There are a number of jobs both inside and outside of the house that involve working at height. These jobs may require the use ladders, scaffolding or platforms down to basic things like chairs (to change light bulbs). Whatever way you’re working at height, there are a number of essential precautions and safety procedures to follow that apply in all cases.
Don’t Start Yet!
Before you begin, it’s imperative that you do as much work as possible at ground level. This is particularly the case if the job you’re doing involves self-assembly or something that involves dexterity and concentration. Jobs like this can easily divert your attention from the safety risks of working at height and are best avoided.
If you’re using a ladder you should never work at height if the job involves the use of both hands. One hand must always be reserved for gripping the ladder rung. If you need to use both hands, you will have to use a mobile or fixed scaffold system.
Check Your Equipment
Before deciding to use any access equipment, check that it’s in good, working condition and is sturdy enough to easily take the whole weight of your body. Be extra careful with any equipment that has paint on it. Paint can cover faulty components.
You should read any safety information attached to the equipment. This safety information should inform you about the maximum weight the equipment can take.
Placing Your Equipment
Next, where possible, place your access equipment on ground at is smooth, flat and well balanced.
In the case of ladders, if they are not fixable, another person should foot the ladder. Whatever contacts the ladder at its highest point should always be a solid surface i.e. brick and mortar. Be wary of glass, wood and other materials that are prone to weakening over time.
Climbing Up
You should always reserve both hands for climbing up ladders. You are most at risk to injury while going up and down the ladder when your body position is no longer fixed.
If you are only taking up one small tool, putting it into your pockets will suffice. If you’re taking up multiple tools, use either a shoulder bag or a tool belt. On ladders, don’t use heavy tools or tools that require the use of both hands.
Working At Height
Now that you’re working at height, you have already covered most of the safety procedures to ensure a safe working experience. But there are a couple of remaining points.
Before transferring any of your body weight away from the access equipment to another surface, ensure that it’s sturdy and can accommodate the full weight of your body.
Any work that you do at height should not involve stretching away from your access equipment (ladders, scaffolding, platforms etc).
And Finally…
If you are ever in doubt, seek the advice and help of someone that knows what they’re doing. When working at height, if you are unsure about what you’re doing, you’re taking a risk.
Since it is one of the biggest causes of fatalities and serious injury, you should never take a risk when working at height.