Height safe - Absolutely essential health and safety ... · ladders should not rest on fragile or other insecure ... from workplaces such as loft spaces when they have stepped onto

HEIGHTSafeEssential health and

safety information for people who

Work at height

admin

Sticky Note

09/10/2013 All employees who work from any significant height are required to read and sign for this document as part of the training system.

CONTENTS

General access scaffolds and ladders ..... 1

Ladders ..... 8

Roof work ..... 13

This printed booklet is available only in conjunction with HSE’s Falls from Height advertising campaign. Electronic copies of thebooklet can be downloaded from HSE’s website: www.hse.gov.uk

Introduction

Falls from height continue to be the biggest killer onconstruction sites.The following section provides advicefor users of ladders and access scaffolds. It will also helpthose who select and specify equipment.

Work at height should be carried out from a platformwith suitable edge protection. Occasionally this may notbe possible and a ladder may have to be used. However,ladders are best used as a means of getting to aworkplace.They should only be used as a workplace forlight work of short duration.

Selecting equipment

When deciding what equipment to use think about whatthe job includes, how long it will last and where it needsto be done. It is tempting to use a ladder for all sorts ofwork but you should always consider a working platformfirst, for example, a properly erected mobile scaffoldtower or a mobile elevated working platform (MEWP).

Jobs such as removing or installing guttering, installingreplacement windows, painting or demolition workshould usually be carried out from scaffolds or mobileaccess equipment.

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Protecting the public

▼ Contact the appropriate highway authority beforeerecting a scaffold on a public highway or on anyroads, pavements, paths or routes used by the public.

▼ Ensure the scaffold is designed to carry the load fromstored materials and equipment.

▼ Scaffolds should be designed to prevent materialsfalling.You may need to provide brickguards, netting orsheeting.Where the risk is high, or for example duringdemolition or facade cleaning, you should provideextra protection in the form of scaffold fans orcovered walkways.

▼ In populated areas such as town centres, erecting anddismantling scaffolds should preferably be undertakenduring quiet times. People should be prevented, withsuitable barriers and signs, from walking under thescaffold during erection or dismantling.

▼ Stop unauthorised access onto the scaffold, forexample by removing all ladders at ground level,whenever it is left unattended.

▼ Never ‘bomb’ materials from a scaffold. Usemechanical hoists or rubbish chutes to move materialsand waste.

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including ‘independent’ scaffolds, should be securely tied,or otherwise supported. More ties will be required if:

■ the scaffold is sheeted or netted due to theincreased wind loading;

■ it is used as a loading platform for materials orequipment; or

■ hoists, lifting appliances or rubbish chutes areattached to it.

▼ System scaffolds should be erected following themanufacturer’s instructions and may require moretying than independent scaffolds.

Safe use of scaffolds

▼ Do not take up boards, move handrails or remove tiesto gain access for work.

▼ Changes should only be made by a competent scaffolder.

▼ Never work from platforms that are not fully boarded.

▼ Do not overload scaffolds. Make sure they aredesigned to take the loads put on them. Storematerials so the load is spread evenly.

▼ Make sure there is suitable stair and ladder accessonto the working platform.

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Scaffold erection

▼ A scaffold should be designed, erected, altered anddismantled by competent people, with all scaffoldingwork under the supervision of a ‘competent person’.

▼ Scaffolders should always adopt a safe system of workduring the erection, altering and dismantling of scaffolds.This will usually include the use of fall arrest equipment.

▼ All scaffolds require bracing to help prevent them fromcollapsing.The platform of a general purpose scaffoldshould be at least four boards wide. All scaffolds,

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Typical independent tied scaffolding.

Scaffold inspection

▼ Scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person:

■ before first use;

■ after substantial alteration;

■ after any event likely to have affected their stability,for example, following strong winds; and

■ at regular intervals not exceeding seven days.

Any faults found must be put right.

▼ Before contractors allow their workers to usesomeone else’s scaffold they must make sure it is safe.

Ladders

▼ Ladders should be in good condition and examinedregularly for defects.You should have a managementsystem in place to ensure that this is done.

▼ They should be secured so they cannot slip, usually bytying them at the top.

▼ The ladder should be angled to minimise the risk ofslipping outwards and as a rule of thumb needs to be‘one out for every four up’.

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▼ Access ladders should extend about 1 m above theworking platform.This provides a handhold for peoplegetting on and off.

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Ladders should be correctly angled one out for every four up.

LADDERS

Ladders are best used asa means of getting to aworkplace.They shouldonly be used as aworkplace for short-termwork.They are onlysuitable for light work.

If ladders are to be used,make sure:

▼ the work only requires one hand to be used;

▼ the work can be reached without stretching;

▼ the ladder can be fixed to prevent slipping; and

▼ a good handhold is available.

However, this kind of work can still be dangerous - manyladder accidents happen during work lasting less than 30minutes.The longer the ladder, the more problems there arein using it safely. It gets harder to handle, is more difficult tofoot effectively and it flexes more in use. Make certain thereis no other better means of access before using a ladder.Also remember that if people have to use a ladder in severalplaces, which requires them to constantly move the ladder, itis possible that carelessness will creep in.

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Ladder stays can provide additionalsecurity.

▼ Do not overreach: if you are working from a ladder,make sure it is long enough and positioned to reachthe work safely.

▼ Do not climb or work off a ladder unless you can holdonto it.

Stepladders

▼ Do not use the top platform of a stepladder unless itis designed with special handholds.

▼ Ensure stepladders are positioned on level ground andused in accordance with the manufacturer’sinstructions.

See following pages for further information on laddersfrom HSE’s priced publication, Health and Safety inConstruction (HSG150)

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▼ Do not attempt to repair ladders.

Check the ladder is secure. More than half of theaccidents involving ladders happen because the ladder wasnot prevented from fallingor slipping. Ladders areonly safe when they reston a firm, level surface. Donot place them on loosebricks or packing.Theyshould also be secured byrope or other suitablestabilisation devices. Suchdevices must ensure thatthe ladder does not:

■ run sideways; or

■ slide away from the wall.

Also, make sure:

▼ the ladder is angled to minimise the risk of slippingoutwards; as a rule of thumb the ladder needs to be‘one out for every four up’;

▼ the top of the ladder rests against a solid surface;ladders should not rest on fragile or other insecurematerials such as cement sheet, or plastic guttering;

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This ladder is placed on a board toprevent it sinking into soft ground andtied to stop it slipping.

In order to use a ladder safely, the person should be ableto reach the work from a position 1 m below the top ofthe ladder.

Many accidents result from using ladders for a job when atower scaffold or mobile access platform would have beensafer and more efficient.

Make sure light tools are carried in a shoulder bag orholster attached to a belt so that both hands are free forclimbing. Heavy or bulky loads should not be carried upor down ladders - a gin wheel or other lifting equipmentshould be used instead (see pages 66 to 68).

For safe use the ladder needs to be strong enough for thejob and in good condition:

▼ check the stiles are not damaged, buckled or warped,no rungs are cracked or missing and any safety feetare not missing;

▼ do not use makeshift or home-made ladders or carryout makeshift repairs to a damaged ladder;

▼ do not use painted ladders, as the paint may hidefaults; and

▼ ladders made for DIY use may not be strong enoughfor site work and are best avoided.

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from workplaces such as loft spaces when they havestepped onto the top step of a step-ladder which has thenoverturned.The top step of a step-ladder should not beworked from unless it has been designed for this purpose.

See following pages for further information on workingon roofs from HSE’s free information sheet, Working onRoofs (INDG284)

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▼ both feet of the ladder are on a firm footing andcannot slip;

▼ if the ladder is more than 3 m long, or used as a wayto and from a workplace, it is secured from falling.Thiswill usually be by fixing at the top, or sometimes thebase;

▼ if the ladder cannot be fixed, a second person footsthe ladder while it is being used (this also applies whilethe ladder is being fixed);

▼ the ladder extends a sufficient height (about 1 m)above any landing place where people will get on andoff it unless some other adequate handhold isavailable; and

▼ where ladders are used in a run measuring a verticaldistance of more than 9 m, suitable landing areas orplatforms are provided.The only exception to thisrelates to some steeplejacks’ ladders which may nothave landing places this often. Nevertheless, provide asmany landing places as possible.

Step-ladders

Step-ladders provide a free-standing means of access, butthey require careful use.They are not designed for anydegree of side loading and are relatively easily overturned.Avoid over-reaching. People have been killed getting down

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Any work on a roof is high-risk. High safety standards areessential however long or short term the work is.Thenature of the precautions needed may vary from one jobto another, but not providing any safeguards is simplyunacceptable.

This section sets out precautions that are relevant for allroof work and then describes precautions that areparticularly relevant to different types of roof.

Precautions for all roof work

Is the work necessary?The best way to prevent a fall from or through a roof isto make sure nobody ever goes on or near it.Ask thequestion ‘do we need to do the work?’ For instance, if aroof is sound, is there any need to clean it for purelycosmetic reasons? If work does need to be done can itbe done without going on the roof? For example, if theroof needs to be inspected can it be done byexamination from a powered access platform?

Risk assessment and method statementsA risk assessment should be carried out for all roofwork. Simple jobs may not require a great deal. Morecomplex ones need to be assessed in much more depth.But all roof work is dangerous and it is essential that therisks are identified before the work starts and that thenecessary equipment, appropriate precautions andsystems of work are provided and implemented.

