Working safely is always a priority, whether you work at heights every day or just occasionally. One mistake can turn a routine job into a fatality or serious injury. It is important to be ready to protect your workers every time a fall risk could occur.
Safety tips are provided to reduce the risks of working at height.
- Use Railings
Railings are a great option when you have the space. Railings are a form of passive protection and the best way to ensure your workers’ safety while maintaining compliance. No training is required, and there’s no need for extra equipment. All they have to do to stay safe is to remain within the rail. For information about the IPAF Course, visit globalflt.com/services/ipaf/
- Choose the Right PPE
You need to choose the right equipment if you plan to use Personal Fall Arrest Systems. All harnesses will perform the exact same way, regardless of their price. Price differences can be used to get extras. Sometimes it’s only a difference in name. Other times, you may be gaining or losing functionality, like extra D-rings or fireproof material. Some harnesses are more expensive because they’re more comfortable.
- Check Your Personal Protective Equipment
It’s great that you have the right equipment to protect your workplace. It won’t make a difference if you wear out the equipment to the point where it fails. A competent person should inspect harnesses and lanyards at least annually – if not even more often – to ensure they are safe. (This is someone who has the knowledge and authority to identify the hazards AND correct them).
- Choose an Anchor Point
You may have realised by now that fall protection, and specifically PPE, is a complex issue. What’s the point of having the perfect harness and lanyard if the anchor points can’t support the load? Answer: None.