Page 275 - IGC BOOK

Provision of adequate information, instruction, and training on work at height is a legal

requirement.

Emergency rescue procedures, first aid facilities must be a part of the system when using

fall arrest equipment.

Avoiding Work at Height

Eliminate work at height wherever possible, the hierarchy of controls suggests that work at
height must be avoided by carrying out the tasks from the ground level.

For example:

• Erect roof trusses at the ground level and craning them into position.
• Use water pressure jets to clean a swimming pool from the ground level rather than

using a ladder to step off.
• Use extension and water fed poles to clean upper storey window from ground level.

Prevent a Falls and Falling Materials

Prevent falls by

• Creating a safe place of work - (e.g. a flat roof with permanent edge protection).

• using work equipment that protects workers from fall – (e.g. independent scaffold, mobile
elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

Minimise the distance and consequences of fall by

Use work equipment that minimise the distance and consequences of a fall:

• using fall arrest system with anchorage points, rope access system
• using nets or soft-landing system

Prevent falling of materials which could cause injuries by

• toe boards
• physical guards such as Canopy or debris nets.

ENSIGN | General Workplace Issues 8