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ROOF WORK

Working on a roof can be dangerous. Falls account formore deaths and serious injuries in construction thananything else. Nearly half of them are from or throughroofs and frequently involve fragile materials.Any fall froma roof inevitably involves at least serious injury.The risksare substantial however long or short the work. Manypeople have been killed who only meant to be on theroof for a few minutes ‘to have a quick look’.

This section is aimed at people who actually carry outroof work or are directly responsible for managing orsupervising it. It sets out key safeguards, but moredetailed information is contained in the HSE guidancebooklet Health and safety in roof work, HSG33.

Falls occur:

▼ from the edges of roofs;

▼ through gaps or holes in roofs; and

▼ through fragile roof materials and roof lights.

In addition, many people have been seriously injured bymaterial falling or thrown from roofs.

Accidents occur not only to those building roofs, but also topeople maintaining, cleaning, demolishing and inspecting them.

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Sometimes a roof parapet may provide equivalentprotection but if it does not, extra protection will berequired.

Work platformsAs well as edge protection it is just as important toprovide an adequate and secure working platform. Inmany cases the roof itself will provide this. If it does not,eg when working on a chimney on a pitched roof, aplatform should be provided.

Fall arrest equipmentProviding adequate platforms and edge protection maynot always be possible or reasonably practicable. If soeither safety nets or harnesses will be required.They donot stop people falling, but minimise the potential injuriesif they do.

If nets are used make sure that they are properlyinstalled by competent riggers as close as possible belowthe roof involved to minimise the distance fallen. Installinga net does not mean that proper working platforms andedge protection can be ignored, because the first priorityis to stop people falling in the first place.

If harnesses are used make sure that they are securelyattached to a sufficiently strong anchorage point and thatthey are always worn.This requires user discipline andactive management monitoring.

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Except for the simplest jobs, where the necessaryprecautions are straightforward and can be easily repeated,(eg use a proper roofing ladder to replace a ridge tile)safety method statements should be prepared.They shouldbe specific and relevant to the job in hand and describeclearly the precautions and system of work identifiedduring risk assessment. Diagrams or pictures can often saymore and be clearer than text. Everyone involved in thework needs to know what the method statement says andwhat they have to do.This might need someone to explainthe statement for more complicated jobs.There will usuallyneed to be some supervision during the work to checkthat the correct procedures are followed.

Getting on and off the roofGetting on and off the roof is a major risk.A securemeans of entry and exit is essential.A properly securedladder is the minimum requirement.

Edge protectionWherever anyone could fall more than 2 m, the first line ofdefence is to provide adequate edge protection. It needs tomeet minimum legal standards of, or be equivalent to:

▼ a main guard rail at least 910 mm above the edge;

▼ a toe board at least 150 mm high; and

▼ an intermediate guard rail or other barrier so that there is no gap more than 470 mm.

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cannot be arranged minimise the public access to dangerareas. In some cases physical protection to catch fallingmaterials, eg fans, may be appropriate. Remember thateven fine material such as dust can cause discomfort orinjury to eyes.

TrainingRoof workers need the appropriate knowledge, skills andexperience to work safely, or be under the supervision ofsomeone else who has it.

They need to be able to recognise the risks, understandthe appropriate systems of work and be competent inthe skills to carry them out such as:

▼ installing and wearing harness systems;

▼ installing edge protection; and

▼ operating a mobile access platform.

Training will usually be required to achieve thesecompetencies. It is not sufficient to hope that workerswill ‘pick up safety on the job’.

Weather conditionsDo not work on roofs in icy, rainy or windy conditions.Anyone carrying a roof sheet can easily be blown off theroof if they are caught by a gust of wind.

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Falling materialKeep a tidy site; stop material which could fall fromaccumulating.

Nothing should ever bethrown from a roof.Use enclosed rubbishchutes or lower materialto the ground instead.

Prevent access to dangerareas underneath oradjacent to roof work.Where this cannot beguaranteed, consider using debris netting, fans,covered walkways orsimilar safeguards to stop falling material causing injury.

Particular care is neededwhere there is publicaccess close to roof work.If possible try to arrangefor work to be carried out when passers-by willnot be there, eg carry outrepairs to schools duringthe school holidays. If this

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Rubbish chute and skip positioned totake waste materials

▼ the span between supports;

▼ sheet profile;

▼ the type, number, position and quality of fixings;

▼ the design of the supporting structure, eg the purlins; and

▼ the age of the material.

Sometimes the entire roof surface is fragile, such as manyfibre cement roofs. Sometimes part of the roof is fragile,eg when fragile roof lights are contained in an otherwisenon-fragile roof. Sometimes a roof is temporarily fragile,such as during ‘built up’ roof construction when only theliner is installed or sheets have not been secured.Sometimes the fragility of a roof can be disguised, forinstance when old roofs have been painted over.Thisguidance applies to all these situations.

The fragility, or otherwise, of a roof should be confirmedbefore work starts. If there is any doubt, the roof shouldbe treated as fragile unless, or until, confirmed that it isnot. It is positively dangerous to assume that a roof isnon-fragile without checking this out beforehand.

Prevent unauthorised accessMake sure that unauthorised access to the roof isprevented by, for instance, implementing a permit-to-work regime or blocking off roof access ladders. Make

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Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight by wearingappropriate clothing and using suncreams.Too muchexposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer.

Short-duration work Short-duration work means that lasting minutes ratherthan hours. It may not be reasonably practicable toprovide full edge protection for short-duration work butit still needs to be considered during assessment andshould not be automatically discounted.

Mobile access equipment can provide both edgeprotection and a working platform. It can do away withthe need for scaffolding and can be particularlyappropriate for short-duration minor work.

Where it is not reasonably practicable to provide full edgeprotection, a securely attached safety harness will normally berequired (see ‘Short-duration work on sloping roofs’, page 26).

Fragile roofs

What is fragile?A fragile material is one that does not safely support theweight of a person and any load they are carrying.Thefragility of a roof does not depend solely on thecomposition of the material in it.The following factorsare also important:

▼ thickness of the material;

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of boards to ‘leap-frog’ across a fragile roof. Make surethere are enough platforms provided to avoid this.

Precautions are needed to prevent a person falling fromthe platform. If possible provide the platform with edgeprotection comprising top rail, intermediate rail (orequivalent protection) and toe board.

Working near fragile materialProtection is needed when anyone passes by or worksnearer than 2 m to fragile materials, eg:

▼ during access along valley gutters in a fragile roof;

▼ when fragile roof lights or smoke vents are containedin an otherwise non-fragile roof; and

▼ during access to working areas on a fragile roof.

Wherever possible make sure that all fragile materials,2 m or closer to the people at risk, are securely covered.Alternatively, provide full edge protection, ie top rail,intermediate guard rail or equivalent and toe board,around or along the fragile material to prevent access toit. Make sure that appropriate precautions are takenwhen installing such protection, eg the use of netting orsafety harnesses.

Sometimes it will not be reasonably practicable toprovide such protection, usually if the proximity to fragile

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sure that appropriate warning signs are displayed onexisting roofs, particularly at roof access points.

Working on fragile materialsAt NO time may anyone work on, from or pass overfragile material, unless platforms, coverings or othersimilar means are provided that adequately support them.Properly installed safety netting beneath the roof surfacewill provide collective fall protection within the protectedarea. Harnesses can also be an effective solution, but ifused they require adequate attachment points which maybe difficult to arrange in work on fragile roofs.They alsorely on user discipline, training and constant supervisionto ensure that they are consistently and correctly used.

Support platforms should be at least 600 mm wide andmore when the work requires it.

Make sure that support platforms are long enough toprovide adequate support across roof members.Theyshould span across at least two purlins. Using a platformmay spread the load, but that will not provide enoughsupport if the only thing supporting it is the fragile material.

Walking on the lines of purlin bolts gives no protectionwhatsoever. It is like walking a tightrope and must neverbe allowed or condoned.

Workers should not have to constantly move platformsabout the roof. It is not acceptable to rely on using a pair

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material is irregular and short duration, ie a matter ofminutes. Safety harnesses will usually be the appropriatesolution and may be used in conjunction with anypermanently installed running line systems.

Boundaries can be established identifying ‘safe’ areascontaining the workplace and routes to and from it.If these are used:

▼ the boundary should be at least 2 m from the nearestfragile material;

▼ the boundary does not need to comply with full edgeprotection standards, but there should be a physicalbarrier (a painted line or bunting is not acceptable); and

▼ tight discipline is essential to ensure everyone stays inside the safe area at all times.

Working on sloping roofs

On traditional pitched roofs most people fall:

▼ from eaves;

▼ by slipping down the roof and then over the eaves;

▼ through the roof internally, eg during roof truss erection; or

▼ from gable ends.

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Edge protection

Full edge protection ateaves level will normallybe required for work onsloping roofs.The edgeprotection needs to bestrong enough towithstand a person fallingagainst it.The longer theslope and the steeper thepitch the stronger theedge protection needs tobe. A properly designedand installed independentscaffold platform at eaveslevel will usually beenough. Less substantialscaffolding barriers (ratherthan platforms) may notbe strong enough forwork on larger or steeperroofs, especially slopes inexcess of 30°.

On some larger roofs, theconsequences of sliding down the whole roof and hittingthe eaves edge protection may be such that intermediateplatforms at the work site are needed to prevent thishappening.

