March 1, 2017 3:47 PM CET
WORKING SAFELY AT HEIGHT.
I want to welcome you to the month of March. Let us look at what we have as our topic of discussion today.
WHAT IS WORK AT HEIGHT?
Work at height refers to any work done in any place, including a place at, above or below ground level where a person could incur injuries if they fell from such a place.
EXAMPLES OF WORK AT HEIGHT ACTIVITIES.
Examples of work activities regarded as work at height are :
1. Work done from a ladder.
2. Work done on a flat roof.
3. Work done at ground level adjacent to an open excavation.
4. Work done near or adjacent to fragile substances.
REASONS FOR CONTROLLING WORK AT HEIGHT.
Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most common cause of major injury to workers, accounting for around 15% of such injuries.
For this discussion, our major emphasis will be on using Ladders safely.
WHEN TO USE LADDERS.
i.Ladders can be used if after conducting a risk assessment, the use of a more suitable work equipment cannot be justified due to level of risk being low and short duration of work.
ii. The short work duration is between 15 and 30 minutes which is also dependent on the task to be done.
iii. Ladders can be used for low risk work.
STEP LADDERS.
Before embarking on using a step ladder, there are some factors that need to be put into consideration, which are the condition of the ladder and also the position on which the step ladder is to be placed.
A step ladder in good condition has:
1. Feet firmly attached.
2. Secure locking devices
3. Secure fastenings when it is extended.
4. Clean threads.
A step ladder in good position:
1. Is locked in place.
2. Is fully open.
3. Will not move at the base of the ladder.
4. Stands on a surface that is:
i. Level
ii. Not slippery
iii. Firm
iv. Clear
These are the safety measures to implement while using a step ladder:
I. Ensure to only carry light materials and tools up on the ladder( up to 10kg).
II. Only work on a step ladder for a maximum 10 to 15 minutes.
III.Do not over reach.
IV. Keep both feet on the step throughout the task.
V. Ensure that you have a safe handhold on the steps.
This is all I have to discuss on for today, so till I come your way again, this is Goke Akingbade wishing you a fruitful new month.
WORKING SAFELY AT HEIGHT.