www.ipesearch.com WORKING AT HEIGHT 65
FEATURE
regularly. If the risk remains then
minimise the distance and/or
consequence of a fall via collective
protection such as safety nets and soft
landing systems (i.e. air bags installed
close to the level of work).
Training is fundamental to success
Training is central to helping workers
understand the risks of working at
height, the role they play in ensuring
safe working practices, and how the
chosen fall protection system works,
including any limitations. At MSA we
recommend a classroom session with a
small group of people followed by
practical training. Participants will be
taught the necessary theory and be
given ample opportunity for hands-on
practice. This will instil a certain sense
of confidence – confidence to not only
use the equipment but understand the
associated risks of working at height
and raise any potential issues.
Understanding the risks on site
Begin with a detailed risk assessment of
your particular working environment.
Each industry sector carries its own
inherent risks but there are complex
variables depending on individual
situations. In construction, for instance,
hazards range from the vertical
distance of a fall to fragile roofs, roof
lights, voids, sloping roofs, deteriorating
materials, unprotected edges, and
unstable or poorly maintained access
equipment. Adverse weather
conditions, falling objects and electric
shocks are also risk factors.
In the electrical sector, hazards include
burns, fires, leaks, spills, electrical shocks
and arc flash, while telecoms sector
workers need to stay safe while
working on a range of structures from
towers to monopoles. Other inherently
dangerous work environments include
oil and gas rigs where basic everyday
tasks such as maintenance and deck
operations account for 70% of the
major injuries on rigs in the North Sea
oil fields. The aviation industry is also
another industry where working at
height is part of everyday life, whether
it be in the manufacture and repair or
maintenance and inspection of aircraft.
Specify the right fall protection
equipment
Identifying which fall protection
solutions will best meet your needs is
essential. Using a collective protection
system that prevents the worker from
being exposed to a hazard is always
preferable. If this isn’t viable then look at
personal protection systems to restrain
the user or minimise the distance and
consequences of a fall. This typically
includes a fixed fall arrest system.
Whatever the means, the vast majority
of work at height involves wearing a fall
protection harness. There are many,
many harnesses on the market across
Europe today but they don’t all offer the
same level of protection. So, make sure
you know what you want your harness
to do. Is it intended for work restraint or
fall arrest?
All harnesses for sale in Europe should
comply with EN361:2002 but there are
other issues to consider too. For
example, any equipment used for
working at height where there is an arc
flash risk should be tested to ASTM
F887/2005 – a unique standard
combining drop tests and the ability to
withstand arc flash. Harnesses that have
waist and leg padding, and easy-to-adjust
buckles so that they don’t slip
while being worn, are also preferable.
At MSA we believe that every harness
should offer form, fit and function.
Comfort may not seem like a priority
but as the UK’s Health and Safety
Executive (HSE) points out, ‘uncomfort -
able equipment is unlikely to be worn
properly’. And, of course, in the worst-case
scenario, it may not be worn at all.
If you’re in any doubt about which
solutions best meet your needs or if
you’re unsure whether you are
choosing products that will be
compatible, consult with an
independent specialist like MSA.
Remember, individuals’ lives are at
stake so it’s important to make the right
choice. And once you’ve chosen a
solution, make sure you adhere to
manufacturer guidelines, read all the
labels and carry out all necessary pre-use
inspections.
Now enjoy the rewards
The benefits of adopting a rigorous
360° approach to fall protection are
quickly realised in a business.
Employees who are properly trained to
use fall protection equipment and
address the potential risks of working at
height are more likely to be engaged,
diligent, and, ultimately, loyal to you as
an employer. It can go a long way to
eradicating any trace of historic
complacency and ignorance and
replacing with a strong, safety-first
culture. So, don’t let your workers
become another health and safety
statistic. Insist on the best fall protection
systems, advice, training and support
and help ensure that your workers
return home safely today and every day.
Jon Rowan is MSA Safety’s Product
Line Manager
For more information:
Tel: 01380 732700
www.MSAsafety.com
The vast
majority of
work at height
involves
wearing a fall
protection
harness
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