Page 94 - RIIWHS204E Learner Guide

RIIWHS204E-Work safely at heights

CHECK SAFETY SYSTEM PERIODICALLY FOR COMPLIANCE

Safety systems must be used, checked and maintained correctly. Checklists can be used
to measure and record safety systems.

When you are doing your checks, you will need to check that all parts of the safety
systems being used are still in place, working properly and have not been damaged in
any way during the work that is being conducted.

It is very important that if a worker were to fall while attached to a safety system, all
parts of that system are then checked by a competent person to make sure they are still
in good condition and secure. In some cases, various parts of the system may need to be
replaced before any more work can continue.

You need to check that fall protection equipment is safely adjusted and that you are
using the correct safety equipment to suit the work as each part of the job is finished.
Checking safety systems, can include the following checks:

 Is equipment maintained in a safe condition?

 Have regular maintenance, preventive checks, and inspections on all fall prevention
and height access equipment (including ladders) been carried out?

 Is there a record of inspections? (E.g. log books).
 Have inspections been carried out before the equipment is used for the first time or
after any incidents or any major repairs?

 Have you checked the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure maintenance is carried
out and is to the correct standard? 29

Safety systems and work at heights equipment that needs to be checked for
serviceability include:

 Fall prevention devices:

o Temporary work platforms
o Guard rails

o Safety mesh

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