The complete work at heights guide - (SOP)

 

1.        Scope

This SWP procedure is applicable to all employees carrying out working at heights or where the risk of falling into, or falling objects exists.

These include but not limited to:

a)     Working on Towers – Lattice and monopole towers

b)     Working on rooftops, falling over/ into

c)      Working on Scaffolding.

d)     MEWP

e)     Ladders

 

2.        Pre – Operation

1)     Ensure the Fall Protection Plan is in place and that it has been communicated with everyone on site/ who may be exposed to the risk of falling from a higher level and those who maybe exposed to a risk of falling objects.

2)     A competent Site Risk assessor must complete and Communicate the Daily Pre-Task Risk Assessment/ DSTI with everyone on site including visitors exposed to the risks. This risk assessment must Identify the following:

                                                                    i.          Applicable Site rules for Working at heights.

                                                                  ii.          All existing hazards, risks, and mitigations as per company Risk plan

                                                                 iii.          Areas of exposure on site

                                                                 iv.          Method of fall protection to be used.

                                                                  v.          Training requirement to perform the said task.

                                                                 vi.          The team composition/ Number of personnel and identify their roles on site.

                                                                vii.          PPE requirement for each role on Site.

 

3)     The Supervisor together with his work at heights team must compile a Rescue Plan and communicate it to everyone on site, Identify and communicate a procedure to be followed in case of emergency.

4)     The Supervisor must verify that all employees have been trained in the relevant Work at heights Training as per Fall protection Plan.

5)     All rigging gear, harnesses and all work at heights gear to be checked and logged in the register on a daily basis before use.

6)     Ensure that a fall arrest system is attached to a suitable anchorage point which is installed by a competent person and inspected before and after use.

7)     Take into consideration obstructions that are below the work area.

8)     Ensure that barricades, warning tape and signs identify restricted areas.

9)     Appropriate PPE to be worn and Fall protection equipment must comply with SABS and SANS standards.

10)  Do not use defective equipment or components.

11)  Do not use a harness or lanyard that has arrested a fallen worker.

12)  Do not attach two lanyards together to make them longer as this will increase the Fall Factor.

13)  The following shall apply for all work at heights methods:

 

2.13.1)     Rope Access work

Minimum Requirements for rope access work are as follows:

a)     A minimum of 2 anchor points are required when performing rope access work. Also known as a main line and a backup line. Anchor points can either be identified as a self-identified anchor point or a planned anchor point.

b)     All Rope Access Level 1 technicians shall work under direct supervision of a level 2 or 3 Rope Access technician depending on the complexity of the work site. The complicity of the worksite shall determine if the Rope Access Level 1 technician will work under supervision of a level 2 or 3 technician.

c)      Designations for rope access work will be as folows:

·        Rope Access Level 1: Rope Access Technician – Appointed as rope access operator.

·        Rope Access Level 2: Rope Access Practitioner – Appointed as Rope Access Operator.

·        Rope Access Level 3: Rope Access Supervisor – Appointed as Rope access Supervisor

 

d)     A minimum of 2 competent technicians are required for any work being carried out, each with the ability to rescue the other.

e)     All Rope Access Technicians shall have receive training from an accredited training provider and each provider shall conform to local requirements.

 

2.13.2)     Fall arrest Work restraint

The following Minimum requirements shall apply:

a)     minimum of 1 anchor point is required on a structure at all times such as; Examples: Shock absorbing lanyard, Temporary of fixed life line, retractable lanyard. The other anchor point will typically be a technician’s hands and feet or a work positioning lanyard.

b)     A minimum of 2 competent technicians are required for any job, each with the ability to rescue the other.

c)      Designation requirements

d)      Fall Arrest and Basic Rescue Technician.

 

d)     All Fall Arrest and Basic Rescue Technicians shall have received training from an accredited training provider and each provider who is IWH accredited.

 

2.13.3)     Work restraint

The following Minimum Requirements shall apply:

a)     A minimum of 1 restraint / anchor point is always required on a structure.

b)     A minimum of 2 competent technicians are required for any work being carried out, each with the ability to rescue the other.

c)      Minimum Designations requirements shall be as follows:

·        Fall Arrest and Basic Rescue Technician:

d)     All technicians using work restraint shall have received training from an accredited training provider and each provider shall conform to local requirements.

