Page 64 - HIL Operatives Training Manual V4 16022024_Neat

O P E R A T I V E S T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 4

Do not work at height where there’s a risk of injury from falling unless:

All other options have been ruled out
Risks have been assessed and recorded with your manager
You have a Safe System of Work agreed with your manager.

Access to height can be achieved by means of:
Fixed ladders (or inclined stairway) and gantries or catwalks
Temporary portable ladders
Access equipment, such as a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), commonly
known as a Cherry picker
Tele-handler fitted with a suitably approved (CE marked) and tested man basket
Scaffolding

Where access to height may involve a fall of 2 metres or more (or where the fall could be less
than this but there is a risk of injury) then fall prevention or protection measures
must be in place.

You must use a chin strap on your hard hat when working at height

Additional information on working at height can be found at
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf

18.2 Temporary Portable Ladders

All portable ladders must be of an industrial standard and inspected by the user before use to
check for worn or damaged treads, missing rubber feet or generally damaged. This inspection should
be recorded.
A ladder is a temporary means of access and must not be used as a working platform.
All ladders should be stowed away and secured when not in use.
When used, the portable ladder should be set up on level firm ground, either footed at the
base or lashed at the top.

LADDERS, STEP LADDERS AND STOOLS
Falling off ladders is a common cause of accidents and they are to be used as a last resort or if used
for only short duration work. Personnel using ladders are to ensure the following:-

✓ That a risk assessment has been carried out
✓ The ladder is securely fixed near its upper resting place or upper end. Where this is
impracticable, a person must be stationed at the base of the ladder to prevent it slipping.
✓ Ladders should be erected at the correct angle i.e. 1:4 base to height ratio.
✓ The ladder has a level and firm footing and is not standing on any loose material or
substance. Never try to raise the height with the use of bricks, books, etc.
✓ The ladder is equally and properly supported in each stile or slide.

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