Page 16 - RIIWHS204E Learner Guide

RIIWHS204E-Work safely at heights

Accessing and following workplace requirements will ensure that the work you are
undertaking is performed safely and compliant. Working at heights and on a scaffold
higher than two meters, basically includes you or any other person being exposed to the
risk of falling.

This may include:

 Elevated plant or machinery

 Access to and from elevated plant or equipment
 Work performed near openings where a person may fall

 Work performed near the edge where a person is at risk of falling

 Work performed where there is a risk of falling through something

 Work performed near or on a slippery or unstable surface

Working at heights should where possible be minimized to prevent injury or death.
However, there is not always the option to do anything else, for example, working on a
power pole or on top of a new building under construction.

The Code of Practice ‘Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces’ outlines the steps that
should be taken to minimize the risk involved.

Any work that is to be conducted at heights requires appropriate training, instruction and
the use of a system of fall protection. To comply with regulations employers must identify
all tasks that involve the possibility of someone falling more than two meters.

For each task to be performed you need to determine whether there is a risk of a fall from
a height and to consider the layout and physical conditions where work is to be done.
Visual observation of the physical site is essential.

Worker should communicate in order to minimize the risk. The communication should
be of-

 Verbal Communication.
 Non-Verbal Communication.

 Written Communication.

 Listening.
 Visual Communication.

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