CHILDRENS SERVICE

Local Code of Practice 16

Working at Height

Revised Feb 2009

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Author: John Kempster

Service: Resources

Division Health & Safety Unit

Intended Target Group: Educational Establishments

Issued Feb 2009

Last Reviewed: Feb 2009

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 Childrens Service
Local Code of Practice No 16
Working at Height

1. INTRODUCTION
This Local Code of Practice (LCOP) replaces the previous LCOP 16 Portable
Stepladders.

This LCOP establishes a safe system for working at height. The criteria for
management is based on risk assessment and a hierarchy of controls which
places duties on the LA.

Governing bodies have a duty to ensure so far as their position allows that the
premise and plant or substances used in the premise are safe and without
risk. Governing bodies also have a legal duty to comply with the LAs
directions and to co-operate with the LA so far as is necessary to enable the
LA to comply with its statutory responsibility.

It is the responsibility of Premises Controllers (Headteachers in the case of

Schools) to carry out the policies agreed and maintained by the LA and where
applicable the governing body.

Accordingly it is the responsibility of the Premises Controller to manage the

day to day practicalities of this local code of practice.

The LA recommends the arrangements outlined within this code of practice

are used by all its educational establishments and added to the Arrangement
Section of their Safety Policy.

All employees are under a statutory duty to co-operate with the LA and
governing body so far as it necessary to enable these parties to meet legal
obligations.

2. SCOPE
To prevent accidents with working at height by establishing and maintaining
safe system of work.

This applies to any member of LA staff working at height, on LA premises or

at another site. This document also applies to contractors who are working at
height on LA premises or under LA instruction.

Work at height is work in any place, including a place at, above or below
ground level, where a person could be injured if they fell from that place.
Access and egress to a place of work can also be work at height.

Examples of work activities that are classified as working at height

include:

working off bandstands, stage etc;

working on a flat roof;

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 working from a ladder;
working at ground level adjacent to an open excavation;
opening windows;
working from foot stools;
working near or adjacent to fragile materials.

Some examples of where the Regulations will not apply:

walking up and down a staircase;

working in the upper floors of a school block or a portacabin;
an operator sitting in a seat on an excavator;
sitting in a chair.

3. MANAGEMENT ACTION
For whoever is responsible for managing the work at height in connection with
LA, Childrens Service or School Premises (e.g. the project manager,
premises manager, headteacher) to ensure, in all cases, those works are
managed in accordance with the Corporate Working at Height procedure
(LBB Health, Safety and Welfare Policy Corporate Arrangements Section C10
Working at Height
(http://intranetlbb/resourcesdirec/resourcesholdingfolder/resources_restructur
ed/Shared_services/Health_and_saftey/H&S%20Arrangements/Section%201
0%20-%20Working%20at%20Height%202008.pdf)

4. GENERAL
This Guidance note has been written in support of Corporate Working at
Height procedure C10 and provides good practice for work at height that will
normally be doing enough to comply with the Working at Height Regulations.

This guidance has been written from the perspective of someone either
monitoring/supervising working at height activities and/or carrying out working
at height activities. Therefore the detail of information provided varies
depending on the circumstance and may simply provide reference to current
best practice or relevant standards. Thus, the reader is advised to adapt their
use of this document to suit their individual needs. For example the reader
may wish to have an overview of the requirements for working at height whilst
another reader may wish specific information with regard to mobile towers and
ladders. In the later case the reader can refer directly to the appropriate
sections.

A working at height flow chart for educational establishments is available that

provides guidance on the steps to consider on managing the risk of working at
height (http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/casestudies/guidanceflowchart.pdf).

Risk assessments should be completed for all work at height activities. Also
ensure that all work at height is planned, organised and carried out by
competent people.

The HSE website provides practical guidance as an example of best practice

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 o http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/casestudies/schoolguidance.htm
o http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/casestudies/schools.htm).

This should be adapted to suit the specific work being undertaken following a
suitable and sufficient risk assessment. Other advice is available at:

o http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/schoolsfall.pdf
o http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/heightsafeleaflet.pdf

5. RELATED DOCUMENTS
LBB Health, Safety and Welfare Policy Corporate Arrangements Section C10
Working at Height
(http://intranetlbb/resourcesdirec/resourcesholdingfolder/resources_restructur
ed/Shared_services/Health_and_saftey/H&S%20Arrangements/Section%201
0%20-%20Working%20at%20Height%202008.pdf

HSG 33 Health and safety in roof work.

