OHS UNIT

WORKING AT HEIGHTS GUIDELINES

Contents

1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................2

2 Scope...........................................................................................................................................2

3 Responsibilities...........................................................................................................................2
3.1 Deans and Directors...............................................................................................................2
3.2 Heads of Department/ Managers/ Supervisors.......................................................................2
3.3 Employees..............................................................................................................................2
4 Planning and Legislative Requirements....................................................................................2

5 Risk Management........................................................................................................................3
5.1 Identifying hazards ................................................................................................................3
5.2 Assessment of risks ...............................................................................................................3
5.3 Applying controls....................................................................................................................3
5.4 Monitoring and Review...........................................................................................................3
6 Roof Safety..................................................................................................................................4

7 Working from Ladders................................................................................................................4

8 Fall Arrest Equipment.................................................................................................................5

9 Falling Objects.............................................................................................................................5

10 Related Documents...................................................................................................................5

11 Program Review........................................................................................................................6

12 Version Control Table...............................................................................................................6

Appendix: Roof Risk Assessment...............................................................................................7

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 Working at Heights Guidelines

1 Introduction
This guideline is designed to provide information in regard to safety when working at heights. Working at
heights can create particular hazards for those working above and persons below, as such University staff
should be aware of their responsibilities and the correct procedures required for this type of work. The
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 and associated regulation provide specific requirements to ensure
safety when working in this type of environment.

2 Scope
This guideline covers any person performing an activity or task which is deemed or considered to be working
at height and may include where there is a risk of falling. This includes contractors.

3 Responsibilities
3.1 Deans and Directors
Deans and directors are responsible for overseeing the implementation of these guidelines in their area.

3.2 Heads of Department/ Managers/ Supervisors

Heads, managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring the guidelines are implemented in their unit.
This includes ensuring that:
 risk assessments are completed for activities working at height
 appropriate controls are implemented prior to persons working at heights.

3.3 Employees
All employees are required to cooperate with risk management activities in relation to the tasks that affect
them directly. This includes contributing to the process of identification, assessment and control, and
consultation and training.

Employees are responsible for using height safety equipment as instructed and only within the design
parameters.

4 Planning and Legislative Requirements

Working at heights involves any activity or task conducted where there is a risk of a person falling or an
object falling on a person.

Planning the work should be conducted before any activity or task is performed at heights. Determining
hazards and risk is the first step to preventing an incident when working at heights. Planning activities follow
the risk management process and includes undertaking a risk assessment to identify appropriate controls
e.g. fall protection systems and safe work procedure.

During the planning process consideration must be given to the following legislative requirements when
working at heights:
1. the work is to be performed on a stable and securely fenced work platform
2. where a platform cannot be provided, the work is surrounded by a secure perimeter screens,
fencing, handrails or other physical barriers
3. when either of the above requirements can not be provided, the work shall only occur where a
person is restrained from falling from a height of more than 2 metres.

Consideration should also be given to the area of work:

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 Working at Heights Guidelines

 on a fragile or potential unstable surface

 on a sloping or slippery surface
 in close proximity to an edge
 in proximity of a hole, shaft or pit which is of sufficient dimensions for a person to fall in.

Exemptions are provided for the following:

 sporting or athletic activities, e.g. rock climbing or abseiling
 performance of stunt work
 acrobatics
 theatrical performances.

5 Risk Management
Individual job factors determine the level of risk associated with working at heights and are to be managed
accordingly to prevent an injury. A risk management approach incorporating the process of identification,
risk assessment and controls is required to be undertaken to ensure that hazards do not adversely affect the
health and safety of University staff, contractors and third parties. As with any other workplace hazard,
consultation with employees must occur to ensure that the process is as effective as possible. The following
details a risk management approach with regard to heights safety.

5.1 Identifying hazards

Before any risks with working at height can be controlled they must first be identified. Identification should
take into account the work activities, the height, the location and area.

The identification of particular hazards might include elements such as;

 people falling
 objects falling
 work occurring above or below other people
 structural adequacy and integrity of supports where work is occurring from or on.

