Page 18 - RIIWHS204E Learner Guide

RIIWHS204E-Work safely at heights

INSPECT SITE TO DETERMINE LAYOUT AND PHYSICAL CONDITION,
CONDITION OF STRUCTURES, PREVAILING WEATHER CONDITIONS,
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS, AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS

Prior to commencing any work at height, you will need to inspect the site to determine the
layout, physical condition, the condition of any existing structures, weather conditions, and
potential hazards.

If you are unsure about where to locate the site or area within the site, please check with
your supervisor or site manager to confirm the details.

THE NATURE OF WORK UNDERTAKEN AT HEIGHTS

Working at heights 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.

There are some of the hazards that can encounter while moving tools from ground to working
at height.
 Manual handling issues
 Dropped/falling objects
 Back pain/ Strain

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