ENGINEERING LEARNING GUIDE FOR WORKING AT … at Height/Working at Height... · ENGINEERING LEARNING GUIDE FOR WORKING AT HEIGHTS VERSION: 3.0 IMPLEMENTATION DATE: 21 JULY 2009 REVISION

ENGINEERING

LEARNING GUIDE

FOR

WORKING AT HEIGHTS

VERSION: 3.0

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: 21 JULY 2009

REVISION DATE: JANUARY 2011

REFERENCE NUMBER: ALLSM-EPR-ENG-SUP-0012

Anglo American All Smelters Ref No ALLSM-EPR-ENG-SUP-0012 Date of Implementation 21 July 2009 Version No 3.0 Last Revision Date 27 January 2011

Smelters Standard Page 2 of 29 This document is maintained on an electronic database. The printed version should be compared as it may be outdated. Date Printed: 7 March 2011

Learning Guide title Working at Heights

LG reference number

No unit standard – this guide is applicable to Anglo Platinum Smelters

Version of this document

V1

Date of LG issue July 2009

Last revision date of LG

27 January 2011

Domain Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology

Your name

Date of this training

The facilitator



CONTENTS The following elements are contained in this learning guide: Topic Page

Foreword 4

Source references 4

Objective 4

Using this learning guide 4 - 5

Introduction 6

Specific Requirements for Working at Heights 7 – 14

Appendix 1 15

Appendix 2 16

Appendix 3 17 – 22

Appendix 4 23

Appendix 5 24

Appendix 6 25



FOREWORD BY THE MANAGEMENT

We at Anglo Platinum Smelters believe that all accidents and incidents can be prevented Anglo Platinum holds Health and Safety as its highest value. Anglo Platinum Smelters have therefore implemented systems to promote safe and healthy working conditions. Safety rules, equipment and other measures do not, in themselves, protect the worker, or those nearby. Continuous vigilance and safe working habits are of paramount importance and final responsibility for safety is therefore, yours. We therefore, request that you make yourself conversant with this guide and apply the principles before carrying out any work because you must ensure that the work you are about to carry out is safe for yourself and for your fellow workers. Golden Rules to Remember: Good communication skills always help to convey awareness to all the team members.

Remember no work is so important that it should be conducted in an unsafe manner.

SOURCE REFERENCES In-company Standard Operating Procedures Subject matter experts MHSA reference Anglo Fatal Risk Standards – Working at Heights OBJECTIVE You will be learning towards the outcome of understanding and applying the requirements for “Working at Heights” in terms of the Anglo Platinum Smelter Standard Procedure for “Working at Heights”. You will be assessed, when you are confident that you may achieve the outcomes as listed, to determine your competency as measured against specific outcomes. This assessment will be in line with accepted best practices regarding assessment. USING THIS LEARNING GUIDE Various methods are used in this learning guide to assist you, the learner, in becoming competent to “Work at Heights”. Knowledge, Skills, Techniques (The What, How, When, How well) Specific outcome requirements are grouped to give information and details on the knowledge, skills and techniques applied in attaining proficiency in the Anglo Platinum Smelter Standard for “Working at Heights”.



Theoretical and practical training will be provided in each of the following separate modules. When carrying out the theory part of the lessons, a test will be carried out after completing each module which upon passing, will allow the candidate to proceed to the next module:

1. Questions pertaining to the general fitness of the candidate that must be answered before attendance of the Working at Heights Course is Permitted.

2. The candidate must now receive theoretical and practical training on the use of protection equipment i.e. the

use of a Spiderwebb Safety harness, stubby Shock Absorber Lanyard and Attaching a Lanyard to an Anchor Point.

3. Requirements for Working at Heights.

4. Safe Work Requirements Pertaining to: Anchor Points.

5. Safe Work Requirements Pertaining to: Full Body Harness Lanyards, Shock Absorbers and Connectors.

6. Safe Work Requirements Pertaining to: Lifelines

7. Safe Work Requirements Pertaining to: Scaffolds 8. Safe work requirements pertaining to: Elevating Work Platforms.

9. Safe Work Requirements Pertaining to: Work Baskets

10. Safe Work Requirements Pertaining to: Stairs and Fixed Ladders 11. Safe Work Requirements Pertaining to: Floor Openings

12. Safe Work Requirements Pertaining to: Portable Ladders



1. Questions pertaining to the general fitness of the candidate that must be answered before attendance of

the Working at Heights course is Permitted.

