done, the equipment required, the surfaces involved, and the weather. Determine any risks and put procedures in place to reduce them. To carefully prepare how to carry out the task safely and work at heights, a risk assessment is essential. Training makes it easier to recognize potential hazards.

Use Appropriate Fall Protection Equipment

Fall protection equipment must be used when the job requires work beyond a certain elevated height. This usually involves a harness tethered to an anchor point by a lanyard or lifeline. For roof work, safety nets may be required below the fall zone. Regularly inspect all equipment for defects and replace any worn items. Work at height training educates on the proper use of fall protection gear.

Set Up Safe Access and Egress

Whether using ladders, scaffolding, elevating work platforms, or other means, access to and from the work area must be stable and protected from fall risks. Ladders should be secured from slippage and extend safely above the landing area. Guardrails should surround any open sides of scaffolding. Safe routes of access and egress are covered during work at height training.

Use Warning Systems When Required

When work is conducted above occupied areas, a spotter may be needed to control pedestrian traffic beneath or surrounding the work zone. Signage or barriers can warn of overhead hazards. For larger construction sites, more robust warning systems involving flags, ropes, or fences may separate workers from hazards. Work at height often demands warning others of the risks below, which is discussed in training.

Watch the Weather and Time of Day

Working at height in inclement weather like high winds, rain, or snow significantly increases risks. If there is any chance of unstable conditions, the job should be postponed. Daylight hours are preferable to working after dark when visibility is lower. Proper scheduling and reacting to changing weather are emphasized in training programs.

Following basic safety best practices can help ensure work at height is conducted as safely as possible. Repeating work at height training periodically serves as an important refresher on maintaining safety practices over the long run. When all workers are properly trained, communicating clearly, and focused on risk prevention, safe work at height becomes attainable.

Enter your information for course availability








    More Blogs

    Share:

    Join The Community Of HSE Professionals