Page 85 - RIIWHS204E Learner Guide

RIIWHS204E-Work safely at heights

TOPIC 4 – PERFORM WORK AT
HEIGHTS

CHECK ACCESS FROM GROUND TO WORK AREA AND ENSURE IT IS SAFE

The method of accessing the work area should be established in accordance with the
organizational or site requirements, the Working at Heights Guidelines and the relevant
standards.

It is important that the access provided is safe and that no harm comes to workers or
equipment when access to the work area is gained from the ground.

Also, it is the responsibility of the worker undertaking the task to check access from the
ground to the work area and ensure that it is safe to work.

THE CHECKING PROCESS

The process of checking access from the ground to the work area includes conducting an
inspection and recording the outcomes in a checklist.

The checklist will cover the means of access, including the portable stairways, lad ders,
and elevating work platforms and the access point to the site. It will check that:

 All equipment has been maintained in a safe condition,

 Any adjustments have been made they are recorded on the scaffold plan.
 A record of the inspection is kept in a log book for comparison and future

requirements

 The equipment is being used for the first time
 Any incidents or any major repairs have taken place

The checking process will ensure that the access provided is sufficient for the job, which
may include:

 Specifications based upon the trades using the equipment and the load they
will be carrying. Minimum and maximum loads will need to be determined

 Special duty platforms and designated bays may need to be factored into the

design

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