The following questions must be put to each candidate wishing to undergo training in Working at Heights until such time as the duty of screening out candidates who are unsuitable to work at heights is taken over by Anglo Platinum’s Medical Surveillance service providers. The candidate must not be allowed to proceed any further if the answer to any of the questions is YES without permission from an Anglo Platinum approved medical surveillance service provider. A record of the questions and answers must be kept for each candidate.

(i) Do you suffer from any abnormal heart condition or from any heart disease? (ii) Do you suffer from abnormally high or low blood pressure? (iii) Are you receiving treatment for blood pressure related problems? (iv) Have you ever suffered from any epilepsy or other fits and/or blackouts? (v) Do you suffer from a fear of heights? (vi) Have you ever suffered from any abnormal giddiness and/or difficulty with balance (vertigo)? (vii) Do you suffer from any impaired limb function? (viii) Do you suffer from any form of alcohol or drug dependency? (ix) Have you ever suffered from any abnormal psychiatric illness and/or psychological strain? (x) Do you suffer from diabetes, no matter how slight your condition may be? (xi) Were any abnormalities relating to Pulse, Weight, Blood Pressure, Eye sight, Urinalysis

detected during your last you medical examination? 2. Note:

Only Dual Lanyards may be used with Fall Arrest systems.

The candidate may refer to the Appendix 4: Illustrations and basic requirements for the safe use of Dual Lanyards if ever he/she becomes unsure of how to use a dual lanyard but in such a case, the candidate should always ask his/her Foreman / Supervisor for coaching while Appendix 4 is referred to.

3. Requirements for working at Heights

(i) No person may work in any unguarded area or place where the possibility exists that such person may inadvertently fall 2 metres or more unless he/she is protected from injury by the use of fall protection equipment that is connected to an approved anchor point.

Such a person must: (a) be trained and found competent in the correct use thereof.



(b) authorised in writing to use such equipment by having a certificate of training and authorisation (by having a Working at Heights Licence)

(iii) You must always remember and apply the “Working at Heights Hierarchy of Controls”.

These are provided as Appendix 7

(iv) A pre- work HIRA must always be carried out before working at heights.

The pre-work HIRA must take into account tools and equipment that will be required to carry out the intended work. The pre-work HIRA must state the measures that must be taken to prevent tools and/or equipment from falling i.e. by strapping, tying, using wrist lanyards and/or any other securing method/s determined as necessary for this purpose. If any changes are required before the original scope of work is completed, a new pre-work HIRA must be carried that incorporates a new method statement which includes the anticipated changes.

(v) A Working at Heights Permit must always be obtained before proceeding to work at heights where a 100% tie off is required to protect a worker during a fall.

However, in certain cases where Working at Heights forms part of a repetitive and routine production

process, the Responsible Engineer may require and/or permit 100% tie-off to take place without the issuing of “Working at Heights Permit” each time the task is performed.

In the above case a HIRA has been carried out for the repetitive routine task and the Engineer is therefore able to permit 100% tie-off for each repetition of the task before it takes place.

(vi) The danger zone or danger area below the position at which work in an elevated position is being carried out, where persons could be injured by tools and/or equipment inadvertently falling must be demarcated with barrier tape (yellow and black striped), and clear signage restricting normal access into this area.

(vii) The standard “Checklist to Assist in Identifying Hazards Before Working at Heights” (Appendix 1.) must

be used and signed off by the Responsible Artisan/Person conducting his/her pre-work HIRA before making use of fall restraint and/or fall arrest equipment in order to prevent injury from an inadvertent fall.

(viii) No person may work alone where the use of fall protection equipment is required in order to allow for one

person always being present who can call for assistance in the event of a fall or other emergency.

(ix) In addition to the Normal PPE and an attached Safety Harness, a chin strap must always be used to help prevent the hard hat of a person who is working at heights from falling off his/her head.

(x) Knowing the difference between Fall Arrest and Fall Restraint Systems:

A Fall Arrest System is a system of approved PPE and safety devices with components that

include but are not limited to body harnesses, lanyards, shock absorbers, deceleration devices, droplines, horizontal and/or vertical lifelines, anchor points that are rigged and connected to prevent injury by arresting an inadvertent free fall of a person before such a person strikes the landing/floor below or any fixed object in the path of a fall.

A fall Restraint System is a system of approved PPE and safety devices with components that

include but are not limited to body harnesses, lanyards, horizontal and/or vertical lifelines / anchor points rigged and connected to prevent injury by preventing a person from an edge from which



they could fall when required to work within two metres from that edge. As a minimum, a fall restraint system would have a fixed lanyard attached to an anchoring point and harness.