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Sloping roof edge protection;Typicalarrangement in conventional tube andfittings:(a) Supported from window opening

If the work requires access within 2 m of gable ends, edgeprotection will be needed there as well as at the eaves.

Powered access platforms can provide good access as analternative to fixed edge protection.They can beparticularly useful in short-duration work (see ‘Short-duration work on sloping roofs’ below) and duringdemolition when gaps are created in the roof.

Roof ladders Slates and tiles do not provide a safe footing especiallywhen they are wet. Properly designed roof ladders orcrawling boards are an essential aid to any work onsloping roofs.They should be long enough to span thesupports (at least three rafters) and securely placed. Roofladder anchorages should bear on the opposite roof andnot rely on the ridge tiles for support as these can easilybreak away. Do not use gutters to support any ladder.Roof battens can be an alternative to roof ladders but ifrelied on it is essential that their strength is establishedbeforehand. Battens often fail. (They should be attachedto rafters no more than 450 mm apart if used as footing.)

Short-duration work on sloping roofsShort-duration work means tasks that are measured inminutes rather than hours. It includes such jobs asreplacing a few tiles or adjusting a televison aerial. Workon a roof is still dangerous even if it only lasts ashort time.Appropriate safety measures areessential.

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Sloping roof edge protection;Typical arrangement inconventional tube and fittings:(b) Working platform below theeaves

Sloping roof edge protection;Typicalarrangement in conventional tubeand fittings:(c) Top lift of a scaffold.

Dimensions should be as follows:(i) Working platform minimum

width 600 mmm(ii)Minimum 910 mm(iii)Maximum gap 470 mm(iv) To rise to the line of the roof

slope with a minimum height of150 mm

(v) Gap between the rails no morethan 470 mm

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Typical sloping roof edgeprotection. Barriers shown in(a) can be useful where spaceis limited, but they are notcapable of sustaining loads solarge as (b) and (c) which alsoprovide a working platform.

If trusses are assembled in situ, provide a safe workingplatform, preferably by boarding out the area as close aspossible to the underside of the trusses, or alternativelysupporting a platform on the truss members. If a separateplatform is used, make sure it can safely support theworker and has edge protection.The truss members mayprovide adequate edge protection but not always.

If possible, an adequate working platform should beprovided which protects against falls during roof trusserection. If a platform does not provide completeprotection then safety nets can also be provided to catchanyone who falls.

Industrial roofing

Building and working on steel framed wide-span industrialroofs involves a number of hazards, such as falls:

▼ from the roof edge;

▼ through gaps in the partially completed roof;

▼ through liner panels;

▼ from the leading edge when unprotected gaps areinevitable; and

▼ from the frame, eg when loading out with roof sheets.

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For short-duration work it may not be reasonablypracticable to provide full edge protection (but if it is itshould be provided).This does not mean that nothingneeds to be provided in its place.The minimumrequirements for short-duration work on a roof are:

▼ a safe means of access to roof level;

▼ a properly constructed and supported roof ladder.

Roof workers should not work directly on tiles or slates.

Erecting roof trussesIf possible, reduce the need for work at height by assemblingroof sections on the ground and craning them into position.

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Roof truss built on ground and lifted into position avoiding the needto work over open joisting later on

Falls through gaps If work involves any likelihood of access within 2 m ofsuch gaps they should be covered. If this is not possibleprovide edge protection or as a last resort install safetynetting beneath the gap.

Falls through liner panelsLiner panels on their own should be considered as fragileunless it has been conclusively confirmed that they arenot.Try to avoid ‘lining out’ the shell to weatherproof thesite.This will avoid the need for a second pass at heightas well as the presence of a large expanse of potentiallyfragile material. Consider the use of composite panels toreduce the need for work at height.

Falls from the leading edgeWhatever system of work is chosen the presence ofdangerous gaps is always a possibility as space is createdto place the next leading edge sheet. Options to dealwith this include:

▼ temporary barriers at the leading edge, such as trolley systems;

▼ birdcage scaffolds;

▼ safety nets; and

▼ safety harnesses used with running line systems.

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These hazards can all arise not only at the workingposition but also the routes to and from it.

Systems of workGood planning can significantly reduce the risks involvedin industrial roofing. Key elements are as follows.

1 Reduce the need for workers to travel about theroof by:

■ arranging for the right sheets to be delivered asthey are needed to the right place at the righttime;

■ arranging access points that are convenient for theworking position; and

■ making full use of loading bays.

2 Minimise the potential for falls by providing a safeplace of work (eg properly guarded working platformsor powered access equipment) rather than relying onfall arrest equipment to restrict a fall.

Falls from the roof edge

Full edge protection (comprising top rail, toe board andintermediate protection) is required whenever the workrequires access within 2 m of the roof perimeter.

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Make sure that either safety nets or harnesses are usedto protect against falls through the gaps created as theleading edge moves forward.

If safety nets are used make sure that they:

▼ are installed as close as possible beneath the roof surface;

▼ are securely attached and will withstand a personfalling onto them; and

▼ are installed and maintained by competent personnel.

If harnesses are used make sure that they:

▼ are securely attached to an adequate anchorage point(trolley guard rails are not usually strong enough);

▼ are appropriate for the user and in good condition; and

▼ are actually and properly used - ensuring this requires tight discipline.

Safety netting is the preferred fall arrest option since itprovides collective protection and does not rely onindividual user discipline to guarantee acceptable safetystandards.They can simplify systems of work and canprotect not only roof workers, but others such assupervisors.

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Safety nets are the least problematic and hence thepreferred option.Trolley systems can be a useful aid, butare not appropriate for all roofs, eg where there are hipsor dormers. Remember that installing and moving suchsystems can involve significant risks.Where trolleysystems are used, make sure that:

▼ there is a safe system of work for installing and dismantling them;

▼ the trolley system is compatible with the purlin design;

▼ there is a safe system of work for moving the trolleys;

▼ the trolley can move freely - if it jams it can be dangerous trying to release it;

▼ there is safe access to the trolley;

▼ the trolley is locked in position so that it does notoverturn if someone falls onto it; and

▼ there is a suitable barrier at the trolley end if someone could fall from it.

If trolley systems are used, the system of work needs tobe carefully thought out to avoid unnecessary risks, egcan roof workers lock the trolley in position after it hasbeen moved forward without stepping over the newlycreated gap?

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Working on flat roofs

Work on a flat roof is high risk. People can fall:

▼ from the edge of a completed roof; and

▼ from the edge where work is being carried out;through openings or gaps.

Edge protection

Unless the roof parapet provides equivalent safety,temporary edge protection will be required duringmost work on flat roofs. Both the roof edge and anyopenings in it need to be protected. It will often bemore appropriate to securely cover openings ratherthan put edge protection around them.Any protectionshould be:

▼ in place from start to finish of the work; and

▼ strong enough to withstand people and materialsfalling against it.

Where possible the edge protection should be supportedat ground level, eg by scaffold standards, so that there isno obstruction on the roof. If the building is too high forthis, the roof edge upstand can support the edgeprotection provided it is strong enough. Edge protectioncan also be supported by frames, counterweights or

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Falling materialsTry to avoid leaving materials on the roof when the siteis closed especially at weekends and during holidayperiods. If materials are left on the roof make sure thatthey are secured so that they cannot be blown off theroof by windy weather.

Make sure that toe boards are in place around the roofperimeter.

Control other trades’ access to areas underneath roofingwork, unless protection such as debris netting is providedwhich ensures protection for anyone workingunderneath.

Manual handlingHandling awkward roof sheets is a particular problem forroof workers and can lead to back injuries which cancause a lifetime of pain and disability.

Minimise the need for manual handling by usingmechanical handling devices, eg hoists, to deliver materialswhere they are actually needed on the roof.Where manual handling cannot be avoided arrangesystems which make manual handling easier. Provideworkers with information about the weight of the loadsthey will have to carry.

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It may not be reasonably practicable to provide edgeprotection during short-duration work. In such casesanyone working nearer than 2 m to any unguarded edgeshould be using a safety harness.Where safety harnessesare used they need to be:

▼ appropriate for the user and in good condition - fullharnesses are essential, safety belts are not sufficient;

▼ securely attached to an anchorage point of sufficientstrength;

Counterweight removed and baseplate lifted for work near edge

scaffolding on the roof.The protection should be in placeat all times. Guarding systems are widely available thatenable roof repair work to carry on without removingany guard rails.

Demarcating safe areasFull edge protection may not be necessary if limited workon a larger roof involves nobody going any closer than 2 mto an open edge. In such cases demarcated areas can beset up, outside which nobody goes during the work oraccess to it. Demarcated areas should be:

▼ limited to areas from which nobody can fall;

▼ indicated by an obvious physical barrier (full edge protection is not necessary but a painted line or bunting is not sufficient);

▼ subject to tight supervision to make sure that nobody strays outside them (demarcation areas are unacceptable if this standard is not achieved).

Short-duration work on flat roofsShort-duration means a matter of minutes rather thanhours. It includes such jobs as brief inspections oradjusting a television aerial. Work on a flat roof is stilldangerous even if it only lasts a short time.Appropriate safety measures are essential.

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References and further information

BS 5973:1993 Code of practice for access and workingscaffolds and special scaffold structures in steel

Tower scaffolds CIS10 (rev) HSE Books 1997

Inspections and reports CIS47 HSE Books 1997

Health and safety in construction HSG150 (2nd edition)HSE Books 2001 ISBN 0 7176 2106 5

Protecting the public:Your next move HSG151 HSE Books 2001 ISBN 0 7176 1148 5

The future availability and accuracy of the referenceslisted in this publication cannot be guaranteed.