HSG 150 Health and safety in construction
Working at Height Regulations 2005 A brief guide INDG401

5. RESPONSIBILITIES
All staff and visitors who work at height.

6. WORK FROM AN EXISTING PLACE OF WORK

The existing place of work or means of access or egress at height should be:

6.1 of sufficient strength, dimensions and rigidity for the purpose;

6.2 where applicable stable and rest on a sufficiently strong surface;
6.3 of sufficient dimensions to permit the safe passage of persons, safe
use of plant/materials to be used and provide a safe working area;
6.4 offering suitable and sufficient means for preventing a fall;
6.5 possessing a surface with no gaps through which a person, material or
object may fall;
6.6 constructed, used and maintained in a condition as to prevent, so far
as reasonably practicable, the risk of slipping, tripping or of moving parts
falling by appropriate devices.

7. COLLECTIVE FALL PREVENTION

The protection shall be:

7.1 of sufficient strength, dimensions and rigidity;

7.2 placed, securely and used to ensure that it does not become
accidentally displaced;
7.3 placed to prevent so far as is reasonably practicable the fall of any
person or object;
7.4 at least 950 mm height from surface for top guard-rail (or 910 mm pre-
WAHR) from which any person is liable to fall;
7.5 fitted with suitable and sufficient toe boards to prevent the fall of any
person, material or object from place of work;

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7.6 fitted with an intermediate guard rail or similar means of protection shall
be positioned so that the gap between it and other means of protection
does not exceed 470 mm;
7.7 supported by a structure that is of sufficient strength and suitable for
the purpose.

8. WORKING PLATFORMS
8.1 Scaffold
Scaffolding is likely to be used for major construction projects (e.g. such as
replacing roofs etc) that fall under the Construction Design Management
(CDM) Regulations.

All scaffolding must be erected by a competent person or under the

supervision of a competent person, in accordance with any design provided
and applicable regulations and codes. The competent person must have
a valid certificate for scaffolds that demonstrates they have received
relevant training, knowledge and experience.

To ensure stability the scaffold must be situated on a suitable foundation i.e.

solid ground or soil, have sufficient number of ties and bracing, use suitable
couplers and vertical standards. The access/egress ladder must be tied to
the scaffold and is considered as part of the structure.

An acceptance inspection certificate must be issued when the scaffolding is

first erected. Thereafter a continuance of use inspection certificate is issued
every seven days. Additional inspections and certification is required after
any unlikely event that may weaken the strength or stability of the scaffold e.g.
adverse weather or impact via moving machinery and following any
modification to the scaffold.

At the start of the day and on the change of shift a competent person or
supervisor must inspect the scaffold.

Current certification should be displayed clearly at the access to any scaffold

structure wherever possible or filed in an easily accessible place adjacent to
the structure.

8.2 Mobile Scaffold or Tower

Mobile scaffold are similar to scaffold, however, they are quicker to erect and
move because they are constructed from prefabricated sections that slot
together. The prefabricated section can be manufactured from steel or
aluminium. Aluminium gives the advantage of low weight with a decrease in
strength compared with steel.

8.2.1 The maximum height of tower

Aluminium tower 3.5 x base width (indoor) 3 x base width

(outdoor)
Steel tower 4 x base width (indoor) 3.5 x base width
(outdoor)

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The base dimensions of the tower can be modified with outriggers for use at
particular working heights. Check that outriggers are positioned correctly if
fitted and if extending the working height that the structure is adequately
stable.

8.2.2 Use of Mobile Scaffold/Tower

They can be used for painting, routine maintenance, accessing and changing
lights etc. The following points are to be followed:

The Mobile Scaffold (MS) erected by a competent person or under

the supervision of a competent person;
Before use MS is inspected by a competent person or under the
supervision of a competent person;
The MS is located on level firm ground;
The wheels on the MS are locked before use;
Only internal means of access/egress is installed and used;
The work platform is in good condition, complete and extends full width
of tower;
Guard/hand rails and toe boards are correctly positioned;
The tower height/width ratio does not exceed limits;
The tower is not to be moved with any person on the working platform;
Report any defects.
Ladders must never be used on top of a mobile tower.