4. Safe work requirements pertaining to Anchor Points (i) Fixed Anchor Points for connecting safety harness lanyards for routine work are marked as:

15 kN for single person anchor points and 21 kN. where two people may connect their lanyards to the same anchor point.

(ii) Where no permanent anchor point has been provided, only a qualified rigger (or other competent person who

must be authorised to carry out basic lifting operations) delegated this function by the Responsible Engineer, must identify and approve the method by which a temporary anchor point is provided for fall arrest and/or fall restraint equipment where the possibility exists of a person falling 2 metres or more.

(iii) Each temporary anchoring point must be capable of withstanding a load of 15 kN and may only be used by one

person and must be removed upon completion of the work for which it was intended.

Ladder rungs, cable trays, steel or plastic piping and/or similar installations are not to be used as anchor points because their design strength will not arrest a fall.

Handrails and handrail support equipment may not be used as an anchor for the attachment of fall arrest and/or fall restraint equipment unless specially designed and clearly marked for this purpose.

(iv) Any person intending to connect fall arrest equipment to an Anchor Point must:

(a) Inspect the general condition of the Anchor Point before use. Should any defects be found, the anchor point may not be used and must be tagged “DANGER – UNSUITABLE FOR USE” by the person who examined the Anchor Point and thereafter, this person must report the defects found to the Responsible Engineer through his/her Foreman/Supervisor without delay. The standard Isolation danger tag (Appendix 2) may be used for this purpose.

(b) Check that the point about to be used is located in a position that will minimise swing during an

inadvertent fall in order to control the risk of injury caused by striking a fixed object in the path of a fall because of excessive swinging during the fall.

(c) Make sure the lanyard is the correct length - the permitted (standard) length of a lanyard is 1, 65

metres with a slight allowance for manufacturing variance i.e. between 1,6m and 1,7m – do not use a lanyard that is longer than 1,7m because you may hit the floor or landing below if you fall.

(d) make sure that all the fall arrest equipment about to be used has been approved for use - only a full

body harness; of an approved type; connected to an approved (temporary or permanent) anchor point; with an approved lanyard is considered adequate for arresting a fall. Remember - the use of body belts and/or any other unapproved fall arrest equipment is strictly prohibited.

(e) Always make sure there is a free fall distance of at least 2 metres.

Remember - the “free fall distance” (the place below your feet on which you are standing) at which you must use fall arrest equipment is 2 metres – always make sure you have a free fall distance of at least 2 metres.



5. Safe work requirements pertaining to Full Body Harness, Lanyards, Shock Absorbers and

Connectors.

(i) Maximum permitted body mass: persons who weigh more than 135 kg may not use any form of fall arrest system and may not work at heights under conditions that require the use of a fall arrest system.

(ii) The anchor point used for approved fall arrest systems should always be as high as possible, but not

lower than “shoulder height”.

(iii) Persons required to use this type of fall arrest equipment must be trained in the correct use thereof.

After undergoing training, if ever the successful candidate becomes unsure of anything in this regard, he/she may refer to Appendix 3: Illustration on how to wear a Personal Fall Protection Safety Harness and use a Trauma Strap but remember: the candidate should always ask his/her Foreman / Supervisor for additional coaching in such a case, with reference being made to Annexure 1 at the same time.

(iv) This equipment must be checked before use using the Standard Checklist approved for this purpose.

When checking the equipment, make sure it has been “inspection colour code” tagged. If the “colour code inspection tagging” is found to be incorrect or any defects are found in the equipment, the faulty component must not be used but must be tagged “DANGER – UNSUITABLE FOR USE”. Arrangements must then be made for the Responsible Rigger to conduct a formal inspection on the equipment. The standard Isolation Danger tag (Annexure 2) may be used for this purpose.

(v) non combustible (steel wire) lanyards of an approved type must be used when carrying out Hot Work

(vi) Shock absorbers are generally not permitted because they extend the fall distance when they are deployed (when they open) during a fall but in special cases i.e. where the lanyard anchor point cannot be provided below shoulder height, the Responsible Engineer may "permit or require" a shock absorber to be used between the lanyard and the harness.

The type and make of shock absorber must also be approved by the Responsible Engineer in such cases.

If ever you are permitted or required to use a shock absorber: (a) make sure you have at least 6 metres of free fall distance. (b) make sure that the shock absorber does not have a fully deployed length exceeding 2 metres

(does not become longer than 2 metres during a fall) 6. Safe work requirements pertaining to Lifelines

(i) Persons required to make use of lifelines must always maintain a positive connection with the lifeline.

