Everyone is responsible for preventing falls when working at height – the principal, the self-employed contractor and subcontractor, the employer and the worker.
It may be difficult to know what access and height safety equipment is required and Worksafe compliant for the project. If in doubt, partner with Totalsite Supplies who can offer free advice on the best work methods to eliminate, isolate or minimise the potential for harm.
Can the job can be done without exposing persons to the hazard (eliminate)? This can often be achieved at the design, construction planning and tendering stages.
If elimination is not practicable then steps should be taken to isolate people from the hazard. This can be achieved using safe working platforms, guardrail systems, edge protection, scaffolding, elevated work platforms, mobile scaffolds and barriers to restrict access.
If neither elimination nor isolation are practicable then steps should be taken to minimise the likelihood of any harm resulting. This means considering the use of work positioning systems or travel restraint systems, safety harnesses and industrial rope access systems.
Scaffolding and edge protection systems are the preferred approach to working at height as they can isolate multiple workers from the risk of falling. However in some cases an EWP may be the appropriate method for one person to work safely. On occasion a ladder may be justified for short duration low-risk work at height.
A harness system enables a person to be positioned and safely supported at a work location for the duration of the task being undertaken at height. Harness systems are used for gaining access to, and working at, a workface where there is a risk of a fall. Total restraint, fall arrest, work positioning systems may be advised, or safety lines or fixed/temporary roof anchors may be the best practice solution.
For working indoors, mobile scaffold, work platforms, podiums and ladders are options to consider as Totalsite Supplies can advise on what solution will be the safest while offering the most productivity.
Purchase and hire options available.
Talk to Totalsite Supplies for a free consultation. Click here to contact your nearest branch.
SCAFFOLD | EDGE PROTECTION | HEIGHT SAFETY EQUIPMENT | LADDERS | INSPECTIONS