Managing work at height permits digitally

Work at Height regulations

Work at height (WAH) refers to any work activities where there is a risk of falling from one level to another, which could result in personal injury. It includes tasks performed on ladders, scaffolds, platforms, roofs, or any elevated surface such as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), as well as work near openings, holes, or fragile surfaces.

Employers must adhere to specific requirements to ensure the safety of those working at height. These requirements may include:

• Conducting a thorough risk assessment before initiating any work at height activities
• Implementing appropriate risk control measures based on the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment)
• Developing and implementing a Fall Prevention Plan (FPP) detailing the necessary preventive measures and fall hazards
• Ensuring employees receive proper training and are competent to perform work at height tasks
• Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure its proper usage

By adhering to relevant regulations and implementing robust permit to work (PTW) systems, employers can create a safer work environment.

Obtaining a Work at Height permit

A Permit to Work (PTW) system is a formal written authorisation process designed to ensure that specific high-risk tasks, such as work at height, are carried out safely and in accordance with established procedures. The PTW system helps in identifying potential hazards, implementing appropriate control measures, and clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the work.

A comprehensive PTW system includes the following key elements:

• Identification of tasks requiring a permit
• Assignment of responsible personnel for issuing and receiving permits
• A standardised permit form detailing work scope, hazards, control measures, and responsibilities
• Clear communication of permit requirements and conditions to all relevant parties
• Monitoring and supervision of work activities to ensure compliance with the permit conditions
• Permit close-out and review process to ensure work is completed safely and lessons learned are documented

The permit to work application process typically involves the following steps:

• Submission of a permit application: The employer or designated representative submits a permit application to the issuer, detailing the work scope, location, duration, personnel involved, potential hazards, and risk control measures.
• Review and approval: The issuer reviews the application, ensuring that all prerequisites are met and that the proposed control measures are adequate. If the application meets all requirements, the issuer approves and issues the permit.
• Permit communication: The issuer communicates the permit conditions and requirements to the receiver and all relevant parties, ensuring everyone is aware of their responsibilities.

Work at height permits are typically issued for a specific duration, depending on the nature and complexity of the work. The permit’s validity may be subject to conditions such as regular progress updates, periodic safety inspections, or changes in the work scope or site conditions. Employers must ensure that permits are extended or reissued as needed to cover the entire duration of managing work at height activities.

In addition to the completed permit application form, the documentation required for a work at height permit may include:

• Risk assessment and control measures report
• Fall Prevention Plan (FPP)
• Training and competency records of personnel involved in the work
• Inspection and maintenance records of equipment and PPE

Risk assessment and control measures

Risk assessment involves identifying potential hazards, evaluating the risks, and implementing appropriate control measures to minimise the likelihood and consequences of accidents or injuries.

Employers should conduct a thorough hazard identification process for managing work at height tasks, considering factors such as:

• Working surface conditions (e.g., slippery, uneven, or fragile)
• Weather conditions (e.g., rain, wind, or extreme temperatures)
• Equipment and tools used
• Complexity and duration of the tasks
• Once hazards are identified, employers must evaluate the risks by considering the likelihood of an incident occurring and the potential severity of the consequences

Employers must implement control measures based on the hierarchy of controls, which prioritises the most effective means of risk reduction. The hierarchy, in order of preference, is:

• Elimination: Remove the hazard completely, if possible (e.g., avoid working at height by performing the task at ground level).
• Substitution: Replace the hazard with a less dangerous alternative (e.g., using a safer type of equipment).
• Engineering controls: Implement physical changes to the work environment or equipment (e.g., installing guardrails or platforms).
• Administrative controls: Implement procedural changes, such as work procedures, work at height training, or supervision.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) for working at height: Provide appropriate PPE, such as harnesses and helmets, as a last line of defence

By conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing suitable control measures, employers can effectively manage the work at height risks and ensure a safer work environment.

Fall prevention and protection

Fall from height prevention strategies aim to eliminate or minimise and manage the risk of falls during work at height activities. Key strategies include:

• Designing the workplace to minimise the need for work at height
• Implementing appropriate risk control measures (e.g., guardrails, toe boards, or platforms)
• Establishing and enforcing safe work procedures

PPE serves as a last line of defence to protect workers from falls. Common PPE for work at height includes:

• Full-body harnesses
• Lanyards with energy absorbers
• Fall arrest systems, such as retractable lifelines
• Employers must provide suitable PPE, ensure its proper usage, and regularly inspect and maintain it

By implementing effective fall prevention strategies and providing appropriate PPE, employers can reduce the risk of falls and ensure the safety of workers involved in managing work at height activities.

Training and competency requirements

Proper training is essential to ensure the safety of workers involved in managing work at height activities. Employers must ensure that all relevant personnel receive appropriate training, which may include work at Height Course for Workers, Supervisors and Assessors. Here is an example of short video that can be shared with employees on site during the induction process or toolbox meetings.

Inspection and maintenance of equipment

Regular inspections and maintenance of equipment used for work at height activities are crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of the equipment, minimising the risk of accidents and injuries.

Employers should establish inspection procedures that include:

• • Pre-use inspections: Conducted by workers before using any equipment, such as ladders, scaffolds, or fall protection systems
  • Periodic inspections: Performed by competent personnel at regular intervals, as specified by the manufacturer or regulatory requirements

Maintenance procedures should involve:

• • Following manufacturer guidelines for maintenance and repairs
  • Regularly checking equipment for wear, damage, or defects
  • Removing faulty equipment from service until properly repaired or replaced

By implementing systematic inspection and maintenance procedures, employers can ensure the safety and reliability of equipment used in managing work at height activities, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting a safer work environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, managing Work at Height activity in many countries is subject to stringent regulations and safety requirements to protect workers and minimise the risk of accidents. By adhering to Work at Height Regulations and implementing robust permit to work systems, employers can create a safer work environment. Ensuring proper risk assessments, fall prevention and protection, employee training, proper inspection and maintenance of equipment is crucial for maintaining the highest safety standards.

With the right competency and commitment to safety from all stakeholders, managing work at height activities can be carried out effectively while minimising risks and fostering a culture of safety within the workplace.