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This page contains frequently asked questions on working at height
Ladders can be hazardous if they are not correctly maintained and used. Regulation 3.26 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 details the requirements for working with portable ladders. Your employer should make sure that ladders are properly stored and inspected regularly and only used for light work of short duration or for access.
Your employer or supervisor should give you instructions and show you how to use a ladder safely and what safety checks to make before using a ladder. This includes checking that the ladder:
When using a ladder:
Training in prevention of falls should include:
Selection of an appropriate type of Elevating Work Platform (EWP) should be made following consideration of:
Safety precautions that should be taken include:
Persons operating boom-type EWPs with a boom length of 11 metres or more must hold a WP Class High Risk Work Licence.
Regulation 3.51 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 requires that a competent person inspect fall injury prevention systems. The regulation details the circumstances under which inspections should be carried out.
Regulation 3.53 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 requires that a competent person inspect anchorages. The regulation details the circumstances under which inspections should be carried out.
Regulation 3.55 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 requires that edge protection must be provided to the edge of a:
where a person is at risk of falling two or more metres. Edge protection or a fall injury prevention system must also be provided at any other edge at the workplace where a person could fall three or more metres.
There are also requirements in relation to holes and openings. Regulation 3.54
Regulation 3.57 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 details the requirements for working on or from brittle or fragile roofing. Brittle or fragile roofing materials include roofing made of:
which is likely to endanger a person standing on them.
A checklist for the safe working on fragile or brittle roofs is available in the Code of practice: Prevention of falls at workplaces.
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