Working at a height can be a huge part of the job in various industries, from construction to maintenance and repair. There are a range of things to consider when working at a height - it comes with its own set of risks and challenges.
When working at a height, ensuring safety is crucial. Equip yourself with essential fall protection equipment such as reliable safety harnesses and safety lanyards to mitigate risks and safeguard against potential falls.
Ensuring the safety of individuals involved in tasks at height is important. Throughout this blog, we'll explore the crucial safety equipment that anyone working at height should have to mitigate risks and ensure a secure working environment. For more information, read on.
Harnesses and Lanyards
When working at height, one of the first safety products that comes to mind is a reliable harness and lanyard system. These are essential tools for preventing falls and minimising the potential impact if a fall does occur.
Ensure that the harness is fitted correctly and is compliant with safety standards. The lanyard should be of appropriate length to allow freedom of movement without posing unnecessary risks.
Edge Protection
When working near edges or on elevated surfaces, edge protection equipment becomes crucial. This may include guardrails, safety nets, or toe boards. These protective measures act as a physical barrier, preventing accidental falls over edges and significantly enhancing overall safety.
Safety Nets
Safety nets are a valuable addition to any work environment where falls may occur. These nets are strategically placed beneath the work area to catch individuals in the event of a fall, preventing severe injuries. Regular inspections and proper installation are key to ensuring the effectiveness of safety nets.
Helmets
Head protection is a non-negotiable aspect of working high up. Helmets are designed to safeguard and protect individuals from falling objects, potential collisions, or head injuries resulting from falls.
Always ensure that the helmet is the right size and properly secured to provide optimal protection.
Non-Slip Footwear
Working at height often involves navigating various surfaces, and the last thing you need is a slip or trip hazard.
Invest in high-quality, non-slip footwear to provide stability and reduce the risk of accidents, especially when working on elevated platforms, ladders, or scaffolding.
Choose appropriate access equipment based on the task at hand. Ensuring that the equipment is in good condition and used correctly is essential. Regular inspections and maintenance checks are crucial to prevent accidents related to faulty equipment.
Fall Arrest Systems
In addition to harnesses and lanyards, fall arrest systems are designed to minimise the impact of a fall.
These systems typically include shock absorbers, allowing for controlled deceleration and reducing the force transmitted to the body. Proper training on the use of a fall arrest system is vital for effective implementation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Beyond harnesses and helmets, the use and training of PPE is important. Depending on the specific job requirements, this may include gloves, eye protection, and high-visibility clothing. Prioritise comfort and functionality to ensure that workers are more likely to consistently wear their PPE.
Rescue Equipment
In the unfortunate event of a fall, having the right rescue equipment on hand is critical. This may include evacuation devices, descent systems, or even first aid kits. Adequate training in rescue procedures is equally important to swiftly and safely respond to emergencies.
Training and Competency
While training and competency aren't physical pieces of equipment, the importance of training and competency cannot be overstated.
Ensure that everyone working at a height has undergone proper training on the use of safety equipment, emergency procedures, and the specific risks associated with their tasks. Regular refresher courses should be conducted to keep knowledge and skills up-to-date.
At Beaconrisk, we offer a range of training courses to keep you safe at work, such as slips trips and falls, working safely, workplace safety, health and safety, working at heights and more.
The Working at Height course is aimed at anyone who works high up. This course covers safety issues, how to assess them and some of the risks associated with it. Working at height comes with inherent risks, but with the right safety equipment and precautions, these risks can be significantly mitigated.
From harnesses and lanyards to edge protection and helmets, investing in the proper tools is an investment in the well-being of those working at heights. To prevent falls when working at a height, it is crucial to use proper safety equipment such as a full body harness, an essential component of height equipment ensuring comprehensive protection.
By prioritising safety and adhering to best practices, we can create work environments where individuals can perform their tasks with confidence and security. Remember, when it comes to working at heights, safety is non-negotiable.
When working at a height, prioritise safety by utilising essential fall arrest equipment, including fall arrest blocks and comprehensive height safety kits, to ensure a secure and protected environment.
Stay Safe at Work With Beaconrisk
Here at Beaconrisk, we offer a range of services including expert health and safety support, saving you time and money. With a selection of E-learning and accreditation courses to choose from, we have everything you need to protect your business in one place!
We offer health and safety E-learning courses, including working at height courses. This is aimed at anyone who works at heights and covers safety issues, how to assess and reduce risks, and much more.
For more information on the services we offer or to speak to a member of our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 0800 059 0101. We are more than happy to help.