(ii) The compulsory use of dual (Y type) lanyards in this regard allows for a positive connection to be maintained while crossing intermediate lifeline anchor points.

(iii) Working directly above persons who are anchored to a lifeline is not permitted.

(iv) Vertical Lifelines

Vertical Lifelines that allow for the incorporation of a device that moves freely while the user is ascending or descending but will lock and arrest a fall are usually provided for vertical fixed ladders



where there may be a risk of falling. A lanyard which has a Sternal connection to the safety harness, without a shock absorber and which allows for minimal free fall distance is required for connection to the lifeline’s “lock and arrest” device. If the person using the system detects any resistance to free vertical upward movement, he/she must not climb any higher Before using such a system, make sure that you, the candidate, have been instructed and assessed competent in the correct use thereof. (Additional Certificate Required)

7. Safe work requirements pertaining to Scaffolds

(i) Where persons are working within the safety of the guardrails of an approved scaffold, the use of fall arrest equipment by such persons is not required but if the work being carried out requires that any person leans through, against, over or beyond the safety of the aforementioned guardrails, then such persons are required to use fall arrest equipment.

(ii) A chin strap must always be worn by any person on a scaffold.

(iii) When work is performed from any scaffold, persons required to use the scaffold should know:

A Scaffold must only be used for the purpose for which it was erected. The safe loading of the scaffold i.e. the load of persons, equipment and machinery - this will be

displayed on the “Safe to Use” scaffold notice. That unauthorised alterations shall not be made to the scaffold such as removing platform board

sections, guardrails, ties, toeboards and braces. The scaffold must never be accessed by climbing up the outside of the scaffold i.e. only the

access ladders installed inside the scaffold may be used. Trap doors placed at platform landing openings are safety devices that prevent persons, tools or

equipment from inadvertently falling through the opening. Any person who opens a landing trap door in order to access a platform or egress from a platform through a trap door must close the trap door immediately after making such access or egress.

That working platforms need to be kept clear of debris and obstructions, especially at platform ladder access and egress points.

That only a scaffold that has been declared “Safe to Use” by the designated scaffold inspector may be accessed.

That a scaffold that has been declared “Unsafe” must never be accessed. That incomplete or defective scaffold must never be accessed. “Safe to Use” and “Unsafe Scaffold” signs are displayed adjacent to scaffold access points. If

the “Safe to Use” sign is not being displayed, the scaffold may not be accessed. Where persons are working within the safety of the guardrails of an approved scaffold, the use

of fall arrest equipment by such persons is not required. Where work being carried out on a scaffold requires any persons to lean through, against, over

or beyond the safety of the aforementioned guardrails, then such a persons are required to use fall arrest equipment.

Where movable scaffolds, supported by caster wheels are used, persons required to use the scaffold should know:

The scaffold must remain level and plumb at all times. The scaffold must never be accessed until all castors are locked to prevent movement. The scaffold’s position must never be moved while anyone is on the scaffold. The scaffold must be kept well clear of power lines, open floor edges, floor holes and a soft

base (i.e. soil) that is unable to support the scaffold.



8. Safe work requirements pertaining to Elevating Work Platforms.

(i) The candidate should know that Elevating Work Platforms include but are not limited to scissor lifts, hydraulic boom lifts, cherry pickers and travel towers.

(ii) When using a Work Platform, the following conditions must be complied with:

A pre-work HIRA is required. A clearance to work permit is required. The responsible person, authorised to operate the Elevating Work Platform must be in

attendance at all times. Personal Safety Harnesses must be attached by all persons in the Elevating Work Platform. All persons in the Elevating Work Platform must wear a hard hat secured with a chin strap. A method by which tools and equipment are secured to prevent them from falling must be in

place. The danger zone below must be barricaded. A general pre-work inspection must be carried out on the Elevating Work Platform Equipment

by the person authorised to operate the Elevating Work Platform. No person may attempt to leave the Work Platform while being lifted. Where mobile Elevating Work Platforms are used, the machine must be on stable ground,

correctly positioned with parking brakes engaged. 9. Safe work requirements pertaining to Work Baskets.

(i) The candidate should know that Work Baskets include any Work Box, Boatswain’s chair, cradle, cage or any other conveyance suspended from a crane in order to provide elevated work access to persons.