8.2.3 Mobile Scaffold/Tower Checklist

To help you develop your safe system of work you must consider this
checklist.

8.3 Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP)

This category includes scissor lifts, cherry pickers etc. All such equipment
is covered by Provision and Use of Workplace Equipment Regulations
(PUWER) and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment regulations (LOLER).

8.3.1 Use of MEWP

These are for external use, primarily by contractors e.g. painting, access to
roof/gutters/windows and routine maintenance. The following points are to be
followed:

The MEWP must be operated competent person;

Before use the MEWP inspected by the competent person;
The MEWP is located on level firm ground;
The area surrounding the MEWP must cordoned to prevent
unauthorised access;
The work platform is in good condition and complete;
Report any defects;
Ladders must never be used on top of the MEWP.

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8.3.2 MEWP Checklist
To help you develop your safe system of work you must consider the MEWP
Checklist.

9.0 COLLECTIVE FALL ARREST

9.1 Use of Collective Fall Arrest
These type of control measures are likely to be considered by contractors for
large construction projects.

9.2 Safety nets

Safety nets should be manufactured to the requirement of BS EN 1263: Part
1, 2002 and erected in accordance with BS EN 1263: Part 2, 2002.

If nets are used make sure that they are properly installed and maintained by
competent riggers as close as possible below the work area involved to
minimise the distance fallen. Ensure that the nets are securely attached and
sufficient to with stand the load. The load may be a falling person or
equipment. Further guidance is available in HSG 33 Health and safety in roof
work and HSE, A technical guide to the selection and use of fall prevention
and arrest equipment, Research Report 302.

9.2 Fall bags

If fall bags are used make sure that they are properly inflated, installed by
competent riggers as close as possible below the work area involved to
minimise the distance fallen. Ensure that the bags are adequate to with stand
the load. The load may be a falling person or equipment.

10. PERSONAL FALL PREVENTION

Should only be considered when other means of protection are not
practicable.

10.1 Work Restraints and Fall Arrest

Work restraint or fall restraint systems stop a person falling as opposed to a
fall arrest system that stops a person after they have fallen.

If these are used make sure that they are securely attached to a sufficiently
strong anchorage point and that they are always worn. This requires user
discipline and active management monitoring. The testing of anchor points is
covered in BS EN 795 (1997).

A work restraint system is normally a combination of a full body harness (BS

EN 361, 2002) and a lanyard (BS EN 354, 2002). Common practice is to use
retractable lanyards to provide occupants with maximum movement, together
with immediate restraint. The use of retractable lanyards for this purpose
should only be considered after discussion with the manufacturer as to their
suitability and the parameters for which they were designed and tested. This
equipment should only be used if it has been specifically tested in the
proposed manner of use.

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Lanyard length (fixed or retractable systems) should be carefully selected,
matched to the location to be used and be short enough to prevent a person
reaching a position where they could fall. Energy absorbers (BS EN 363,
2002) can also form an element/component of a fall arrest system which is
designed to dissipate the kinetic energy developed during a fall from height
and should be consulted. Also consider the pendulum effect caused by the
suspension of an operator.

If these are used make sure that they are securely attached to a sufficiently
strong anchorage point and that they are always worn. This requires user
discipline and active management monitoring.

10.1.1 Operator use

These must only be used by competent persons. The equipment requires,
regular inspection and maintenance and a 6 monthly inspection by an
independent competent 3rd party. HSE provide guidance for Inspecting fall
arrest equipment made from webbing or rope, INDG367.

10.2 Work Positioning

This ensures no operative exceeds a minimum distance from an unguarded
edge of a work platform; this is traditionally 2 meters. This may be achieved
by marking a boundary across the work platform that no operative is allowed
to cross. This will require user discipline and active management monitoring.
Alternatively, attach the operative to a line which prevents them gaining
access to the unprotected edge.

11. LADDERS or STEPLADDER

Ladder or stepladder is recommended only as a means of access/egress to a
safe place of work. In certain circumstances, so far as is reasonable
practicable, they may be used providing additional safety measures are
adopted and the period of use is short.

11.1 Purchase
Only ladders complying with the appropriate International, European, and
British Standards are to be purchased and/or used. Domestic type ladders
must NOT be purchased where these are already in use they should be
replaced as and when they need replacing.

