The hierarchy for selecting equipment to work safely at height

All work at height should be risk assessed. The best way of managing the risk is to remove the need to work at height altogether.

1. Avoid working at height, for example by using extendable tools to work from ground level, or by assembling components and equipment at ground level.
2. Prevent a fall by using an existing workplace known to be safe, such as a solid roof with fixed guardrails, or by using suitable equipment such as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), scaffolds and work restraint systems.
3. Minimise the distance or the consequence of a fall, with collective measures such as safety nets and airbags installed close to the level of work, and with personal protective measures such as fall-arrest systems.

Main precautions to prevent falling materials

• Plan the work. When people are working at height, consider the risk of objects falling onto somebody or something below.
• Provide information, instruction, training and supervision.
• Use tool lanyards to stop tools falling.
• Set safe storage and exclusion arrangements for the actual edge, materials and work. Secure items and use suitable toe boards or containment; one distance does not prevent every fall or dropped-object risk.
• Take items such as phones, pens and tools out of loose or unsealed pockets, especially top shirt pockets.
• Do not hang objects over guardrails.
• Secure all objects when working on an elevated surface.
• Make sure toe boards are in place and inspected often.
• Rope off the area, if possible, where fall or drop hazards may exist.
• Communicate often. Work as a team to avoid complacency and stay alert to these procedures at all times.
• Supervise the work to make sure the safe system of work is followed.
• Avoid working in bad weather such as heavy rain and strong winds. Wind can blow equipment off platforms, and if the weather is particularly severe you may have to postpone the work.

Main precautions to prevent falls

• Plan the work. When people are working at height, consider the risk of falls and of objects falling onto somebody or something below.
• Provide information, instruction, training and supervision.
• Provide safe and proper access to and exit from heights.
• Install adequate fall prevention or protection systems such as guard rails, scaffolds and covers for openings.
• Establish safe work procedures for the different work-at-height activities.
• Select fall protection through the hierarchy, prioritising collective prevention. Where personal fall arrest is needed, use a complete compatible system with suitable anchorage, clearance and a practised rescue plan; a harness alone is insufficient.
• Keep working areas free of known dangers. Work platforms must be clean and kept as dry as possible.
• Do not exceed the load capacity of platforms.
• Supervise the work to make sure the safe system of work is followed.
• Avoid working in bad weather such as heavy rain and strong winds, and postpone work if the weather is severe.

Summary notes for Element 8 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.