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▼ fitted with as short a lanyard as possible that enableswearers to do their work; and

▼ actually used - tight management discipline is neededto ensure this.

Legal requirements

Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations1999

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations1996

Further reading

More detailed information is contained in:

A guide to the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare)Regulations 1996 INDG220 HSE Books 1996

Health and safety in roof work HSG33 (Second edition) HSE Books 1998 ISBN 0 7176 1425 5

Health and safety in construction HSG150 (Second edition)HSE Books 2001 ISBN 0 7176 2106 5

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HSE priced and free publications are available by mailorder from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, SuffolkCO10 2WA Tel: 01787 881165 Fax: 01787 313995Website: www.hsebooks.co.uk (HSE priced publicationsare also available from bookshops.)

For information about health and safety ring HSE'sInfoLine Tel: 08701 545500 Fax: 02920 859260 e-mail: [email protected] or write toHSE Information Services, Caerphilly Business Park,Caerphilly CF83 3GG.You can also visit HSE’s website:www.hse.gov.uk

This leaflet contains notes on good practice which arenot compulsory but which you may find helpful inconsidering what you need to do.

© Crown copyright This publication may be freelyreproduced, except for advertising, endorsement orcommercial purposes. First published 06/03. Pleaseacknowledge the source as HSE.

39

Off work sick and worried about your job? Steps you can take to help your return to work

1

Health and Safety Executive

The Work at HeightRegulations 2005A brief guide

The Work at Height Regulations 2005

2

In 2003/04 falls from height accounted for 67 fatal accidents at work

and nearly 4000 major injuries. They remain the single biggest cause

of workplace deaths and one of the main causes of major injury.

This leaflet is written for employers, the self-employed and anyone who

works at height. It tells you what you need to do to comply with the

Work at Height Regulations 2005. The Regulations apply to all work at

height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury.


3

Using this information

1 This leaflet summarises what you need to do to comply with the Work at Height Regulations2005. Some industry/trade associations may have produced more detailed guidance about workingat height. You can also find more information on the HSE website.

2 It has been written so that in most cases it can be used without access to the Regulations.However, it may be useful to have the Regulations to hand if you require more information.

Why are these rules important?

3 These Regulations have been made to prevent the deaths and injuries caused each year by falls at work.

4 They replace all the earlier regulations about working at height. The Work at Height Regulations2005 consolidate previous legislation on working at height and implement European CouncilDirective 2001/45/EC concerning minimum safety and health requirements for the use of equipmentfor work at height (the Temporary Work at Height Directive).

What is ‘work at height’? Regulation 2

5 A place is ‘at height’ if (unless these Regulations are followed) a person could be injured fallingfrom it, even if it is at or below ground level.

6 ‘Work’ includes moving around at a place of work (except by a staircase in a permanent workplace)but not travel to or from a place of work. For instance, a sales assistant on a stepladder would be workingat height, but we would not be inclined to apply the Regulations to a mounted police officer on patrol.


4

What do the Schedules to the Regulations cover?

Do the rules apply to you? Regulations 3 and 14

8 The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fallliable to cause personal injury. They place duties on employers, the self-employed, and any personwho controls the work of others (eg facilities managers or building owners who may contract othersto work at height) to the extent they control the work.

9 The Regulations do not apply to the provision of paid instruction or leadership in caving orclimbing by way of sport, recreation, team building or similar activities.

10 If you are an employee or working under someone else’s control, regulation 14 says you must:

■ report any safety hazard to them;■ use the equipment supplied (including safety devices) properly, following any training and

instructions (unless you think that would be unsafe, in which case you should seek further instructions before continuing).

7 They cover the detailed requirements for: Schedule

■ existing places of work and means of access for work at height 1

■ collective fall prevention (eg guard rails and toe boards) 2

■ working platforms 3

■ collective fall arrest (eg nets, airbags etc) 4

■ personal fall protection (eg work restraints, work positioning, fall arrest and rope access) 5

■ ladders and step ladders 6

■ inspection reports (for working platforms in construction only) 7

■ revocations 8

5


Special cases Regulations 3, 15 and 16 and Schedule 2

11 In certain cases the regulations can apply outside Great Britain. (For details see regulation 3(1).)

12 There are some exemptions for shipping, offshore installations, and docks. (For details seeregulations 3(4) – 3(6) and 16.) People and organisations acting in the interests of national securitymay be exempted by the Secretary of State for Defence.

13 You may ask the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to exempt certain people, premises, equipment,or activity from some of the regulations relating to guard rails and the like, but you will have to show thatthere is no risk to anyone’s health or safety. (For details see regulation 15 and Schedule 2.)

What you must you do as an employer

Overriding principle Regulation 6(3)

14 You must do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent anyone falling.

The Regulations hierarchy15 The Regulations set out a simple hierarchy for managing and selecting equipment for work at height.

■ avoid work at height where they can;

■ use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at height; and

■ where they cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.

Duty holders must:


6

Duty holders’ responsibilities16 The Regulations require duty holders to ensure:

■ all work at height is properly planned and organised; ■ all work at height takes account of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety;■ those involved in work at height are trained and competent; ■ the place where work at height is done is safe;■ equipment for work at height is appropriately inspected;■ the risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled; and■ the risks from falling objects are properly controlled.

Planning Regulations 4 and 6(1, 2)

17 You must:

■ ensure that no work is done at height if it is safe and reasonably practicable to do it other than at height;■ ensure that the work is properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out in as safe a

way as is reasonably practicable;■ plan for emergencies and rescue;■ take account of the risk assessment carried out under regulation 3 of the Management of Health

and Safety at Work Regulations.

Weather Regulation 4(3, 4)

18 You must ensure that the work is postponed while weather conditions endanger health or safety(but this does not apply to emergency services acting in an emergency).

Staff training Regulations 5 and 6(5)(b)

19 You must ensure that everyone involved in the work is competent (or, if being trained, issupervised by a competent person). This includes involvement in organisation, planning, supervision,and the supply and maintenance of equipment.

6


7

20 Where other precautions do not entirely eliminate the risk of a fall occurring, you must (as faras it is reasonably practicable to do so) train those who will be working at height how to avoidfalling, and how to avoid or minimise injury to themselves should they fall.

The place where work is done Regulation 6(4)

21 You must ensure that the place where work is done at height (including the means of access) issafe and has features to prevent a fall, unless this would mean that it is not reasonably practicablefor the worker to carry out the work safely (taking into account the demands of the task, equipmentand working environment). Detailed safety requirements about where work is done at height are setout in Schedule 1.

Equipment, temporary structures, and safety features Regulations 6(4)(b), 6(5)(a, b), 7, 8 and 12

22 If you rely on the exception in paragraph 21 above,you must provide equipment for preventing(as far as is reasonably practicable) a fall occurring.

23 If the precautions in paragraphs 21 and 22 do not entirely eliminate the risk of a fall occurring,you must do all that is reasonably practicable to minimise the distance and effect of a fall.

24 When selecting equipment for work at height you must:

■ use the most suitable equipment;■ give collective protection measures (eg guard rails) priority over personal protection measures (eg

safety harnesses);■ take account of:

- the working conditions; and- risks to the safety of all those at the place where the work equipment is to be used.

25 You must ensure that all equipment, temporary structures (eg scaffolding), and safety featurescomply with the detailed requirements of Schedules 2 to 6.


8

InspectionsRegulations 12 and 13

26 ‘Inspection’ is defined by regulation 12(10) as ‘such visual or more rigorous inspection by acompetent person as is appropriate for safety purposes … (including) any testing appropriate forthose purposes’.

27 You must ensure (as far as it is reasonably practicable to do so) that each individual place atwhich work is to be done at height is checked on every occasion before that place is used. Thisinvolves checking the surface and every parapet, permanent rail etc.

28 You must ensure that any item of a type mentioned in Schedules 2 to 6 is inspected:

■ after it is assembled or installed (or after it has been assembled and installed if both are required),if its safety depends on how it is assembled or installed;

■ as often as is necessary to ensure safety, and in particular to make sure that any deterioration can be detected and remedied in good time.

29 You must ensure that before you use any equipment which has come from another business,and before any equipment leaves your business, it is accompanied by an indication (clear toeveryone involved) that the last inspection required by these regulations has been carried out.

Note: This does not apply to lifting equipment governed by regulation 9(4) of the Lifting Equipmentand Lifting Operations Regulations 1998, but since that rule is similar to this one there is littlepractical difference.

30 You must ensure that any platform used for (or for access to) construction work and from whicha person could fall more than 2 m is inspected in place before use (and not more than seven daysbefore use). Where it is a mobile platform, inspection at the site is sufficient without re-inspectionevery time it is moved.

Notes: ‘Construction work’ is defined in detail in regulation 2(1) of the Construction (Health, Safetyand Welfare) Regulations 1996 but broadly means ‘the carrying out of any building, civil engineeringor engineering construction work’.‘Platform’ is widely defined by regulation 2 to include areas like gangways and stairways.


9

31 You must ensure that the person inspecting a platform (as required in paragraph 30):

■ prepares a report before going off duty, giving the details listed in Schedule 7;■ gives the report (or a copy) within 24 hours of completing the inspection to the person for whom

the inspection was done (eg you or your site manager).