11.2 Storage
Premises Controller should ensure the following requirements are complied
with:

11.2.1 Storage areas are to be accessible but secure against unauthorised

entry;
11.2.2 Racks are to be provided for long pole ladders and extending ladders,
that;
11.2.3 Provide protection for the ladder;
11.2.4 Prevent excessive sagging;

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11.2.5 Allow for storage of the ladder on its side, with the lower stile
supported. Ladders, particularly wooden ladders, are not to be hung
from the upper stile or from the rungs;
11.2.6 No other materials are to be placed on ladders;
11.2.7 Timber ladders are to be stored where they will not be exposed to the
elements, but there is good ventilation. They are not to be stored near
radiators or areas subjected to excessive heat or dampness;
11.2.8 Any unidentifiable ladder found should be immediately placed in a
secure area until it has been identified.

11.3 Safe working

When developing your safe system of work you must consider the
ladder/stepladder checklist. This can be modified to accommodate local work
practices.

Every time you use a ladder you should do a pre-use check beforehand to
make sure that it is safe for use.
A pre-use check should be carried out by:
The user;
At the beginning of the working day; and
After something has changed i.e. ladder dropped or moved from a dirty
area to a clean area (check state or condition of feet).

The benefit of conducting daily pre-use checks is that they provide the
opportunity to pick up any immediate/serious defects before they cause an
accident. Ladder/stepladders MUST not be used if they are defective and
MUST be taken out of service until repaired. Minor defects (e.g. loose
screws) may be repaired on site by a suitably trained user. Major defects,
particularly involving structural items are to be repaired by the
suppliers/makers.

Ladders that cannot be repaired or are beyond economic repair are to be

scrapped. The method of disposal should ensure that the ladder or any part
of it cannot be re-used. The disposal must be recorded.

Timber equipment may be coated with a transparent non-conductive finish

such as varnish, shellac or a clear preservative. Under no circumstances is a
timber ladder to be given an opaque covering, such as paint.

Guidance on:
o The things to look for is available at:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/preusechecks.htm
o Using ladders safely good practice:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/usingladders/index.htm

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 o Stepladders: http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/stepladders.htm

For further information on ladders, stepladder or their alternatives consult the

following documents:

Safe use of ladders and stepladders -

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg402.pdf
A toolbox talk on leaning ladder and stepladder safety -
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg403.pdf
Health & safety Bulletin 191 Ladders
http://www.lgfl.net/lgfl/leas/barnet/web/Schools%20Intranet/HealthSafety/
documents/Bulletins/?show=%20197-
Two%20Part%20Foot%20Stool.doc&verb=list

11.4 HANDLING AND TRANSPORT

11.4.1.1 A manual handling risk assessment should be completed for

activities involving the handling of ladders/stepladders.

Light steps and single-section ladders can be carried unassisted,

generally horizontally at knee level. A slightly heavier ladder can be
carried unassisted by bearing most of the weight on the shoulder.
An arm is inserted between the stiles and two rungs about halfway
along the ladder to bring the uppermost stile onto the shoulder, the
hands then being used to steady the ladder and keep it from
leaning too heavily against the body. Always keep the front end
high enough to clear a persons head and before turning the turning
arc at each end should be checked for obstructions.

NB: As a general rule people carrying steps or ladders should not

attempt to transport other items of equipment at the same time.

11.4.2 If a ladder is too heavy for one person to lift and move it safely
(Manual Handling of Loads Regulations 1992) it must be carried by 2
or more people. Particular care should be taken in public places.
Special care must be taken when crossing roads.

11.4.3 Cycling with a ladder, either held or attached to the bicycle is

prohibited.

11.4.4 Transporting a ladder on a vehicle which is too short for the ladder is
dangerous. Overhangs must not exceed 4 feet and must be marked
by clearly distinguishable warning flags secure to the ends. They
should be tied to each support point to minimise rubbing and the
effects of road shock. Other equipment must be carefully loaded so
that ladders are not subject to shock or abrasion.

11.4.5 Ladders carried inside vehicles must be properly located and tied
within the vehicles (not left loose) and should not protrude into the

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 cab area or out of a window. Equipment placed inside the vehicle
must be secured and stored so as not to damage the ladder.