5.2 Assessment of risks

Risks that are associated with working at heights should be assessed to determine the extent of the problem.
This should include:
 the likelihood of the incident occurring, and
 the consequence relating to that type of incident.

Further information can be found in the Risk Management Guidelines.

5.3 Applying controls

Risks associated with falling from a height are required to be controlled through the use of the following;
 a work platform which is stable and securely fenced
 where the above is not possible or practicable, a temporary solution/s such as perimeter screens,
fencing, handrails or other types of physical barriers to prevent falls
 or in cases where either of the above are not possible, then forms of physical restraints are required,
such as industrial rope access systems, which will arrest the fall of a person from a height of >2m.

5.4 Monitoring and Review

Controls that have been implemented should be regularly reviewed to ensure
 they are appropriate for the type of risk, and
 that they are effective in minimising the risk.

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 Working at Heights Guidelines

6 Roof Safety
The University recognises that authorised persons are required to access the roof of a building for a variety
of purposes.

A ‘Roof Risk Assessment’ shall be completed for all University buildings as outlined in Appendix 1. The roof
risk assessment shall identify the hazards associated with each roof and the controls required for access and
work activities to occur.

The necessary controls for access and safe work on a roof shall be signposted at the access point to each
roof.

In some instances access to a roof may require a permit – this will be stated on the risk assessment.

The roof risk assessment shall be reviewed by the OHS unit and Buildings & Grounds on an annual basis.

7 Working from Ladders

Working from ladders greatly increases the chances of falling compared to other methods of working at
heights, such as a work platform. It is important to realise that there are limits to the safe use of a ladder.
Most accidents involving ladders occur because these limits are exceeded. As such working on ladders
should be minimised and where appropriate alternate methods introduced.

Ladders are available in a variety of types, including portable and fixed, and the following should be
considered when setting up ladders.

Element Requirements
It is important to ensure that the ladder is adequately supported at the base.
The base should be of solid construction and where this not possible and the
1. Support surface is too soft to support the ladder, (such as on unstable ground, soil,
grass) planks should be placed under the ladder feet to prevent the ladder
from subsiding.
 The slope of a ladder is important to ensuring the ladder won’t fall backwards.
2. Slope Position the ladder using 4 in 1, e.g. for every 2m in height, the ladder should
extend out from the vertical surface 0.5m.
 When working on a ladder the person is required to maintain three points of
contact at all times. This means having two hands and one foot or one hand
and two feet on the ladder this includes when ascending, descending. To
3. Contact
make this possible consider using a tool belt.
 Consider the ladder design when using, no more that one person at a time on
a ladder.
4. Services  Consider where the ladder is located, ensure that it is not position near
electrical supplies or other forms of services.
 When the ladder is in position, it should be at least 1m beyond the height of the
task. Or in the case required to get off or on the ladder, it should extend 1m
5. Height above the level being accessed. A person on a ladder should not climb higher
than the third rung from the top of the ladder.
 Ensure the top of the ladder is secured to prevent falling.
 When selecting a position to place a ladder it must not be placed over a
6. Location doorway. If there is no other alternative, appropriate warning and prevention
mechanisms must be introduced to prevent someone coming through the door
while the ladder is in position.
7. Roofing  Brittle or fragile roofs can be dangerous for those having to work on top. For
this reason a number of controls must be put into place.
 A permanent walkway is required to be created and maintained over roofs.
8. Walkways Alternatively, where this cannot be arranged, secured temporary walkways or
other means to prevent persons falling who are on the roof.

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 Working at Heights Guidelines

 Where a roof, or in part, of a building or structure comprises or includes brittle

or fragile roofing material warning signs must be applied. The signs are
9. Signage required to be affixed to each slope, curve or section of the roof and to each
access point to the roof.
 The sign shall include ‘DANGER-BRITTLE ROOF’
10.Windows  If windows are required to be cleaned from the outside, a safe means of
cleaning the window must be considered

8 Fall Arrest Equipment

Where a fall arrest device is being used this equipment is required to have all anchorage points for the
device to be inspected before first use and on a regular basis so they are capable of supporting the loads.
This inspection may only be conducted by a competent person.