32 You must keep the report of a platform inspection made under the instructions given inparagraphs 30 and 31:

■ at the construction site until the work is completed;■ then at an office of yours for another three months.

33 ‘Keeping’ a report means keeping it (or a copy) safe from loss and unauthorised interference,and so that a printed copy can be supplied when required.

34 You must keep all other records of inspection until the next inspection has been carried out.

35 Paragraphs 31 to 33 do not apply to lifting equipment governed by the similar rules imposed byregulations 9 and 10 of the Lifting Equipment and Lifting Operations Regulations 1998.

Fragile surfaces Regulation 9

36 You must ensure that no one working under your control goes onto or near a fragile surfaceunless that is the only reasonably practicable way for the worker to carry out the work safely, havingregard to the demands of the task, equipment, or working environment.

37 If anyone does work on or near a fragile surface you must:

■ ensure (as far as it is reasonably practicable to do so) that suitable platforms, coverings, guard rails, and the like are provided (and used) to minimise the risk;

■ do all that is reasonably practicable, if any risk of a fall remains, to minimise the distance and effect of a fall.

38 If anyone working under your control may go onto or near a fragile surface, you must do all thatis reasonably practicable to make them aware of the danger, preferably by prominent warningnotices fixed at the approaches to the danger zone.

Falling objects Regulations 10 and 11

39 Where it is necessary to prevent injury, you must do all that is reasonably practicable to preventanything falling.

40 If it not reasonably practicable, you must ensure that no one is injured by anything falling.

41 You must ensure that nothing is:

■ thrown or tipped from height if it is likely to injure anyone;■ stored in such a way that its movement is likely to injure anyone.

42 If the workplace contains an area in which there is a risk of someone being struck by a fallingobject or person, you must ensure that the area is clearly indicated and that (as far as reasonablypracticable) unauthorised people are unable to reach it.


10

Further reading

If in doubt, contact your local HSE office (the address is in the phone book). The staff there can referyou to the appropriate inspector or the environmental health officer at your local authority.

LegislationWork at Height Regulations 2005 SI 2005/735 The Stationery Office 2005 (Available online at: www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si20050735.htm)

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 SI 1999/3242 The Stationery Office 1999 ISBN 0 11 085625 2

Lifting Equipment and Lifting Operations Regulations 1998 SI 1998/2307 The Stationery Office 1998 ISBN 0 11 079598 9

Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 SI 1996/1592 The Stationery Office 1996 ISBN 0 11 035904 6

Useful websiteHSE’s Falls from height website: www.hse.gov.uk/falls


11

Further information

HSE priced and free publications are available by mail order from HSE Books,PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA Tel: 01787 881165 Fax: 01787 313995 Website: www.hsebooks.co.uk (HSE priced publications are also available from bookshops and free leaflets can be downloaded from HSE’s website: www.hse.gov.uk.)

For information about health and safety ring HSE's Infoline Tel: 0845 345 0055 Fax: 0845 408 9566 email: [email protected] or write to HSE Information Services,Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.

The Stationery Office publications are available from The Stationery Office,PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN Tel: 0870 600 5522 Fax: 0870 600 5533 e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tso.co.uk (They are also available from bookshops.)

This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Following the guidance is not compulsoryand you are free to take other action. But if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doingenough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the lawand may refer to this guidance as illustrating good practice.

This leaflet is available in priced packs of 10 from HSE Books, ISBN 0 7176 2976 7.Single free copies are also available from HSE Books.

© Crown copyright This publication may be freely reproduced, except for advertising, endorsementor commercial purposes. First published 04/05. Please acknowledge the source as HSE.

INDG401 04/05 C1000

Printed and published by the Health and Safety Executive

Health and Safety Executive

Statutory Instrument 2005 No. 735


© Crown Copyright 2005

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The text of this Internet version of the Statutory Instrument which is published by the Queen's Printer of Acts of Parliament has been prepared to reflect the text as it was Made. A print version is also available and is published by The Stationery Office Limited as the The Work at Height Regulations 2005, ISBN 0110725638. The print version may be purchased by clicking here. Braille copies of this Statutory Instrument can also be purchased at the same price as the print edition by contacting TSO Customer Services on 0870 600 5522 or e-mail: [email protected].

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STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS

2005 No. 735

Page 1 of 29The Work at Height Regulations 2005

29/08/2007http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050735.htm

HEALTH AND SAFETY


ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

Made 16th March 2005

Laid before Parliament 16th March 2005

Coming into force 6th April 2005

1.Citation and commencement2. Interpretation3.Application4.Organisation and planning5.Competence6.Avoidance of risks from work at height7.Selection of work equipment for work at height 8.Requirements for particular work equipment 9.Fragile surfaces

10.Falling objects11.Danger areas12. Inspection of work equipment13. Inspection of places of work at height14.Duties of persons at work15.Exemption by the Health and Safety Executive 16.Exemption for the armed forces17.Amendment of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment

Regulations 199818.Repeal of section 24 of the Factories Act 1961 19.Revocation of instruments

SCHEDULE 1REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING PLACES OF

WORK AND MEANS OF ACCESS OR EGRESS ATHEIGHT

SCHEDULE 2REQUIREMENTS FOR GUARD-RAILS, TOE-

BOARDS, BARRIERS AND SIMILAR COLLECTIVEMEANS OF PROTECTION

SCHEDULE 3REQUIREMENTS FOR WORKING PLATFORMS

PART 1 REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL WORKING PLATFORMS

PART 2 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SCAFFOLDING



The Secretary of State, in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by sections 15(1), (2), (3)(a), (5)(b), (6)(a) and 82(3)(a) of, and paragraphs 1(1), (2) and (3), 9, 11, 14, 15(1) and 16 of Schedule 3 to, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974[1] ("the 1974 Act") and for the purpose of giving effect without modifications to proposals submitteto him by the Health and Safety Commission under section 11(2)(d) of the 1974 Act, after the carrying out by the said Commission of consultations in accordance with section 50(3) of that Act, hereby makes the following Regulations: Citation and commencement 1. These Regulations may be cited as the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and shall come into force on 6th April 2005. Interpretation 2. - (1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires

"the 1974 Act" means the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974;

"access" and "egress" include ascent and descent;

"construction work" has the meaning assigned to it by regulation 2(1) of the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996[2];

"fragile surface" means a surface which would be liable to fail if

SCHEDULE 4REQUIREMENTS FOR COLLECTIVE SAFEGUARDS FOR ARRESTING FALLS

SCHEDULE 5REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

PART 1 REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

PART 2 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK POSITIONING SYSTEMS

PART 3 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ROPE ACCESS AND POSITIONING TECHNIQUES

PART 4 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FALL ARREST SYSTEMS

PART 5 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

SCHEDULE 6REQUIREMENTS FOR LADDERS

SCHEDULE 7PARTICULARS TO BE INCLUDED IN A REPORT OF INSPECTION

SCHEDULE 8REVOCATION OF INSTRUMENTS



any reasonably foreseeable loading were to be applied to it;

"ladder" includes a fixed ladder and a stepladder;

"line" includes rope, chain or webbing;

"the Management Regulations" means the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999[3];

"personal fall protection system" means -

(a) a fall prevention, work restraint, work positioning, fall arrest or rescue system, other than a system in which the only safeguards are collective safeguards; or (b) rope access and positioning techniques; "suitable" means suitable in any respect which it is reasonably foreseeable will affect the safety of any person;

"work at height" means -

(a) work in any place, including a place at or below ground level; (b) obtaining access to or egress from such place while at work, except by a staircase in a permanent workplace,

where, if measures required by these Regulations were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury;

"work equipment" means any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work (whether exclusively or not) and includes anything to which regulation 8 and Schedules 2 to 6 apply;

"working platform" -

(a) means any platform used as a place of work or as a means of access to or egress from a place of work; (b) includes any scaffold, suspended scaffold, cradle, mobile platform, trestle, gangway, gantry and stairway which is so used.

(2) Any reference in these Regulations to the keeping of a report or copy of a report or plan shall include reference to its being kept in a form -



(a) in which it is capable of being reproduced as a printed copy when required; (b) which is secure from loss or unauthorised interference.

Application 3. - (1) These Regulations shall apply -

(a) in Great Britain; and (b) outside Great Britain as sections 1 to 59 and 80 to 82 of the 1974 Act apply by virtue of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 2001[4].

(2) The requirements imposed by these Regulations on an employer shall apply in relation to work -

(a) by an employee of his; or (b) by any other person under his control, to the extent of his control.

(3) The requirements imposed by these Regulations on an employer shall also apply to -

(a) a self-employed person, in relation to work -

(i) by him; or (ii) by a person under his control, to the extent of his control; and

(b) to any person other than a self-employed person, in relation to work by a person under his control, to the extent of his control.

(4) Regulations 4 to 16 of these Regulations shall not apply to or in relation to -

(a) the master and crew of a ship, or to the employer of such persons, in respect of the normal ship-board activities of a ship's crew which -

(i) are carried out solely by the crew under the direction of the master; and (ii) are not liable to expose persons at work other than the master and crew to a risk to their safety;

(b) a place specified in regulation 7(6) of the Docks



Regulations 1988[5] where persons are engaged in dock operations; (c) a place specified in regulation 5(3) of the Loading and Unloading of Fishing Vessels Regulations 1988[6] where persons are engaged in fish loading processes; or (d) the provision of instruction or leadership to one or more persons in connection with their engagement in caving or climbing by way of sport, recreation, team building or similar activities.