(ii) The following conditions must be complied with:

A pre-work HIRA is required. A rescue plan to retrieve any persons stuck in a suspended Work Basket must be in place. A clearance to work permit is required. The Responsible Engineer or a person delegated this function by the Engineer must authorise

any intended use of a crane and Work Basket. The responsible rigger/supervisor must be in attendance at all times. Only the competent person/s designated by the engineer or foreman may give signals to the

crane operator and receive signals from the crane operator. Personal Safety Harnesses must be attached by all persons in the Workbasket. All persons in the Workbasket must wear a hard hat secured with a chin strap. A method by which tools and equipment are secured to prevent them from falling must be in

place. The danger zone below must be barricaded A general pre-work inspection must be carried out on the crane by the crane operator and

work basket by the Responsible Rigger. No person may attempt to leave the workbasket while being lifted. The crane must be on stable ground with parking brakes engaged and outriggers correctly

deployed.

APPENDIX 5: Authorisation to operate and designation of a Mobile Crane for the purpose of lifting persons in a Work Basket is provided for informational reference.

10. Safe work requirements pertaining to Stairs and Fixed Ladders.



(i) Stairs (to be inserted in induction video as well)

Allowing for the fact that only two point contact is possible when taking an actual step, persons

using stairs must, as far as reasonably practicable, maintain three point contact.

(ii) Fixed Ladders (to be inserted in induction video as well)

Any person intending to use a fixed ladder must as far as reasonably practicable:

Visually check the condition of the ladder prior to use (climbing) and continuously during use.

Maintain three point contact at all times.

Ensure that tools are carried to and from landings in an approved and safe manner that does not interfere with the requirement to maintain three point contact while using the ladder.

Ensure that a safe and approved method is used for raising and lowering of equipment and/or

heavy tools from one landing to another where work is carried out on an elevated platform that is accessed by means of a fixed ladder.

11. Safe work requirements pertaining to Floor Openings

(i) Where guardrails or a floor opening cover is temporarily removed, the area into which persons could fall must be suitably demarcated with barrier tape (yellow and black striped) and as far as is reasonably practicable, a person must be in attendance to prevent persons from entering this area.

(ii) All temporary floor openings that are required as such for more than 24 hours must be guarded by hard

barricading with appropriate signage or: by means of barrier tape (yellow and black striped) with a person in attendance to prevent inadvertent entry into dangerous proximity of the opening – if you are unsure of what hard barricading or signage to use, ask your Foreman/Supervisor to inform and assist you in this regard.

12. Safe work requirements pertaining to Portable Ladders – this section should as far as reasonably

practicable, be coached to all persons entitled to use portable ladders.

(i) Portable Ladders refer to Extension or single (straight) ladders; Step ladders sometimes referred to as “A” frame step Ladders; and Trestle Ladders.

Standard pre conditions for using any portable ladder.

Every person intending to use a portable ladder must visually check the general condition of

the ladder prior to use. A ladder found to be defective in any way must not be used and the results of this inspection should be recorded as part of the pre-work HIRA carried out for the intended work.

No metal ladder or ladder with metal reinforced stiles may be used for examination, repair or

other work necessitating the dangerous approach to, or work on, electrical apparatus.

No person may be alone while working on a ladder. Any person who intends using a ladder must check the soles of his/her safety boots/shoes to

ensure that the non-slip capability thereof has not been diminished because of excessive wear or contact with a slippery substance such as oil, grease, soapy water, liquid detergent etc.



Importance of maintaining awareness.

A safe footing and posture must be maintained at all times. This is particularly important in the

case of side reaching.

i.e. overreaching must be avoided: this is done by ensuring that side reaching never places any portion of the worker’s body frame, excluding arms but including shoulders, outside the vertical plane of the ladder stiles.

The person/worker on a ladder should never exert a force against or from another fixed

point/object, sufficient to create a counter force that could destabilize the ladder on which that person/worker is standing.

This is particularly important when exerting a side force such as pushing or pulling against a spanner situated outside of the vertical plane of the ladder’s stiles. Other examples of pushing or pulling would include but are not limited to: pulling wires through conduit, drilling a hole in the side of a wall mounted electrical distribution board etc.

The counter forces of a heavy (sledge type) hammer swung onto a solid object could

destabilize the safe posture and/or footing of a worker on a ladder. The use of anything heavier than a “light tool hammer” when working from a ladder must be avoided. The worker must always remember that the rapid arm movement resulting from the use of a hammer requires him/her to ensure safe posture and good footing while carrying out this type of work.

Every person using a portable ladder must avoid fatigue and/or loss of awareness of the

importance of maintaining a safe footing and work posture by taking short breaks at pre-arranged intervals.

The person carrying out work from a ladder should (informally) time his/her work from the ladder so that a short break is taken every 30 minutes for approximately five minutes. i.e. he/she should not spend more than about 30 minutes working from a ladder for any

continuous period.