Where the load-bearing capacity of anchor points is impaired, the anchor point is required to be taken out of
service to prevent its use.

Only suitable equipment such as harness, safety line and other components shall be used in fall arrest
systems. Where any part of the system shows signs of weakness and inability to perform the function as
designed, it is not to be used.

Any person using fall arrest equipment is required to have training and be competent in its use and care.

Where a fall arrest systems is in use, an appropriate rescue plan is required in the event of a person falling.

9 Falling Objects
Objects falling from heights can place those working near or below at risk. Consideration must be made for
plant, equipment or other objects require for use at heights.

Where working at height requires objects such as equipment the following shall be required:

 safe means of raising and lowering plant, materials and debris in the place of work
 a secure physical barrier to prevent objects falling freely from buildings or structures in or in the
vicinity of the place of work
 or measures to arrest the fall of objects
 provision of appropriate personal protective equipment
 barrier to close off the work area underneath or other means to prevent persons working or passing
by underneath.

10 Related Documents
 Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2000;
 Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2001;
 NSW WorkCover Guide - Safe Working At Heights - Guide 2006;
 NSW WorkCover Safety Guide – Portable ladders, Issued: February 1999, Safety Guide No: 4503;
 University Risk Management Guidelines;
 University Records Management Guidelines;
 University Safe Work Procedures Guidelines;
 University the OHS Training Guidelines;
 AS/NZS 1891: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices.

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 Working at Heights Guidelines

11 Program Review
In order to ensure that these guidelines continue to be effective and applicable to the University, the program
will be reviewed regularly by the OHS unit and relevant stakeholders. Conditions which might warrant a
review of the guidelines on a more frequent basis would include:

 an injury or near miss resulting from working at heights

 incidents related to working at heights
 changes to standards and codes of practice
 employee concern.

Following completion of any review, the program will be revised and, if necessary, updated in order to correct
any deficiencies. Any changes to the program will be consulted through the OHS committee.

12 Version Control Table

Date
Version Approved By Amendment
Released
1 August 2008 Manager OHS Document created
Document updated to incorporate the Personnel name
2 August 2010 Manager OHS
change to Human Resources Division.

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 Working at Heights Guidelines

Appendix: Roof Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment Roof of Building X

Task/ Location

Person Conducting the Risk Name Position Date Signature

Assessment

Supervisor of the Area Name Position Date Signature

Referenced UOW Guidelines, Legislation, Australian Standards, Code of Practice:

1. Safe Working at Heights Code of Practice, NSW WorkCover, 2006

Hazard Identification Risk Assessment Risk Control Review

No. What harm can happen to Risk List any Control Describe what can Whom When Are the Date
people or equipment Scor Measures already be done to reduce Responsi By Controls Finalise
e* implemented the harm ble Effective d
?

1 People falling from height H Parapet Wall Nil

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 Working at Heights Guidelines

Hazard Identification Risk Assessment Risk Control Review

No. What harm can happen to Risk List any Control Describe what can Whom When Are the Date
people or equipment Scor Measures already be done to reduce Responsi By Controls Finalise
e* implemented the harm ble Effective d
?

2 Microwave M Work to occur away

from microwave.

Permit to identify
microwave and if
operating.
3 Atmospheric contaminants from M Permit issue required.
exhaust stacks
Work to occur away
from microwave.
Permit to identify
microwave and if
operating.
4 Objects falling M Any objects having the
potential to fall must
be secured to prevent
falling.

5 Work occurring above or below L Barricade the area

other people below the work to
prevent pedestrian
access.

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 Working at Heights Guidelines

Hazard Identification Risk Assessment Risk Control Review

No. What harm can happen to Risk List any Control Describe what can Whom When Are the Date
people or equipment Scor Measures already be done to reduce Responsi By Controls Finalise
e* implemented the harm ble Effective d
?

6 Structural adequacy and integrity L The building roof is Nil

of supports where work is concrete with a parapet
occurring from or on. wall.
 on a fragile or potential
unstable surface;
 on a sloping or slippery
surface;
 in close proximity to an edge;
 in proximity of a hole, shaft or
pit which is of sufficient
dimensions for a person to
fall in.

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