11.4.6 Ladders are often moved after being erected. It is dangerous to

handle a long, extended or heavy ladder like this, but for others, the
method is to keep the ladder vertical and so maintain its balance.
The way to move an upright ladder unassisted is to keep it vertical
and locked against the body with one hand through the rungs. The
lifting force is then applied with the shoulder while the other hand is
used at head level to support and steady it.

11.4.7 Both before moving the ladder and whilst carrying it, a check must
be made for high obstructions e.g. cables, roof projections etc. and
extra care taken in the vicinity of overhead conductors, especially
with alloy ladders.

11.4.8 A ladder must never be carried vertically where there is a chance

that if it fell, serious injury or damage could result to people or
property; the balance is easily lost and once lost cannot be regained.

12. FOOT STOOL OR ELEPHANT FOOT

In the last six years there have been five deaths and over three thousand
injuries (HSE stats last 5 years, 3 deaths over 2000 major injuries) in the
education sector due to falling from height. Most major injuries in schools are
caused by low falls i.e. below two metres, and involve stairs. Other activities
involve, falls from desks/chairs while putting up displays; falls from stools
while closing windows, and falls from ladders while carrying out repairs and
maintenance work.

At no stage should staff use tables, chairs, boxes etc to work at height. A
Foot stool, Elephant foot or stepladder may be used providing a risk
assessment has been completed and control measures implemented. Please
refer to H&S Bulletin 197 Two Part Foot Stool
http://www.lgfl.net/lgfl/leas/barnet/web/Schools%20Intranet/HealthSafety/docu
ments/Bulletins/?show=%20197-
Two%20Part%20Foot%20Stool.doc&verb=list

For low height activities consider using washing line type displays or that the
maximum height for the display can easily be accessed from the floor and
using poles to open windows, thus avoiding the need to work at height.

Further information on low height is available:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/downloads.htm#education

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/schoolsfall.pdf

http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/casestudies/school.htm

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13. WORKING FROM ROOFS
IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES SOME WORKING AT HEIGHT
ACTIVITIES MAY BE MADE PERMIT TO WORK e.g. hot or electrical
working and where the risk of injury cannot be adequately controlled by the
normal risk assessment procedure (see H&S Corporate Arrangements C33
Permit to Work).

A permit to work means that no person is allowed to work unless they have a
permit to do so. This would be decided by the Headteacher or Premise
Manager or following consultation with the Health & Safety Unit.

A risk assessment approach of the roof must be made. If it has permanent

edge protection (>910 mm) and satisfies Schedule 1 WAHR, it is treated as
an existing place of work and the risk of a fall from height is reduced. If any
additional work equipment is added to remove the risk of a fall from height
occurring, it must follow the hierarchy of controls.

o Collective fall prevention

o Working platforms
o Collective fall arrest
o Personal fall prevention
o Ladders and stepladders

Full edge protection at eaves level is required for work on sloping roofs and
must withstand a person falling against it. A properly designed and installed
independent scaffold platform at eaves level will usually be enough (Height
safe absolute essential health and safety information for people who work at
height).

Additional concern is the condition of the roof. Fragile material is one that
does not safely support the weight of a person and any load they are carrying.
The fragility of a roof does not depend solely on the composition of the
material in it, but a number of other important factors. Guidance on working
on or near fragile roofs if given elsewhere:

13.1 Health and safety in roof work, HSG 33;

13.2 Health and safety in construction, HSG 150;
13.3 Height safe absolute essential health and safety information for
people who work at height
(http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/heightsafeleaflet.pdf);
13.4 HSE Working on roofs, INDG284
(http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg284.pdf)

Safe access/egress to/from a flat, pitched or sloped roof (Height safe

absolute essential health and safety information for people who work at
height) will be achieved following the proposed hierarchy of controls. If the
roof has permanent edge protection (in excess 910 mm) and possess a
surface which has no gaps or fragile materials through which a person, object
or material could fall through or prevent the risk of slipping, it is treated as an

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existing place of work and the risk of a fall from height is reduced. If any
additional work equipment is added to remove the risk of a fall from height
occurring it must follow the hierarchy of controls proposed i.e. guard rails, toe
boards, barriers, nets, airbags, work restraints, work positioning, fall arrest
and rope access.