It is very important to avoid being overcome by fatigue by maintaining an adequate intake of liquid, especially during hot weather conditions or while working in a hot area. When taking the aforementioned break, the worker should take the opportunity to drink water (100ml to 300ml) in quantities appropriate to levels of activity and heat conditions.

Three points of contact should be maintained while a person is climbing up or down a ladder.

The use of portable ladders must be restricted to providing work access where:

Other methods for providing work access at the required height are not practicable.

A pre-work HIRA has been carried out to identify the hazards and control the risks associated

with the work to be done from the ladder. The pre-work HIRA must always consider the support/loading requirements of the equipment being worked on, the duration of the required work and alternatives to using ladders (including trestle ladders) where practicable.

(ii) Extension or single (straight) ladders.



Extension or single (straight) ladders should as far as reasonably practicable, only be used as

a means of access or egress from a work area.

Each portable extension or single (straight) ladder must be examined before use by the person intending to use the ladder and may not be used if any damage or other defects are found.

Any portable extension or single (straight) ladder must be set up on a surface that is solid and

stable in a manner that will prevent the ladder slipping.

Slipping of extension or single (straight) ladders can be prevented by:

Placing single or extension ladders at a slope of 4 to 1.

Ensuring that the ladder is secured at both the top and at the feet of the ladder.

Never placing or resting the upper section of the ladder against glass that can break or any other surface that can give way.

(iii) Step Ladders (“A” frame Step Ladders)

Step Ladders may only be used in the fully open position and a person/worker may not carry

out work, climb, step or stand in a position higher than the third rung from the top of the ladder.

Only light work may be carried out while standing on a step ladder.

Each Step Ladder must be examined before use by the person intending to use the ladder and may not be used if any damage or other defects are found.

Each Step Ladder must be set up on a surface that is solid and stable in a manner that will

eliminate any instability of the Step Ladder while in use.

(iv) Trestle Ladders

Work may not be performed from/on the work platform of a trestle ladder unless the trestle ladder has edge protection, regardless of height.

Trestle ladders may only be used in their fully open position.

Each trestle ladder must be examined before use by the person intending to use the ladder

and may not be used if any damage or other defects are found.

Each trestle ladder must be set up on a surface that is solid and stable in a manner that will eliminate any instability of the trestle ladder while in use.

(v) Ladder Platforms (Electrically Insulating Work Platform accessed by ladders)

(a) Where work involving the transfer and/or handling of transformer oil is required to be carried out from an elevated position on electrical apparatus (including any elevated position in the vicinity of where such a substance has been spilt or is likely to be spilt), such work should not be carried out from a portable ladder.

(b) Where work involving the transfer and/or handling of any other slippery substance such as oil,

grease, soapy water, liquid detergent etc is required to be carried out from an elevated position (including any elevated position in the vicinity of where such a substance has been spilt or is likely to be spilt) such work should not be carried out from a portable ladder.



(c) As an alternative to a scaffold erected for work access, the Responsible Engineer may permit the use of a Ladder Platform (an Electrically Insulating Work Platform accessed by ladders) as a convenient means of gaining access from a work platform that has guardrail protection under such circumstances.

But remember: (i) The use of a scaffold may be permissible, depending on the pre-work

HIRA carried out for the work about to be undertaken.

(ii) If you feel that you would rather have a scaffold erected for the work required, ask your Foreman/Supervisor to arrange for a scaffold to be erected.

(iii) The assembly of a Ladder Platform may only be carried out under

the direction of a qualified Artisan who is familiar with the Ladder Platform’s assembly requirements – if you are the artisan in charge and there is any confusion in this regard, ask your Foreman/Supervisor for assistance.

(iv) The Safe Load Rating of each Ladder Platform must always be

displayed on it – never use a Ladder Platform unless you are familiar with its Safe Load Rating and never allow a Ladder Platform to be overloaded while you are using it.

Appendix 6: Example of a Ladder Platform is provided as an example accordingly.

(13) Hierarchy of Controls

You must always remember the controls to be considered before working at Heights

These are provided as Appendix 7



APPENDIX 1: CHECKLIST TO ASSIST IN IDENTIFYING HAZARDS BEFORE WORKING AT HEIGHTS Your attention is drawn to Appendix 7 – Hierarch of Controls to be considered before carrying out this HIRA

CHECKLIST TO ASSIST IN IDENTIFYING HAZARD BEFORE WORKING AT HEIGHTS

Y N ASSOCIATED RISK CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

1

Is there a possibility of tools, objects or persons falling?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2

Has the possibility of weather and/or other environmental conditions influencing the safety of working conditions been considered (e.g. wind, rain, snow, dust, gasses, poor lighting, temperature, etc.)?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3

Is the equipment selected appropriate?

