The height of training & competency

Manager training

More often than not accidents occur because of poor management rather than equipment failure so it is important that managers and supervisors are fully trained in all aspects of health and safety. In order to ensure the safety of others and provide a safe working environment, this training should include how to identify potential hazards, carry out a risk assessment of the required work and select the appropriate equipment for that task.

The Work at Height Regulations set out a hierarchy for managing the risks which begins with avoiding work at height, if this is not possible then the next step is to use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls. Finally, if the first two steps cannot be met, then you should eliminate the risk of a fall by using equipment or measures which will minimise the distance and consequence of a fall.

For example, when regular access to a roof is required such as for maintenance of plant and equipment, measures must be put in place to prevent a person from falling from the roof. In this case, as regular access is required, a permanent form of protection such as guardrails should be installed.

When choosing equipment, collective measures which prevent falls should take precedence over personal fall protection such as lanyards and fall arrest equipment. BS 8437 provides clear guidance on the selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems and equipment and will help those responsible to comply with legislation.

Equipment training

Anyone who needs access to an area of height including contractors, sub- contractors and maintenance operatives, must have adequate training and be supervised. Training should include safe working practices as well as clear instruction on the correct use ofequipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is important to remember that each product has been designed for a specific requirement so has its own safety considerations which need to be adhered to. For example, harness and lifeline systems can provide effective safety for workers as long as they are trained in the correct usage and are aware of the minimum height requirements for the equipment as follows:

Restraint system

These prevent the user from reaching an area which has been identified as a risk and so overcome the potential of a fall. Restraint systems typically consist of a lanyard or restraint line which is attached to an anchorage point or system. A thorough understanding of the system is essential as the lanyard or restraint line’s length is critical, if it’s too long it will not stop a fall, however, if it’s too short, it will prevent the user from reaching the designated working area.

Fall arrest systems

Theses types of system include lifelines and mobile anchors and physically link the worker to a structure or deadweight by a series of components. A full body harness should always be used with a fall arrest system. If the user falls, the system arrests the force and decelerates the user through a short distance.

As these types of system provide individual safety protection they are totally reliant on the worker using the equipment correctly. Before use comprehensive information, instruction, training and supervision must be given to ensure that the user knows how to select, wear, adjust and inspect the harness. This should include how to check that the gate mechanisms at the anchor and attachment points on the harness are fully closed and locked and that the connector is aligned properly. Users should also be trained on how to inspect the equipment to ensure that any load bearing systems operate correctly and recognise any potential defects in the system.

Although training has been carried out, it still takes time for new users of equipment to be fully competent so close supervision will be required to ensure that the correct safety checks have been made on the equipment before use.

Rescue training

A rescue plan must be in place and everyone involved in work at height – managers, supervisors and workers alike –

must be competent in the recommended rescue techniques. This should be part of both initial and ongoing training and practiced at regular intervals. The rescue plan must be regularly reviewed, changes made when necessary and all workers re- assessed on a frequent basis.

When setting out a rescue plan and training on procedures, areas to cover include the type of situation from which a person might need rescuing from, what fall arrest equipment is being used and what equipment is required for the rescue. Rescue procedures should be taken into account when first specifying equipment to ensure that components such as anchorage points are sufficient and accessible.

Inspection training

Everyone using equipment, particularly when harnesses are involved, must be trained on how to inspect it prior to use. This would include an understanding of what defects to look for and the correct combinations of PPE. Equipment must also

be inspected and maintained on a regular basis by a competent person. Ideally this should not be the person using the equipment, but someone who has the authority to discard equipment if required. Inspections such as these can be carried out by a designated person within the company, or by the equipment manufacturer or supplier.

Conclusion

Work at height must be properly planned, supervised and carried out in a safe matter. In order to do this, everyone involved in the process needs to be fully trained. This includes identifying risks, correct use of equipment, rescue procedures as well as inspection of equipment.

Whatever the work, training and competency is essential. By improving people’s awareness of the risks involved and educating them on how to use equipment properly, companies can start to provide a safe working environment and limit the dangers associated with working a height.

www.bsif.co.uk