(5) Regulation 11 of these Regulations shall not apply to an installation while regulation 12 of the Offshore Installations and Wells (Design and Construction, etc) Regulations 1996[7] apply to it. (6) In this regulation -

(a) "caving" includes the exploration of parts of mines which are no longer worked; (b) "climbing" includes traversing, abseiling or scrambling over natural terrain or man-made structures; (c) "ship" includes every description of vessel used in navigation, other than a ship which forms part of Her Majesty's Navy.

Organisation and planning 4. - (1) Every employer shall ensure that work at height is -

(a) properly planned; (b) appropriately supervised; and (c) carried out in a manner which is so far as is reasonably practicable safe,

and that its planning includes the selection of work equipment in accordance with regulation 7. (2) Reference in paragraph (1) to planning of work includes planning for emergencies and rescue. (3) Every employer shall ensure that work at height is carried out only when the weather conditions do not jeopardise the health or safety of persons involved in the work. (4) Paragraph (3) shall not apply where members of the



police, fire, ambulance or other emergency services are acting in an emergency. Competence 5. Every employer shall ensure that no person engages in any activity, including organisation, planning and supervision, in relation to work at height or work equipment for use in such work unless he is competent to do so or, if being trained, is being supervised by a competent person. Avoidance of risks from work at height 6. - (1) In identifying the measures required by this regulation, every employer shall take account of a risk assessment under regulation 3 of the Management Regulations. (2) Every employer shall ensure that work is not carried out at height where it is reasonably practicable to carry out the work safely otherwise than at height. (3) Where work is carried out at height, every employer shall take suitable and sufficient measures to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any person falling a distance liable to cause personal injury. (4) The measures required by paragraph (3) shall include -

(a) his ensuring that the work is carried out -

(i) from an existing place of work; or (ii) (in the case of obtaining access or egress) using an existing means,

which complies with Schedule 1, where it is reasonably practicable to carry it out safely and under appropriate ergonomic conditions; and (b) where it is not reasonably practicable for the work to be carried out in accordance with sub-paragraph (a), his providing sufficient work equipment for preventing, so far as is reasonably practicable, a fall occurring.

(5) Where the measures taken under paragraph (4) do not eliminate the risk of a fall occurring, every employer shall -

(a) so far as is reasonably practicable, provide sufficient work equipment to minimise -

(i) the distance and consequences; or (ii) where it is not reasonably practicable to minimise the distance, the consequences,



of a fall; and (b) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (3), provide such additional training and instruction or take other additional suitable and sufficient measures to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any person falling a distance liable to cause personal injury.

Selection of work equipment for work at height 7. - (1) Every employer, in selecting work equipment for use in work at height, shall -

(a) give collective protection measures priority over personal protection measures; and (b) take account of -

(i) the working conditions and the risks to the safety of persons at the place where the work equipment is to be used; (ii) in the case of work equipment for access and egress, the distance to be negotiated; (iii) the distance and consequences of a potential fall; (iv) the duration and frequency of use; (v) the need for easy and timely evacuation and rescue in an emergency; (vi) any additional risk posed by the use, installation or removal of that work equipment or by evacuation and rescue from it; and (vii) the other provisions of these Regulations.

(2) An employer shall select work equipment for work at height which -

(a) has characteristics including dimensions which -

(i) are appropriate to the nature of the work to be performed and the foreseeable loadings; and (ii) allow passage without risk; and

(b) is in other respects the most suitable work equipment, having regard in particular to the purposes specified in regulation 6.



Requirements for particular work equipment 8. Every employer shall ensure that, in the case of -

(a) a guard-rail, toe-board, barrier or similar collective means of protection, Schedule 2 is complied with; (b) a working platform -

(i) Part 1 of Schedule 3 is complied with; and (ii) where scaffolding is provided, Part 2 of Schedule 3 is also complied with;

(c) a net, airbag or other collective safeguard for arresting falls which is not part of a personal fall protection system, Schedule 4 is complied with; (d) a personal fall protection system, Part 1 of Schedule 5 and -

(i) in the case of a work positioning system, Part 2 of Schedule 5; (ii) in the case of rope access and positioning techniques, Part 3 of Schedule 5; (iii) in the case of a fall arrest system, Part 4 of Schedule 5; (iv) in the case of a work restraint system, Part 5 of Schedule 5,

are complied with; and (e) a ladder, Schedule 6 is complied with.

Fragile surfaces 9. - (1) Every employer shall ensure that no person at work passes across or near, or works on, from or near, a fragile surface where it is reasonably practicable to carry out work safely and under appropriate ergonomic conditions without his doing so. (2) Where it is not reasonably practicable to carry out work safely and under appropriate ergonomic conditions without passing across or near, or working on, from or near, a fragile surface, every employer shall -

(a) ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that suitable and sufficient platforms, coverings, guard rails or similar means of support or protection are provided and used so that any foreseeable loading is supported by such supports or borne by such protection;



(b) where a risk of a person at work falling remains despite the measures taken under the preceding provisions of this regulation, take suitable and sufficient measures to minimise the distances and consequences of his fall.

(3) Where any person at work may pass across or near, or work on, from or near, a fragile surface, every employer shall ensure that -

(a) prominent warning notices are so far as is reasonably practicable affixed at the approach to the place where the fragile surface is situated; or (b) where that is not reasonably practicable, such persons are made aware of it by other means.

(4) Paragraph (3) shall not apply where members of the police, fire, ambulance or other emergency services are acting in an emergency. Falling objects 10. - (1) Every employer shall, where necessary to prevent injury to any person, take suitable and sufficient steps to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, the fall of any material or object. (2) Where it is not reasonably practicable to comply with the requirements of paragraph (1), every employer shall take suitable and sufficient steps to prevent any person being struck by any falling material or object which is liable to cause personal injury. (3) Every employer shall ensure that no material or object is thrown or tipped from height in circumstances where it is liable to cause injury to any person. (4) Every employer shall ensure that materials and objects are stored in such a way as to prevent risk to any person arising from the collapse, overturning or unintended movement of such materials or objects. Danger areas 11. Without prejudice to the preceding requirements of these Regulations, every employer shall ensure that -

(a) where a workplace contains an area in which, owing to the nature of the work, there is a risk of any person at work -

(i) falling a distance; or (ii) being struck by a falling object,



which is liable to cause personal injury, the workplace is so far as is reasonably practicable equipped with devices preventing unauthorised persons from entering such area; and (b) such area is clearly indicated.

Inspection of work equipment 12. - (1) This regulation applies only to work equipment to which regulation 8 and Schedules 2 to 6 apply. (2) Every employer shall ensure that, where the safety of work equipment depends on how it is installed or assembled, it is not used after installation or assembly in any position unless it has been inspected in that position. (3) Every employer shall ensure that work equipment exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations is inspected -

(a) at suitable intervals; and (b) each time that exceptional circumstances which are liable to jeopardise the safety of the work equipment have occurred,

to ensure that health and safety conditions are maintained and that any deterioration can be detected and remedied in good time. (4) Without prejudice to paragraph (2), every employer shall ensure that a working platform -

(a) used for construction work; and (b) from which a person could fall 2 metres or more,

is not used in any position unless it has been inspected in that position or, in the case of a mobile working platform, inspected on the site, within the previous 7 days. (5) Every employer shall ensure that no work equipment, other than lifting equipment to which the requirement in regulation 9(4) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998[8] ("LOLER") applies -

(a) leaves his undertaking; or (b) if obtained from the undertaking of another person, is used in his undertaking,

unless it is accompanied by physical evidence that the last inspection required to be carried out under this regulation has been carried out.



(6) Every employer shall ensure that the result of an inspection under this regulation is recorded and, subject to paragraph (8), kept until the next inspection under this regulation is recorded. (7) A person carrying out an inspection of work equipment to which paragraph (4) applies shall -

(a) before the end of the working period within which the inspection is completed, prepare a report containing the particulars set out in Schedule 7; and (b) within 24 hours of completing the inspection, provide the report or a copy thereof to the person on whose behalf the inspection was carried out.

(8) An employer receiving a report or copy under paragraph (7) shall keep the report or a copy thereof -

(a) at the site where the inspection was carried out until the construction work is completed; and (b) thereafter at an office of his for 3 months.

(9) Where a thorough examination has been made of lifting equipment under regulation 9 of LOLER -

(a) it shall for the purposes of this regulation, other than paragraphs (7) and (8), be treated as an inspection of the lifting equipment; and (b) the making under regulation 10 of LOLER of a report of such examination shall for the purposes of paragraph (6) of this regulation be treated as the recording of the inspection.

(10) In this regulation"inspection", subject to paragraph (9) -

(a) means such visual or more rigorous inspection by a competent person as is appropriate for safety purposes; (b) includes any testing appropriate for those purposes,

and "inspected" shall be construed accordingly. Inspection of places of work at height 13. Every employer shall so far as is reasonably practicable ensure that the surface and every parapet, permanent rail or other such fall protection measure of every place of work at height are checked on each occasion before



the place is used. Duties of persons at work 14. - (1) Every person shall, where working under the control of another person, report to that person any activity or defect relating to work at height which he knows is likely to endanger the safety of himself or another person. (2) Every person shall use any work equipment or safety device provided to him for work at height by his employer, or by a person under whose control he works, in accordance with -

(a) any training in the use of the work equipment or device concerned which have been received by him; and (b) the instructions respecting that use which have been provided to him by that employer or person in compliance with the requirements and prohibitions imposed upon that employer or person by or under the relevant statutory provisions.

