Ensuring your working-at-height safety equipment is in good condition and fit for purpose is crucial for preventing accidents and safeguarding workers, as well as complying with UK safety requirements for working at height.
Such safety requirements for working at height, as defined in the Work at Height Regulations 2005, are vital to prevent falls which are the leading cause of workplace fatalities and injuries. The guidelines not only protect workers by minimising the potential for accidents but also help to foster a secure work environment that enhances overall productivity and morale.
This article lays out the essential steps you should take for maintaining and inspecting your equipment, as well as conducting risk assessments and providing proper training for operators of equipment for working-at-height.
Proactive Equipment Maintenance
A checklist for inspection begins with a proactive maintenance programme. All equipment should be inspected before use, even if it is used regularly or recently. Check for faults such as rust or cracks and any other weaknesses before every use. This will enable you to identify any potential issues before they cause an accident. Also ensure that the fittings are still secure and that the labels can easily be read.
Training And Qualifications
One of the most important safety requirements for working at height is that all operators of such equipment must have received the relevant training. You or your team should be able to use the equipment correctly and efficiently, which includes equipment that doesn’t necessarily require official qualifications, such as ladders.
Anyone conducting maintenance checks should also understand what they’re looking for and be able to identify potential problems and solutions. They should use an equipment inspection checklist to ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Risk Assessments
The process of using safety equipment for working-at-height should be planned out carefully, with an extensive risk assessment determining potential fall distances and hazards including unstable surfaces and overhead obstructions. The weather conditions should also be monitored as part of the risk assessment and equipment inspection checklist.
The risk assessment will ensure that appropriate equipment is provided for the job, and that only fully trained operators use the equipment. Emergency procedures should also be understood by operators and supporting team members, should an accident still occur.
Constant Monitoring of Equipment
Whenever you or your team are using working-at-height safety equipment, you must designate someone or multiple persons to keep an eye on the equipment and how it is being used or being affected by the environment. Make sure that the equipment remains stable and secure throughout the whole process. If you hear any cracks or odd noises, notice any instability, or see something else wrong with your equipment, then you must stop the work immediately until a solution or replacement equipment can be sourced.
To learn more about working at height safety equipment, get in touch with the team at Ability International today!
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