Slates and tiles do not provide a safe footing especially when they are wet.
Properly designed roof ladders or crawling boards are an essential aid to any
work on sloping roofs (Height safe absolute essential health and safety
information for people who work at height; HSE Working on roofs, INDG284).
They should be long enough to span the supports (at least three rafters) and
securely placed. Roof ladder anchorages should bear on the opposite roof
and not rely on the ridge tiles for support as these can easily break away. Do
not use gutters to support any ladder. Roof battens can be an alternative to
roof ladders but if relied on it is essential that their strength is established
beforehand. Battens often fail. (They should be attached to rafters no more
than 450 mm apart if used as footing.).

14. FALLING OBJECTS/MATERIALS

Avoid leaving materials at height; stop materials which could fall from
accumulating. This includes shelves, cupboards, gantries, work platform,
roofs etc. If materials are left at height make sure that they are secured so
that they cannot blow away or fall accidentally. Avoid leaving materials on the
roof when the site is closed especially at weekends and during holiday
periods. Make sure toe boards are in place around the work platform
perimeter or gantry to prevent items falling.

Keep a tidy workplace; stop material which could fall and dust from
accumulating.

Nothing should ever be thrown from height. Use enclosed rubbish chutes or
lower material to the ground (Further guidance is available in HSG 33 Health
and safety in roof work).

Prevent access to danger areas underneath or adjacent to working at height.

Where this cannot be guaranteed, consider using debris netting, fans,
covered walkways or similar safeguards to stop falling material causing injury.
High-visibility barrier netting is not suitable for use as a fall prevention device.
Particular care is needed where there is public access close to roof work. If
possible try to arrange for work to be carried out when passers-by will not be
there, e.g. during holidays or weekends. If this cannot be arranged minimise
the public access to danger areas. In some cases physical protection to catch
falling materials, e.g. debris nets, may be appropriate. Remember that even
fine material such as dust can cause discomfort or injury to eyes.

15. TRAINING
All workers at height need the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to
work safely, or be under the supervision of someone else who has it. They
need to be able to recognise the risks, understand the appropriate systems of
work and be competent in the skills to carry them out such as:

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15.1 installing and wearing fall arrest and work restraint equipment;
15.2 installing edge protection;
15.3 erecting and inspecting mobile/tower scaffold;
15.4 operating a mobile access platform; and
15.5 inspecting and using ladders or stepladders.

Training will be required to achieve these competencies to become

recognised as a competent person.

YOU SHOULD NOT ALLOW STAFF, CONTRACTORS OR VISITORS TO

WORK AT HEIGHT ON YOUR PREMISES WITHOUT THEM
DEMONSTRATING THEY ARE COMPETENT TO DO SO. Evidence of
competency will be a valid certificate.

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APPNDIX A

Mobile or Tower Scaffold Checklist Yes No

Has the Mobile Scaffold (MS) been erected by a competent person or under #
the supervision of a competent person?
Has the MS been inspected by a competent person or under the supervision #
of a competent person?
Does the competent person have a valid certificate for scaffolds that #
demonstrates they have received relevant training, knowledge and
experience?
Has an acceptance inspection certificate been issued when the tower is #
erected?
Is the tower or MS located on level firm ground? #

Have the wheels on the MS been locked before use? #

Has an internal means of access/egress been installed and used? #

Is the work platform complete and extends full width of tower? #

Is the work platform is in good condition? #

Are the guard/hand rails and toe boards correctly positioned? #

Does the tower height/width ratio exceed limits? #

Tower must not be use if height/width ratio exceeded
Is the tower tied to a wall or structure? #
Towers must not be tied
Is a ladder(s) on top of a mobile tower? #
Ladders must not be use on top of mobile towers
MUST DO
Not move the tower with any person on the working platform

Prominently display notice scaffold incomplete when mobile tower is in

the process of being erected/dismantled and is left unattended
Report any defects or faults