 

 

2.13.4)     Mobile elevated Work Platforms (MEWP)

The following Minimum Requirements shall apply:

e)     All technicians to be safely connected as per manufacturer identified anchor point.

f)       A technician must at all times stay within the confines of the work platform as per manufacturer requirements.

g)     A minimum of 2 competent technicians are required for any work being carried out, each with the ability to rescue the other. Where an override system can be used to lower the MEWP it should be used as first rescue option.

h)     An extra operator shall be positioned on the ground should a need for override arise.

i)       Never perform work out side of the MEWP limitations, always adhere to the manufacturer requirements.

j)        Always adhere to the manufacturer requirements when using, storing, transporting, and maintaining a MEWP.

k)      All those who work on MEWPs, including operators shall also have Fall Arrest and Basic rescue as a qualifying factor to work on, and or to be trained as operator

l)       Working at heights and operator medicals sha be done for all operators.

Procedure for Hiring of MEWP’s:

a)     When hiring a MEWP the responsibility still rests with the appointed competent person to ensure that the standards and safety elements are complied with.

b)     All MEWP operators must receive training from an accredited training provider and each provider shall conform to local requirements.

 

2.13.5)     Portable Ladders and A-frame Ladders

The fallowing Minimum requirements shall apply:

a)      Portable ladder material types

·        Fiber Glass – where a risk of electrical shock exists.

·        Aluminum.

b)     All extension ladders shall be appropriately secured to a structure by a competent technician. If not secured a 2nd technician shall hold the extension ladder until secured.

c)      All portable ladders shall be fit for purpose and safe for use.

d)     When transporting ladders, the following must be adhered to:

·        All ladders shall be securely fastened to the vehicle.

·        If the ladders(s) extrude the vehicle suitable signage shall be used such as sign boards or red flags.

e)     All portable ladders shall be inspected and used as per Ladder use SWP.

f)       Ensure that every ladder is fitted with non-skid devices at the bottom ends and hooks or similar devices at the upper ends of the stiles which shall ensure the stability of the ladder during normal use.

g)      Never use a ladder on a slide slope to avoid the ladder from toppling over.

h)     Never descend a ladder with your back facing the ladder.

i)       When using an A-frame ladder, never does work in a side-orientation, always face the surface head on.

j)       Always keep your hips between the styles and never overreach to prevent toppling over.

k)      Extension ladders must extend at least 1 meter above the desired work level.

l)       When using extension ladders always position the ladder on the 4 to 1 ratio (Height over distance away from the supporting structure)

m)    All technicians using portable ladders shall have received training from an accredited training provider.

n)     A minimum of 2 competent technicians are required for any work being performed.

o)     All personnel working on ladders shall be trained on Ladder use SWP and its risk assessment.

 

 

 

 

2.13.6)     Scaffolding:

The following Minimum Requirements shall apply:

a)      Scaffold material types.

·        Steel.

·        Aluminum.

b)     All Scaffolding shall be appropriately erected, dismantled and inspected by competent technicians.

c)      All Scaffolding shall be fit for purpose and safe for use.

d)     When transporting Scaffolding the following shall apply:

·        All components such as standards, ledgers, transoms, bracing, base plates, sole bored and diagonal beams shall be securely fastened to the vehicle.

·        If any component of the scaffolding extrudes the vehicle suitable signage shall be used such as sign boards or red flags.

e)     All erected scaffolding shall be inspected, signed of, and used as per manufacturer requirements and legislation.

f)       All scaffold erectors and inspectors shall have received training from an accredited training provider and each provider.

g)      Erectors, inspectors, and all those working on Scaffold shall receive as minimum the following training:

·        Fall arrest and basic rescue.

·        Training on SWP for Working at Heights -Scaffolding and its Risk assessment.

 

3.        Operation

3.1          General requirements for work at heights:

a)     Safe means of access and egress to and from the structure.

b)     Workers to ensure that the correct Fall Arrest/Abseiling gear to be used.

c)      At least 2 workers must be present when a restraint or arrest system is used.

d)     Keep your free fall distance to a minimum.

e)     Attach the lanyard directly overhead, where practicable.

f)       Worker must calculate the total fall distance and ensure that an adequate clearance distance is available.

g)     Worker must ensure that the harness is adjusted to fit properly and is rated for their weight. Buddy check done before work commences.

h)     A full body harness and appropriate lanyard must be secured to an anchorage point, lifeline or static line, which has been certified.

i)       Only one worker is permitted to be attached to a lifeline at any one time.

j)       A lifeline must be provided with rope protectors to protect against all sharp edges or corners.

k)      A shock absorber should be used to reduce and control the maximum arrest force that occurs in a fall.

l)       Always maintain a 2 pint of attachment when working at heights.

m)    Never do or attempt to do free climbing.

n)     Always work under supervision and in the presence of a rescue climber who is fully kitted.

o)     Always do a buddy system before you climb.