Exemption by the Health and Safety Executive 15. - (1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Health and Safety Executive ("the Executive") may, by a certificate in writing, exempt -

(a) any person or class of persons; (b) any premises or class of premises; (c) any work equipment; or (d) any work activity,

from the requirements imposed by paragraph 3(a) and (c) of Schedule 2, and any such exemption may be granted subject to conditions and to a limit of time and may be revoked at any time by a certificate in writing. (2) The Executive shall not grant any such exemption unless, having regard to the circumstances of the case and in particular to -

(a) the conditions, if any, which it proposes to attach to the exemption; and (b) any other requirements imposed by or under any enactments which apply to the case,

it is satisfied that the health and safety of persons who are likely to be affected by the exemption will not be prejudiced in consequence of it.



Exemption for the armed forces 16. - (1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary of State for Defence may, in the interests of national security, by a certificate in writing exempt any person or class of persons from any requirement or prohibition imposed by these Regulations in respect of activities carried out in the interests of national security, and any such exemption may be granted subject to conditions and may be revoked by the Secretary of State by a certificate in writing at any time. (2) The Secretary of State shall not grant any such exemption unless he is satisfied that the health and safety of the employees concerned are ensured as far as possible in the light of the objectives of these Regulations. Amendment of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 17. There shall be added to regulation 6(5) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998[9] the following sub-paragraph -

" (f) work equipment to which regulation 12 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 applies".

Repeal of section 24 of the Factories Act 1961 18. Section 24 of the Factories Act 1961[10] is repealed. Revocation of instruments 19. The instruments specified in column 1 of Schedule 8 are revoked to the extent specified in column 3 of that Schedule. Signed by authority of the Secretary of State Jane Kennedy Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions 16th March 2005

SCHEDULE 1 Regulation 6(4)(a)

REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING PLACES OF WORK AND MEANS OF ACCESS OR EGRESS AT HEIGHT

Every existing place of work or means of access or egress at



height shall -

(a) be stable and of sufficient strength and rigidity for the purpose for which it is intended to be or is being used; (b) where applicable, rest on a stable, sufficiently strong surface; (c) be of sufficient dimensions to permit the safe passage of persons and the safe use of any plant or materials required to be used and to provide a safe working area having regard to the work to be carried out there; (d) possess suitable and sufficient means for preventing a fall; (e) possess a surface which has no gap -

(i) through which a person could fall; (ii) through which any material or object could fall and injure a person; or (iii) giving rise to other risk of injury to any person, unless measures have been taken to protect persons against such risk;

(f) be so constructed and used, and maintained in such condition, as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable -

(i) the risk of slipping or tripping; or (ii) any person being caught between it and any adjacent structure;

(g) where it has moving parts, be prevented by appropriate devices from moving inadvertently during work at height.

SCHEDULE 2 Regulation 8(a)

REQUIREMENTS FOR GUARD-RAILS, TOE-BOARDS, BARRIERS AND SIMILAR COLLECTIVE MEANS OF

PROTECTION 1. Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in



this Schedule to means of protection is to a guard-rail, toe-board, barrier or similar collective means of protection. 2. Means of protection shall -

(a) be of sufficient dimensions, of sufficient strength and rigidity for the purposes for which they are being used, and otherwise suitable; (b) be so placed, secured and used as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that they do not become accidentally displaced; and (c) be so placed as to prevent, so far as is practicable, the fall of any person, or of any material or object, from any place of work.

3. In relation to work at height involved in construction work -

(a) the top guard-rail or other similar means of protection shall be at least 950 millimetres or, in the case of such means of protection already fixed at the coming into force of these Regulations, at least 910 millimetres above the edge from which any person is liable to fall; (b) toe-boards shall be suitable and sufficient to prevent the fall of any person, or any material or object, from any place of work; and (c) any intermediate guard-rail or similar means of protection shall be positioned so that any gap between it and other means of protection does not exceed 470 millimetres.

4. Any structure or part of a structure which supports means of protection or to which means of protection are attached shall be of sufficient strength and suitable for the purpose of such support or attachment. 5. - (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), there shall not be a lateral opening in means of protection save at a point of access to a ladder or stairway where an opening is necessary. (2) Means of protection shall be removed only for the time and to the extent necessary to gain access or egress or for the performance of a particular task and shall be replaced as soon as practicable. (3) The task shall not be performed while means of protection are removed unless effective compensatory safety measures are in place.



SCHEDULE 3 Regulation 8(b)

REQUIREMENTS FOR WORKING PLATFORMS

PART 1

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL WORKING PLATFORMS Interpretation 1. In this Schedule, "supporting structure" means any structure used for the purpose of supporting a working platform and includes any plant used for that purpose. Condition of surfaces 2. Any surface upon which any supporting structure rests shall be stable, of sufficient strength and of suitable composition safely to support the supporting structure, the working platform and any loading intended to be placed on the working platform. Stability of supporting structure 3. Any supporting structure shall -

(a) be suitable and of sufficient strength and rigidity for the purpose for which it is being used; (b) in the case of a wheeled structure, be prevented by appropriate devices from moving inadvertently during work at height; (c) in other cases, be prevented from slipping by secure attachment to the bearing surface or to another structure, provision of an effective anti-slip device or by other means of equivalent effectiveness; (d) be stable while being erected, used and dismantled; and (e) when altered or modified, be so altered or modified as to ensure that it remains stable.

Stability of working platforms 4. A working platform shall -

(a) be suitable and of sufficient strength and rigidity for the purpose or purposes for which it is intended to be



used or is being used; (b) be so erected and used as to ensure that its components do not become accidentally displaced so as to endanger any person; (c) when altered or modified, be so altered or modified as to ensure that it remains stable; and (d) be dismantled in such a way as to prevent accidental displacement.

Safety on working platforms 5. A working platform shall -

(a) be of sufficient dimensions to permit the safe passage of persons and the safe use of any plant or materials required to be used and to provide a safe working area having regard to the work being carried out there; (b) possess a suitable surface and, in particular, be so constructed that the surface of the working platform has no gap -

(i) through which a person could fall; (ii) through which any material or object could fall and injure a person; or (iii) giving rise to other risk of injury to any person, unless measures have been taken to protect persons against such risk; and

(c) be so erected and used, and maintained in such condition, as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable -

(i) the risk of slipping or tripping; or (ii) any person being caught between the working platform and any adjacent structure.

Loading 6. A working platform and any supporting structure shall not be loaded so as to give rise to a risk of collapse or to any deformation which could affect its safe use.

PART 2[a]

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SCAFFOLDING



Additional requirements for scaffolding 7. Strength and stability calculations for scaffolding shall be carried out unless -

(a) a note of the calculations, covering the structural arrangements contemplated, is available; or (b) it is assembled in conformity with a generally recognised standard configuration.

8. Depending on the complexity of the scaffolding selected, an assembly, use and dismantling plan shall be drawn up by a competent person. This may be in the form of a standard plan, supplemented by items relating to specific details of the scaffolding in question. 9. A copy of the plan, including any instructions it may contain, shall be kept available for the use of persons concerned in the assembly, use, dismantling or alteration of scaffolding until it has been dismantled. 10. The dimensions, form and layout of scaffolding decks shall be appropriate to the nature of the work to be performed and suitable for the loads to be carried and permit work and passage in safety. 11. While a scaffold is not available for use, including during its assembly, dismantling or alteration, it shall be marked with general warning signs in accordance with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996[11] and be suitably delineated by physical means preventing access to the danger zone. 12. Scaffolding may be assembled, dismantled or significantly altered only under the supervision of a competent person and by persons who have received appropriate and specific training in the operations envisaged which addresses specific risks which the operations may entail and precautions to be taken, and more particularly in -

(a) understanding of the plan for the assembly, dismantling or alteration of the scaffolding concerned; (b) safety during the assembly, dismantling or alteration of the scaffolding concerned; (c) measures to prevent the risk of persons, materials or objects falling; (d) safety measures in the event of changing weather conditions which could adversely affect the safety of the scaffolding concerned; (e) permissible loadings;



(f) any other risks which the assembly, dismantling or alteration of the scaffolding may entail.

SCHEDULE 4 Regulation 8(c) REQUIREMENTS FOR COLLECTIVE SAFEGUARDS FOR

ARRESTING FALLS 1. Any reference in this Schedule to a safeguard is to a collective safeguard for arresting falls. 2. A safeguard shall be used only if -

(a) a risk assessment has demonstrated that the work activity can so far as is reasonably practicable be performed safely while using it and without affecting its effectiveness; (b) the use of other, safer work equipment is not reasonably practicable; and (c) a sufficient number of available persons have received adequate training specific to the safeguard, including rescue procedures.

3. A safeguard shall be suitable and of sufficient strength to arrest safely the fall of any person who is liable to fall. 4. A safeguard shall -

(a) in the case of a safeguard which is designed to be attached, be securely attached to all the required anchors, and the anchors and the means of attachment thereto shall be suitable and of sufficient strength and stability for the purpose of safely supporting the foreseeable loading in arresting any fall and during any subsequent rescue; (b) in the case of an airbag, landing mat or similar safeguard, be stable; and (c) in the case of a safeguard which distorts in arresting a fall, afford sufficient clearance.

