There are thousands of people who work at heights and whether it is a daily affair or once in a while, the risks are the same. Therefore fall protection becomes absolutely essential. Just one mistake can lead to a serious injury or death. While you or your employees are working at a height you must be careful about protection from a fall into the death. You need to be always ready with height safety & fall protection solutions to ensure safety.
Compliance with the Industry Standards
The government decides what kind of fall protection equipment is required as height safety & fall protection solutions depends on the height safety legislation of the government as laid down by the national safety commission.
Normally anyone working above a height of two metres is required to be protected by fall protection equipment
The most appropriate fall protection system is decided according to the magnitude of the hazards and a prescription on how to work our ways safely around it .
Working at a Height and Protection
Any place from where one could fall and injure oneself whether it is a ladder or a rooftop refers to working at height. The potential danger is so strong that we must take some measures to mitigate it. Let us discuss what height safety & fall protection solutions may be used.
A railing though only a passive protection is the easiest way to keep anyone safe. It is simple because n training is required for its use
You may want to use “Personal Fall Arrest Systems” which is fine but be sure to get the right equipment that is comfortable. The equipment may vary from a nylon harness to a lanyard.
Get a thorough inspection of your equipment done regularly
You may use any kind of height safety & fall protection solutions but you must remember that if it does not engage before you hit something, then it is useless. Consider the length of the lanyard and the deployment of your deceleration device and also your height.
Your anchor point is of prime importance and must be approved and designed by a professional engineer.
No measures can be the same for everyone and for every situation. You can select a scaffold, a ladder or a lift, but what really makes a difference is your sincere endeavor to recognize your situation and choose what type of height safety & fall protection solutions you need to wear.
Keep your eyes wide open
Remember that your height safety & fall protection solutions may sometimes cause problems to you if you are unaware of its correct use.
Don’t ever get too comfortable with a ladder just because you are using it all the time. They can be dangerous when improperly used.
All the tips are useless if workers are not trained. Training is a must according to laws in all countries including Australia. Working safely at a height is not a matter of luck but you need proper education and rigorous preparation.
You Must Do These
Make sure that you have suitable, stable and strong equipment which is maintained regularly.
Be careful while working close to a fragile surface.
Ensure safe movement in the area where work is being done at a height.
Be alert about falling objects and ensure that you are protected from them.
Be prepared for emergency.
Do Not Do These
Never overload the ladders being used with equipment or materials.
Use ladders for light work only.
Never use untrained or incompetent workers
Do not reach out too far when at a height.
Remember that even when you are equipped with all these tips you need to be coached and groomed to follow and understand them. The next time you or your employees are going to work at a height make sure that you follow all the rules discussed in the article not only for personal safety but also for avoiding the charges of non compliance with the safety laws being slapped on you.