 

3.2         Requirements When using ropes to access aT A work area.

a)     Always be connected to 2 anchor points.

b)     Level 1 Rope Access Technician must never work without direct supervision of a level 2 Rope Access Practitioner or Level 3 Rope Access Supervisor.

c)      Never exceed the manufacturer safe use conditions and requirements of your equipment.

d)     Always maintain communication with other technicians in the surrounding area.

e)     Always consider that there can be a pendulum (Swing) when falling.

f)       When using rope knots ensure that your knots are dressed correctly and that you are trained to use these knots.

g)     Always do pre-use inspections on your personal protective equipment and rescue equipment before climbing.

h)     Ensure that the correct Rope Access system is used when work at height.

i)       Always consider your minimum fall distance.

j)       Never do work at height/ rope access work alone.

 

3.3         equipment management

3.3.1         Equipment care and inspection

All work inspection will be done by competent personnel. The following will be done.

a)     Pre-use inspection shall be done each day before work is done and records shall be kept.

b)     3 monthly inspections shall be done by a competent person with a valid Climbing Equipment Inspections Certificate and is appointed to carry out such activities.

c)      All work at height equipment shall be certified and bought at a reputable seller. It shall be certified to relevant standards.

d)     Work at height equipment shall not be load tested.

e)     All work at height equipment shall be inspected to manufacturer specifications.

f)       All work at height equipment shall be compatible and designed for its intended use.

g)     All work at height equipment shall have unique serial numbers.

h)     All work at height equipment shall be traceable back to the manufacturer or supplier.

i)       Housekeeping shall be maintained on all work sites and proper storage of materials and equipment shall be done.

j)       Proper equipment management shall be maintained on-site and a log shall be kept of the equipment.

k)     All work at height equipment shall be stored in a cool, dry place or in kit bags specifically designed for the use of storing work at height equipment. All equipment stored shall be in a protected environment with controlled access.

 

 

 

3.3.2         Fall Arrest List

a)      Minimum Kit Requirements for Fall Arrest shall be as follows.

Fall Arrest Personal Protective Equipment. (Per Fall Arrest Technician)
Equipment List	Equipment to be certified by relevant standards	Equipment examples
1 x Full Body Harness (Front and rear attachment)	EN361:2002 Personal protective equipment against falls from height	Example: Petzl Botfast 2, Singing Rock Profi-Worker, Scavenger WP Jacket,
EN358:1999 Personal protective equipment for work positioning and prevention of falls from height.
1 x Energy Absorber (Double Y Lanyard)	EN355:2002 Personal protective equipment against falls from height.	Example: Petzl Absorbica Y, Singing Rock Reactor, Scavenger Fold Back Y.
1 x Work Positioning Lanyard	EN358:1999 Personal protective equipment for work positioning and prevention of falls from height.	Example: Petzl Grillon, Singing Rock Site, Scavenger WPL.
1 x Climbing Helmet	EN12492:2002 Mountaineering equipment – Helmets for mountaineers – Safety requirements and test methods	Example: Petzl Alvio, Singing Rock Kappa, Rock helmets K2

 

b)     Minimum requirements for a Fall arrest rescue kit

 

Fall Arrest Rescue Equipment. (Per Fall Arrest Team)
Equipment List	Equipment to be certified by relevant standards	Equipment examples
1 x Anchor Sling	EN566:1997 Mountaineering equipment – Helmets for mountaineers – Lanyards requirements and test methods	Example: Petzl Anneau, Singing Rock Sling Lanyard, Scavenger Anchor Sling.
EN795:1996 Class B Protection against falls from height – Anchor devices – Requirements and testing.
1 x 120cm Sling	EN354:2002 Personal Protective Equipment against falls from height - Lanyards	Example: Petzl Anneau, Singing Rock Sling Lanyard, Scavenger Anchor Sling..
4 x Connectors (Locking karabiners)	EN362:1992 Personal protective equipment against falls from height.	Example: Petzl Oval, Singing Rock Oval, Black Diamond Oval, Karam Oval.
1 x Low Stretch Kernmantle Rope 10.5mm – 13mm (Length of rope is dependent to the height of the structure)	EN1891:1996 Personal protective equipment for the prevention of falls from height – Low stretch kern mantle ropes	Example: Beal, Tendon, REB, Singing Rock.
1 x Mechanical advantage System (Rescue Ratchet)	EN354 Personal protective equipment against falls from height.	Example: Scavenger Rescue Ratchet
1 x Descending Device (Double locking action)	EN341:1992 Personal protective equipment against falls from height. (Must be a double locking action device)	Example: Petzl ID, Singing Rock Lory, Anthron Lory, ISC D4.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.3.3         Rope Access Kit List

c)      Minimum requirements for the Rope access kit per person shall be as follows:

