BPS3413 CONSTRUCTION SAFETY Lecture 6 : Working at Height

LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of the class, it is expected that student will be able to: LO1: Identify hazards from working at height LO2: Determine suitable controls when working at height

INTRODUCTION Attempts has been made to address concerns on working at height Apply to all operators, not only construction workers (i.e window cleaning, tree cutting/logging, maintenance work at height, changing street lamps, etc) Regulations affect approximately 3m at height and above

Working at Height – Mast Climbing Platform

Working Platform, Tower Scaffold and Bridging Units

CONSTRUCTION HAZARDS AND CONTROL FROM WORKING AT HEIGHT Safe place of work o Required safe access to and egress from place of work o “Egress” :  a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in a building or structure to a public way  consists of three separate and distinct parts: the way of exit access, the exit, and the way of exit discharge. o Working ladders, scaffolds, gangways, hoists – must be safe for use, clean, clear from obstruction and subject to regular inspection

CONSTRUCTION HAZARDS AND CONTROL FROM WORKING AT HEIGHT Common construction work activities at height: brick or block laying roofing steel work erection Rendering Cladding high pressure water-jetting grit-blasting concrete repairs painting and some demolition work.

CONSTRUCTION HAZARDS AND CONTROL FROM WORKING AT HEIGHT General hazards due to the nature of the work being carried out at height: Dust Hazardous substances Noise Electricity Vibrations One particular form of such activity which can be particularly hazardous is the use of false-work.

CONSTRUCTION HAZARDS AND CONTROL FROM WORKING AT HEIGHT False-work - is a temporary structure used to support a non self- supporting structure during its construction or refurbishment. An example - wooden structure to support a brickwork arch which is being built. Only competent persons should plan, erect, load or dismantle false-work. The collapse of false-work structures is common - can cause serious injury. Most accidents caused by the collapse of false-work  caused by the lack of liaison between the various trades using it and its suppliers or erectors.

Cleaning of buildings and monuments – use of hazardous techniques (i.e grit-blasting or high pressure water jets) Care is needed to protect the workers, the occupiers of the building and passers-by from hazards such as noise, dust, falling debris and possible flooding of walkways. Equipment must be maintained and inspected regularly Operatives must be provided with training, supervision and suitable personal protective equipment (goggles, ear defenders and gloves) and waterproof clothing. CONTROL FOR WORKING AT HEIGHT

Stairwells and other holes in floors – another source of falls from heights Safety measures - include handrails on stairs, guard rails to stairwells and lift shafts, and covered/protected holes in floors Provide adequate levels of lighting and good housekeeping CONTROL FOR WORKING AT HEIGHT

PROTECTION AGAINST FALLS Hierarchy of measures: avoid working at height, if possible the provision of a properly constructed working platform, complete with toe boards and guard rails if this is not practicable or where the work is of short duration, suspension equipment should be used and only when this is impracticable collective fall arrest equipment (air bags or safety nets) may be used where this is not practicable, individual fall restrainers (safety harnesses) should be used only when none of the above measures are practicable, should ladders or stepladders be considered.

FRAGILE ROOFS AND SURFACES Roof work, particularly work on pitched roofs, is hazardous - requires a specific risk assessment and method statement prior to the commencement of work. Particular hazards: Fragile roofing materials, including those materials which deteriorate and become more brittle with age and exposure to sunlight Exposed edges Unsafe access equipment Falls from girders, ridges or purlins Only trained and competent persons are allowed to work on roofs - wear footwear with good grip Ensure that a person does not work alone on a roof

PROTECTION AGAINST FALLING WHILE WORKING AT HEIGHT Access equipment: Ladders Fixed scaffolds Mobile scaffold towers Mobile elevated work platforms

Typical Independent Tied Scaffold

Fixed Scaffold left in place to fit gutters

Fan scaffold. Panels are fixed around the base of the scaffolding to prevent children from climbing.

Hoist with interlocked gates

Typical prefabricated tower scaffold Mobile elevating work platform – one type of a wide range.

Mast Cradle

Fall arrest harness and device