Note: If fall arrest equipment is used, no person may work alone!

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

4

Are the anchor and tie-off points appropriate? Note: If dedicated anchor points are not

available, a competent person needs to identify, asses and provide temporary anchor points and sign off the HIRA

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

5 Is a temporary anchor point required? If applicable (yes) the name and signature of the competent person who provided the temporary anchor point must be included.

Name:………………………………. Signature:……………………………

6

Is the condition of supporting structures such as roof sheeting and/or structural members acceptable? i.e. have you considered that the roof sheets or

structural members may collapse?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7

Is the selection of barricading, demarcation and/or guarding correct?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8

Did you check the fall clearances? 1. Lanyard length? 2. Shock absorber tear out distance? 3. Distance from anchoring point to ground,

platform or nearest object / structure below? 4. The possibility of excessive swing?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

9

Does any person suffer from vertigo (tendency to loose balance), fear of heights, medical conditions or epilepsy? Are there any person exceeding the specified weight of a harness with associated equipment?

Note: No such person may work at heights, if

the answer to any of the adjacent questions (section 9) is “yes”

10

Has reference been made to the emergency preparedness procedure in terms of being aware of the Rescue Plan and availability of resources and equipment in the event of a fall?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

This Checklist must be attached to the Pre-Work HIRA carried out by the Responsible Person/Artisan

Note – An additional HIRA must be undertaken for any changes occur in the planned work requirements.



Appendix 2: Standard Danger Tag

DANGER TAG FORMAT Note: The following (double sided) Danger Tag may be made to a size approved by the Responsible Engineer.



Lesson Plan APPENDIX 3: Illustration on how to wear a Personal Fall Protection Safety Harness and use a Trauma Strap (this document is known as Appendix 10 in the Working at Heights Procedure)



APPENDIX 3: Illustration on how to wear a Personal Fall Protection Safety Harness and use a Trauma Strap










Sternal and Dorsal Connection Points

Sternal Connections not common connections and are usually used where the fall distance is minimal (while climbing vertical ladders etc and using a fall arrest system in front of the wearer)




Making correct use of the Suspension trauma strap helps prevent suspension trauma after a fall



Lesson Plan Appendix 4: Illustrations and basic requirements for the safe use of Dual Lanyards Note: This document is known as Appendix 5 in the Working at Heights procedure. The user of a dual lanyard shall only ever connect to this lanyard by the termination on the Personal energy absorber. When using a dual lanyard the user must ensure that at least one of the lanyards is connected to the structure at all times.

Care must be taken when climbing with a dual lanyard to not ‘over climb’ the lanyard to the extent that the user of the lanyard would be exposed to a free fall greater than 2m. When climbing or working with a dual lanyard, always have both lanyards connected to the structure but make sure that the included angle between the two legs of the lanyard does not exceed 120degrees.

When climbing or working with a dual lanyard the user must not hook the unused lanyard to his/her body harness. This can create a situation where, in the event of a fall the’ parked’ lanyard would interfere with the operation of the Personal energy absorber, resulting in serious injury or death. Instead of hooking the unused lanyard to yourself: Connect the unused lanyard directly to another anchor point or lifeline. Connect both hooks to the same anchor point or

lifeline but guard against roll out from the Connector.



APPENDIX 5: Authorisation to operate and designation of a Mobile Crane for the purpose of lifting persons in a Work Basket.

Note: this document is known as APPENDIX 14 in the Smelter Working at Heights Procedure Smelter:………………………………………………… Date: ……………………………….. Mr. ………………………………………………………………………….……………………… ID No………………………………………………………………………………………………. Is hereby authorised to operate the following mobile crane: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… For the purpose of raising persons and materials in the following approved Work Basket: …………………………………………………………………………………………………….… Description of work to be carried out:……………………………………………………………... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Maximum number of persons permitted to be lifted in the Work Basket:……………………..…... Maximum load of tools and equipment permitted to be lifted in the Work Basket:….…….…..kg. Crane lifting capacity test carried out with load of:…………...……kg in the Work Basket (not to exceed 110% Work Basket’s rated load capacity) Crane brake test carried with load of:………..……..kg in the Work Basket. (not to exceed 110% Work Basket’s rated load capacity) Note: The following conditions must be complied with: (1) A pre-work HIRA is required. (2) A clearance to work permit