#
IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY QUESTION MARKED

DO NOT USE THE MOBILE/TOWER SCAFFOLD

SEEK ADVICE FROM YOUR MANAGER AND/OR

HEALTH & SAFETY CONSULTANT

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 APPENDIX B

MEWP Checklist Yes No

Have you planned the work? #
Consider where the MEWP is to be located, easy of access to work area, its
mobility/manoeuvrability, and place on level/firm ground. Consider other restrictions such as
overhead cables, pipes, ducting that may impinge on the raising and lowering of the MEWP
Are there any overhead cables and/or moving gantries that may hinder access? #
Is the MEWP operated by trainer/experienced person i.e. a competent person? #
Have you seen a valid certificate for the competent person that demonstrates they have #
relevant training, knowledge and experience in the operation of MEWP?
Is the MEWP working within its load capacity? #

Has the area surrounding the MEWP been fenced-off to prevent the access of people and other #
vehicles?
Are No entry signs in position? #

Have you an emergency escape procedure from the working platform in the event of a machine #
failure?
Are toe boards and guard rails complete and correctly installed? #

Are staff wearing suitable fall arrest equipment whilst using the MEWP? #

Have you assessed the local weather conditions? #

Is the MEWP suitable for its intended purpose? #

Offer protection from its dangerous components, all controls accessible, identifiable, not activated
accidentally and have an easily identifiable emergency stop/isolator switch
Is its use restricted to trained competent authorised person and systems in place to prevent #
unauthorised use i.e. keys not left in ignition?
Does the MEWP have a valid certificate of use? #
When hiring equipment or customer/contractor brings a MEWP on to LA or School Premise check
that the MEWP has a valid inspection certificate. These must be reviewed every 6 months
Does the MEWP have a regular inspection and maintenance regime and are records kept? #
Have all relevant staff been informed of the safe working conditions? #

Have staff working in the area been informed of the potential hazards? #

MUST DO
When in use secure from movement, prevent from overloading and avoid contact with structures
Staff wear suitable fall arrest equipment whilst using MEWP

Not use MEWP in adverse weather conditions

Allow untrained, incompetent, unauthorised persons to use MEWP

#
IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY QUESTION MARKED

DO NOT USE THE MOBILE/TOWER SCAFFOLD

SEEK ADVICE FROM YOUR MANAGER AND/OR

HEALTH & SAFETY CONSULTANT

Page 17 of 18
 APPENDIX C

LADDERS AND STEPLADDERS CHECKLIST Yes No

General ladders/stepladders

Are ladders/stepladders stored properly in a dry, ventilated area? #

Preferably in a rack
Are the ladders/stepladders is suitable for task? #
This could include type of ladder e.g. aluminium ladders are light to carry, though can easily suffer from
overloading and is a good conductor of electricity. Wooden ladders are heavy to handle and are good
insulators of electricity
Are the ladders/stepladders in good condition and free of defects? #
Are the ladders/stepladders placed on firm, level, stable ground? #
Do the ladders/stepladders conform to a recognised standard and are they CE marked? #
Is the operative a competent person for use of ladders/stepladders? #
The competent person must have a valid certificate for ladders/stepladders that demonstrates they
have received relevant training, knowledge and experience
Ladders

Will two persons fix the ladder? #

Is the ladder tied at the top and bottom? #
If not practical, a second person should have their weight on the ladder when in use.
Is the ladder positioned approximately 1 foot out horizontally for every 4 feet vertically? #
Have weather conditions been agreed that are acceptable to work in? #
Consideration must be made of Special precautions that have to be taken in windy weather to tie the ladder
down more securely. Aluminium ladders especially need to be restrained due to their lightness and should be
used with caution in windy conditions.
Has the ladder been extended by 5 rungs beyond the work platform? #
Stepladders

Is the stepladder to be used fully extended? #

Do you plan to work from the top platform? #
Do not use the top platform unless it is designed with special handles
Is the stepladder being used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions? #
Is there any likely side loading? #
They are not designed for any degree of side loading and are easily overturned
MUST DO
Never overload the ladders/stepladders

Never make-up your own ladders/stepladders

Never allow two or more people to use a ladders/stepladders at same instant

Never overstretch whilst using ladders/stepladders

Never paint ladders/stepladders as they may conceal defects

Ensure three points of contact at all times

Ensure the ladder is extend 5 rungs beyond the work platform

Do not use the top platform unless it is designed with special handles

#
IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY QUESTION MARKED

DO NOT USE THE LADDERS AND STEPLADDERS

SEEK ADVICE FROM YOUR MANAGER AND/OR

HEALTH & SAFETY CONSULTANT

Page 18 of 18