5. Suitable and sufficient steps shall be taken to ensure, so far as practicable, that in the event of a fall by any person the safeguard does not itself cause injury to that person.



SCHEDULE 5 Regulation 8(d)

REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

PART 1

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

1. A personal fall protection system shall be used only if -

(a) a risk assessment has demonstrated that -

(i) the work can so far as is reasonably practicable be performed safely while using that system; and (ii) the use of other, safer work equipment is not reasonably practicable; and

(b) the user and a sufficient number of available persons have received adequate training specific to the operations envisaged, including rescue procedures.

2. A personal fall protection system shall -

(a) be suitable and of sufficient strength for the purposes for which it is being used having regard to the work being carried out and any foreseeable loading; (b) where necessary, fit the user; (c) be correctly fitted; (d) be designed to minimise injury to the user and, where necessary, be adjusted to prevent the user falling or slipping from it, should a fall occur; and (e) be so designed, installed and used as to prevent unplanned or uncontrolled movement of the user.

3. A personal fall protection system designed for use with an anchor shall be securely attached to at least one anchor, and each anchor and the means of attachment thereto shall



be suitable and of sufficient strength and stability for the purpose of supporting any foreseeable loading. 4. Suitable and sufficient steps shall be taken to prevent any person falling or slipping from a personal fall protection system.

PART 2

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK POSITIONING SYSTEMS

A work positioning system shall be used only if either -

(a) the system includes a suitable backup system for preventing or arresting a fall; and (b) where the system includes a line as a backup system, the user is connected to it; or (c) where it is not reasonably practicable to comply with sub-paragraph (a), all practicable measures are taken to ensure that the work positioning system does not fail.

PART 3 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ROPE ACCESS AND

POSITIONING TECHNIQUES 1. A rope access or positioning technique shall be used only if -

(a) subject to paragraph 3, it involves a system comprising at least two separately anchored lines, of which one ("the working line") is used as a means of access, egress and support and the other is the safety line; (b) the user is provided with a suitable harness and is connected by it to the working line and the safety line; (c) the working line is equipped with safe means of ascent and descent and has a self-locking system to prevent the user falling should he lose control of his movements; and (d) the safety line is equipped with a mobile fall protection system which is connected to and travels with the user of the system.



2. Taking the risk assessment into account and depending in particular on the duration of the job and the ergonomic constraints, provision must be made for a seat with appropriate accessories. 3. The system may comprise a single rope where -

(a) a risk assessment has demonstrated that the use of a second line would entail higher risk to persons; and (b) appropriate measures have been taken to ensure safety.

PART 4

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FALL ARREST SYSTEMS

1. A fall arrest system shall incorporate a suitable means of absorbing energy and limiting the forces applied to the user's body. 2. A fall arrest system shall not be used in a manner -

(a) which involves the risk of a line being cut; (b) where its safe use requires a clear zone (allowing for any pendulum effect), which does not afford such zone; or (c) which otherwise inhibits its performance or renders its use unsafe.

PART 5 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK RESTRAINT

SYSTEMS A work restraint system shall -

(a) be so designed that, if used correctly, it prevents the user from getting into a position in which a fall can occur; and (b) be used correctly.

SCHEDULE 6



Regulation 8(e)

REQUIREMENTS FOR LADDERS 1. Every employer shall ensure that a ladder is used for work at height only if a risk assessment under regulation 3 of the Management Regulations has demonstrated that the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and -

(a) the short duration of use; or (b) existing features on site which he cannot alter.

2. Any surface upon which a ladder rests shall be stable, firm, of sufficient strength and of suitable composition safely to support the ladder so that its rungs or steps remain horizontal, and any loading intended to be placed on it. 3. A ladder shall be so positioned as to ensure its stability during use. 4. A suspended ladder shall be attached in a secure manner and so that, with the exception of a flexible ladder, it cannot be displaced and swinging is prevented. 5. A portable ladder shall be prevented from slipping during use by -

(a) securing the stiles at or near their upper or lower ends; (b) an effective anti-slip or other effective stability device; or (c) any other arrangement of equivalent effectiveness.

6. A ladder used for access shall be long enough to protrude sufficiently above the place of landing to which it provides access, unless other measures have been taken to ensure a firm handhold. 7. No interlocking or extension ladder shall be used unless its sections are prevented from moving relative to each other while in use. 8. A mobile ladder shall be prevented from moving before it is stepped on. 9. Where a ladder or run of ladders rises a vertical distance of 9 metres or more above its base, there shall, where reasonably practicable, be provided at suitable



intervals sufficient safe landing areas or rest platforms. 10. Every ladder shall be used in such a way that -

(a) a secure handhold and secure support are always available to the user; and (b) the user can maintain a safe handhold when carrying a load unless, in the case of a step ladder, the maintenance of a handhold is not practicable when a load is carried, and a risk assessment under regulation 3 of the Management Regulations has demonstrated that the use of a stepladder is justified because of -

(i) the low risk; and (ii) the short duration of use.

SCHEDULE 7 Regulation 12(7)

PARTICULARS TO BE INCLUDED IN A REPORT OF INSPECTION

1. The name and address of the person for whom the inspection was carried out. 2. The location of the work equipment inspected. 3. A description of the work equipment inspected. 4. The date and time of the inspection. 5. Details of any matter identified that could give rise to a risk to the health or safety of any person. 6. Details of any action taken as a result of any matter identified in paragraph 5. 7. Details of any further action considered necessary. 8. The name and position of the person making the report.

SCHEDULE 8 Regulation 19



REVOCATION OF INSTRUMENTS (1) (2) (3)

Description of instrument

Reference Extent of revocation

The Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing Regulations 1960

S.I. 1960/1932, amended by S.I. 1983/644 and 1998/2307

Regulations 7 to 10 and 12 to 30

The Docks, Shipbuilding etc. (Metrication) Regulations 1983

S.I. 1983/644 In the Schedule the entries relating to regulations 9(1)(a) to 26(1) of the Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing Regulations 1960

The Docks Regulations 1988

S.I. 1988/1655 Regulation 7(4) and (5); in regulation 7(6) the words "and (c) any other place not being a quay or jetty where any person working or passing might fall a distance of more than 2 metres"

The Loading and Unloading of Fishing Vessels Regulations 1988

S.I. 1988/1656 In regulation 5(3) the words "and (c) any other place not being a quay where any person working or passing might fall a distance of more than two metres"

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

S.I. 1992/3004 Regulation 13(1) to (4)

The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996

S.I.1996/1592 In regulation 2(1), the definitions of "fragile material", "personal suspension equipment" and "working platform"; regulations 6 to 8; in regulation 29(2) the word "scaffold" in both instances; regulation 30(5) and (6)(a); Schedules 1 to



EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations) 1. These Regulations impose health and safety requirements with respect to work at height, with certain exceptions including by instructors or leaders in recreational climbing and caving. 2. These Regulations give effect as respects Great Britain to Directive 2001/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ No L195, 19.7.2001, p.46), amending Council Directive 89/655/EEC (OJ No L393, 30.12.89, p.13) concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by workers at work. They contain additional provisions, including provisions which replace regulations giving effect to certain provisions of Council Directives 89/391/EEC (OJ No L393, 30.12.89, p.1) concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace and 92/57/EEC (OJ No L245, 26.8.92, p.6) on the implementation of minimum health and safety requirements at temporary or mobile construction sites. 3. The Regulations -

(a) impose duties relating to the organising and planning of work at height (regulation 4); (b) require that persons at work be competent, or supervised by competent persons (regulation 5); (c) prescribe steps to be taken to avoid risk from work at height (regulation 6 and Schedule 1); (d) impose duties relating to the selection of work equipment (regulation 7); (e) impose duties in relation to particular work equipment (regulation 8 and Schedules 2 to 6); (f) impose duties for the avoidance of risks from fragile surfaces, falling objects and danger areas (regulations 9 to 11); (g) require the inspection of certain work equipment and of places of work at height (regulations 12 and 13 and Schedule 7);

5; and the entry first mentioned in columns 1 and 2 of Schedule 7



(h) impose duties on persons at work (regulation 14); (i) provide for exemptions from certain provisions (regulations 15 and 16); and (j) amend, repeal or revoke certain enactments (regulations 17 to19 and Schedule 8).

4. A full regulatory impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business is available from the Health and Safety Executive, Safety Economics Unit, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London SE1 9HS. A Transposition Note in relation to the implementation of the Directives can be obtained from the Health and Safety, International Branch at the same address. Copies of both these documents have been placed in the Library of each House of Parliament.

Notes: [1] 1974 c.37. Sections 15 and 50 were amended by the Employment Protection Act 1975 (c.71) Schedule 15, paragraphs 6 and 16 respectively. The general purposes of Part I of the 1974 Act were extended by section 1(1) of the Offshore Safety Act 1992 (c.15). Section 51A was inserted by section 1, and sections 52 and 53 were amended by sections 2 and 6 respectively, of the Police (Health and Safety) Act 1997 (c.42).back

[2] S.I. 1996/1592, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.back


[4] S.I. 2001/2127.back


[6] S.I. 1988/1656.back

[7] S.I.1996/913.back

[8] S.I.1998/2307, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.back


[10] 1961 c.34.back



[11] S.I. 1996/341.back

[a] Amended by Correction Slip. Page 13, Schedule 3, Part 2; above the sub-heading "ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SCAFFOLDING", "PART" should read "PART 2". back

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