is required. (3) Only the competent designated person/s may give signals. (4) The responsible rigger/supervisor must be in attendance at all times. (5) Personal Safety Harnesses must be attached by all persons in the Work Basket. (6) All persons in the Work Basket must wear a hard hat secured with a chin strap. (7) A method by which tools and equipment are secured to prevent them from falling must be in place. (8) The danger zone below must be barricaded. (9) A general pre-work inspection must be carried out on the crane and Work Basket. (10) No person may attempt to leave the Work Basket while being lifted. (11) The crane must be on stable ground with parking brakes engaged and outriggers correctly deployed. (12) The crane’s chart rated capacity must be at least twice the weight of Work Basket plus its total rated load capacity. (13) The crane’s controls must incorporate anti two-block cut out. (14) The crane’s controls must incorporate the engagement of power lowering i.e. free falling is not permitted. (15) The crane must have controls that return to neutral and stop motion when released.

I hereby confirm that the aforementioned Mobile Crane’s external parts, pre-use checklist, Work Basket and Work Basket crane attachments have been inspected and found to be in a satisfactory condition. Name:…………………………….…..………. Signature:……………………………… for Responsible Engineer (delete “for” where authorisation has not been delegated by the Responsible Engineer)



APPENDIX 6: Example of a Ladder Platform (Electrically Insulating Work Platform accessed by Ladders) Note: This Document is known as Appendix 17 in the Smelter Procedure for Working at Heights ( ALLSM-EPR-

ENG-STF-0012) The following example of a Ladder Platform (an Electrically Insulating Work Platform accessed by ladders) is manufactured by SA Ladder and is approved for use at an Anglo Platinum Smelter:

The assembled unit is known under the Trade Name: LADDERSTAGE It is designed in a convenient “fold up kit” – easy to assemble unit and available in electrically insulating materials of construction. Assembly instructions are provided with each unit in accordance with Section 9.19.5 of the Anglo Platinum Smelter’s “Procedure for Working at Heights” (ALLSM-EPR-ENG-STD-0012)



SA LADDER LADDERSTAGE Upon receipt of your ladderstage the following instructions need to be followed to assemble the unit:

1. Take one of the ladders (left) and fasten the brake on the castors.

2. Repeat on the other ladder (right).

3. Take two horizontal braces and place at the bottom of the left hand ladder section. Insert bolt through hole in ladder and fasten the wing nut.

4. Repeat on the right hand ladder.

5. Take the diagonal brace, attach to bottom of left hand ladder using the common bolt and wing nut.

6. Attach the other end of the diagonal to the hole at second top rung on right hand ladder.

7. The inverted diagonals (attached to fly section) may be attached to the pull-up bar in the centre of the unit with bolt and wing nut.

8. Place the platform in position.

9. Attach the horizontal (guard rails) at each side on the top of the ladder and fasten with a wing nut.

10. Grip the pull-up bar firmly and lift the platform to the required height.

11. Run the ladder lock past the required height rung and lower in order for the lock to locate properly.

12. You may now use the ladderstage.

SA LADDER

LADDERSTAGE FE ATURES

· Provides a 2,4m walkway with guardrails, to reach work heights between 2,9m and 5,2m

· One hand instant height adjustment in 0,3m rises

· Brake lock castors

· One man can erect the ladderstage in five minutes and roll it anywhere. Can be manufactured to fit through a standard single door upon request.

· Packs flat for transport

· Load rate: 2 men plus hand tools





Appendix 7: Hierarchy of Controls to be considered before Working at Heights. (Note: referred to as

Appendix 18 in the Procedure for working at Heights)

STEP 1 Try to bring the job to the ground level so that there is not a risk of falling. If you can’t: Consider Step 2

STEP 2 Put up a solid barrier or handrail so that there is not a risk of falling. If you can’t: Consider Step 3

STEP 3 Use a platform to work such as a scaffold or an elevating work platform. If you can’t: Consider Step 4

STEP 4 Use of a fall RESTRAINT system that will stop people reaching the edge. If you can’t: Consider Step 5

STEP 5 Use of a fall ARREST (with energy absorber) that will arrest people if they fall. If you can’t: Don’t do the Job – Revert to Step 6 – Ask your

Foreman/Supervisor for assistance.

STEP 6

Don’t do the Job: Ask your Foreman/Supervisor for assistance.

Documents

ENGINEERING LEARNING GUIDE FOR WORKING AT … at Height/Working at Height... · ENGINEERING LEARNING GUIDE FOR WORKING AT HEIGHTS VERSION: 3.0 IMPLEMENTATION DATE: 21 JULY 2009 REVISION