Rope Access Personal Protective Equipment. (Per Rope Access Technician)
Equipment List	Equipment to be certified by relevant standards		Equipment examples
1 x Full Body Harness (Sit and top)	EN361:2002 Personal protective equipment against falls from height		Example: Petzl Botfast 2, Singing Rock Profi-Worker, Scavenger Marc 4
EN358:1999 Personal protective equipment for work positioning and prevention of falls from height.
EN813:1997 Personal protective equipment against falls from height
1 x Climbing Helmet	EN12492:2002 Mountaineering equipment – Helmets for mountaineers – Safety requirements and test methods		Example: Petzl Alvio, Singing Rock Kappa, Rock Helmets K2
6 x Connectors (Locking karabiners)	EN362:1992 Personal protective equipment against falls from height.		Example: Petzl Oval, Singing Rock Oval, Black Diamond Oval, Karam Oval.
1 x Delta Mailon	EN362:1992 Personal protective equipment against falls from height.		Example: Petzl Delta, Singing Rock Delta.
2 x Rope Grab / Backup devices or Type A safety line adjustment device with appropriate lanyard.	EN353-2:2002 Personal protective equipment against falls from height. Part 2 (flexible anchor lines)		Example: Petzl ASAP, Singing Rock Locker.
EN12841:2006 Type A Personal protective equipment – Rope access systems – Rope adjustment devices
3 x Cow’s tails (Maximum Length 2.95 meters)	EN892:1996 Mountaineering equipment – Dynamic mountaineering ropes – Safety requirements and test methods		Example: Beal, Tendon, REB, Singing Rock.
2 x Low Stretch Kernmantle Rope 10.5mm – 13mm (Length of rope is dependent to the height of the structure)	EN1891:1996 Personal protective equipment for the prevention of falls from height – Low stretch kern mantle ropes		Example: Beal, Tendon, REB, Singing Rock.
2 x Anchor Sling	EN566:1997 Mountaineering equipment – Helmets for mountaineers – Lanyards requirements and test methods		Example: Petzl Anneau, Singing Rock Sling Lanyard, Scavenger Anchor Sling.
EN795:1996 Class B Protection against falls from height – Anchor devices – Requirements and testing.
1 x Descending Device	EN341:1992 Personal protective equipment against falls from height. (Must be a double locking action device)		Example: Petzl ID, Singing Rock Lory, Anthron Lory.
1 x Etrier (Foot loop)	N/A		Example: Petzl, Singing Rock, Scavenger
1 x (Chest Ascender) Rope Adjustment Device	EN567:1997 Mountaineering equipment – Rope clamps – Safety requirements and test methods		Example: Petzl Croll Singing Rock Cam Clean.
EN12841:2006 Type B Personal protective equipment – Rope access systems – Rope adjustment devices
1 x (Hand Ascender) Rope Adjustment Device	EN567:1997 Mountaineering equipment – Rope clamps – Safety requirements and test methods		Example: Petzl Jumar, Singing Rock Lift.
EN12841:2006 Type B Personal protective equipment – Rope access systems – Rope adjustment devices
2 x Rope Protection		Example: Petzl,

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.        Post Operation

 

a)     Wipe off all surface dirt with a sponge and a solution of water and mild soap. Rinse the webbing in clean water, dry with a cloth and hang to dry.

b)     A fall arrest system must be inspected before and after each work shift.   Any defects must be immediately reported.  Defective components are not to be used.  Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for inspections.

 

c)     Stored equipment in a clean, dry area that is free of fumes, excessive heat and direct sunlight.

 

d)     Weekly checks as well as quarterly inspections to be documented and placed in the H&S file.

 

e)     Fall arrest equipment must be securely transported, away from the sunlight.

 

f)       Complete a Log boog for equipment use and to record climbing hours for rope access work.