... Think safety! Working at heights. HSE in general. Environment. Health. Safety

Transcription

1 ... Think safety! Working at heights HSE in general Environment Health Safety 1

2 Working at heights Gasunie is one of the biggest gas infrastructure companies in Europe. Within the company, we give safety the highest priority; it forms the basis of our license to operate. We abide by the strictest safety, health and environmental standards, both for our own employees external contractors and the surroundings. Gasunie s safety policy is thus characterised by a proactive approach which is designed to prevent accidents, incidents and hazardous situations. General rules Familiarise yourself with the situation at the installation or construction site where you are going to work as soon as possible Who/what is where? Apply precautionary measures that are appropriate to the work you are going to carry out. Make enough time for safety: think about what could go wrong and consider whether you have done everything you can to prevent any risky conditions. Remain alert at all times when you are working. If in any doubt, always ask or suspend activities where necessary. 2

3 ... Think safety! Published Working by: at heights N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie HSE Work Department carried out at heights is risky and is classified P.O. in the Box high 19 risk category. The use of measures to 9700 prevent MA falls Groningen and to protect yourself from falling is mandatory. You will be expected to know when and how to use them, both before and during your work. April 2012 What is working at heights? Working at heights with a risk of falling more than 2.5 m, or at heights of less than 2.5 metres with increased risks All places of work near ducts/trenches deeper than 2.5 m or less but involving increased risks All workplaces within 2 m of a roof or work platform where there are no rails or other secure fall preventers Preparations Risk of falling (with a risk of injury) must be prevented at all times. Always therefore first consider/discuss whether the work could be carried out in another way than at heights. 3

4 Working at heights Flat roofs and scaffolding Performing work on flat roofs and scaffolds where the fall distance, calculated from the standing height to the ground, is 2.5 m or more, is permissible without fall protection provided: A rail or fence is installed; this rail or fence must consist of an upper support to a height of at least 1 metre and up to 1.1 metre above standing height, an interim support and a foot-level upstand of at least 0.15 metres; Work carried out on a flat roof or scaffolding where there is no rail or fence must be performed at a distance of at least 2 m from the roof edge. This work area must be marked with a girder or red and white tape. Work carried out on a flat roof or scaffolding within 2 m from the roof edge must be fitted with a fall protection system if the conditions prescribed in the first point above cannot be met. 4

5 ... Think safety! Ladders Low risk work lasting less than 2 hours Standing height < 7.5 m Maximum load-bearing weight < 100 N (10 kg) Angle of placement 65 o -75 o Placed on flat firm surface To protrude no more than 1 metre above ground level/roof edge Abandon work > wind force 6 Secure at top to prevent slippage Use staircase in construction trenches > 6 metres deep Scaffolding Inspection: - By a person with the necessary expertise - At least once every 3 months - Following extreme weather conditions To be erected, altered and dismantled only by a person with the necessary expertise Only to be mounted if a green scafftag is present 5

6 Working at heights Moveable scaffolding Erect in accordance with supplier s instructions Maximum internal height 12 m, external height 8 m Place on stable surface (or dock boards/u-profiles) Assemble workfloor connected against the scaffolding Wheels must be locked/blocked before mounting Abandon work > wind force 6 Aerial lifts Operator must have the right specific training Fall protection must be worn Workers must not use the aerial lift without assistance Abandon work > wind force 6 Two or more aerial lifts in the same area: compile a task/risk analysis (TRA)! 6

7 ... Think safety! Before starting work Inspect and check the workplace Identify emergency escape routes and assembly points Check (moving) scaffolding (NB scafftag; work permit) Check the tools you will be using Inspect and check your fall protection gear Check the weather conditions Make sure relevant areas are cordoned off in the event of falling objects Extra risks involved in working at heights Difficult to access places Installations or installation parts that are in operation Difficult working conditions Erecting/dismantling heavy components Simultaneous activities (e.g. hoisting) Making adjustments to a scaffold yourself: do not improvise If you have any questions or need more information, you can always contact the site manager or supervisor, or the Safety Department. 7

8 Working at heights Published by: N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie HSE Department P.O. Box MA Groningen Februari