Page 1 of 8 AL-Yamama Engineering Company HSSE Department (s) WORKING AT HEIGHT PROCEDURE Page 1 of 8
Page 2 of 8 Introduction Work at height is any work activity that is performed where the work is to be performed at a height of 2 meters (6 ft.) or higher. Work at height hazards can occur during a number of work tasks, such as: - Daily operations - Routine maintenance or repair work - Non-routine tasks Falls from Height Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most common cause of major injury to personnel. All industry sectors are exposed to the risks presented by this hazard although the level of incidence varies considerably. Potential of falls can be present On: - Ladders and stairways - Elevated platforms - Top of Trucks or Rail Cars - Portable ramps During: - Scaffold installation or its removal - Construction work - Inspection of process equipment and other mechanisms - Personnel rescue - Confined space entry - During excavation work when the depth is greater than 2 meters Page 2 of 8
Page 3 of 8 Falls from Height Experience shows that these events usually arise due to poor management control rather than because of equipment failure. Common factors include, but are not limited to: - Failure to recognize a problem. - Failure to have adequate safe work practice procedures in place - Failure to follow safe work practices. - Failure to provide safe systems of work. - Inadequate information, instruction, training or supervision provided. - Failure to use appropriate equipment. - Failure to provide safe plant/equipment. Controlling Height Hazards - The most effective form of fall protection is fixed protection designed into the original facility. - Means to design out work at height hazards include: Page 3 of 8 Placing equipment that requires regular maintenance or repair at ground level. Providing adequate access and work platforms, where work is required to be performed at height. Ensuring all access ways, ladders, platforms, and handrails conform to acceptable design criteria. Restricting unauthorized access to elevated work areas. - Check with the client s Safety Personnel to verify job site specific fall protection requirements. Types of Fall Protection Systems: 1- Passive Systems A passive fall protection system is one which is built into the facility. Passive systems may include: - Ladders and stairs
Page 4 of 8 - Guardrails - Handrails - Access platforms - Barricading - Gangways - Ramps 2- Active Systems Active fall protection systems can be either fall restraint or fall arrest systems. Active fall protection systems are required when passive fall protection is not enough or unavailable. Examples of Work at Height The following are some typical examples of tasks that may involve work at height that occur at facilities, but is not an all inclusive list: - Construction or demolition work. - Roof work, including cleaning, replacement, or maintenance. - Work performed in man baskets. - Work with hoists. - Working on scaffolds. - Work on bulk storage tank roofs. - Changing light bulbs when at or above 2 meter high. - Tanker truck inspections. Access and Egress - A safe means of access and egress should be provided to work areas. - Where regular access is required, steps, fixed ladders, platforms and walkways should be provided. - Where access is on an irregular basis portable ladders or suitable mechanical plant, such as a scissor lift or power operated elevated platform, may be acceptable. - Suitable access should take into account environmental conditions such as weather and lighting, as well as what people may need to carry and other relevant factors. Page 4 of 8
Page 5 of 8 Work on top of Trucks - Serious injuries may result from falls from the top of tank trucks, or other large trucks. - Where access to the top of trucks is required a safe means of access should be provided. This may include: Page 5 of 8 Provision of steps, permanent access ways, walkways and guardrails. Provision of non-slip walkways along the tank truck top. Provision of fall protection anchor points to tie-off a safety harness. - Provision of fall protection should be considered at both the loading and delivery locations if access to the truck top is required at both locations. Work on Rooftops - Rooftop work may be one of the more dangerous work at height tasks, as rooftops are not typically designed with any fall protection system. - Where regular rooftop access is required consideration should be given to installing permanent access-ways and platforms or, where this is not feasible, installing an anchor system for securing safety harnesses. - Care must be taken on rooftops for unsafe areas. These may often not be visible due to dirt, or being painted over, and may include: Brittle roofing material such as aged asbestos, compressed fiber board, or corroded roofing iron. Roof sky lights (these may not be visible if painted over) Deteriorated roof support structures. Permanent Fixed Access and Platforms - Permanently installed steps, stairs, ramps etc. shall comply with all relevant local regulatory requirements. - Any stairway or platform more than 1.2 meters (4ft.) above ground level should have guardrails fitted to prevent falls. - Guardrails should be 0.9 1.1 meters (42 ± 3 ) high, and have a centre rail fitted. - Guardrails must be able to withstand at least a 90 kg (200 lb) force applied within 5 cm (2 ) of the top edge. - Where a platform is located above a work area, or area where persons may pass, a toeboard or kickboard should be fitted.
Page 6 of 8 Portable Ladder Safety Whenever using a portable ladder the following safeguards should be followed: - Use only on stable and level surfaces. - Do not use on slippery surfaces unless adequately secured. - Keep the area around the base and top of the ladder clear. - Use the ladder only for the purpose it was designed and intended for. - Do not use the top of the ladder as a step. - Do not move, shift, or extend a ladder while it is occupied. Portable Ladder Safety control - Only use non-conductive ladders when working around live power lines (e.g. wooden). - Ladders should be placed at an angle of approximately 1 in 4 (i.e. for every 4 meters height, place 1 meter from the wall). - When ascending a ladder always: Face the ladder. Maintain 3 points of contact (one hand and two feet, or two hands, one foot). - Do not carry onto a ladder any object or load which may cause you to lose your balance (tools or equipment to be taken up may be roped up once up the ladder). - For non self supporting ladders ensure: o o o The top of the ladder should extend 1 meter (3 ft.) past the step off point. The ladder must be secured against movement while in use. While in use a second person should foot the ladder and it should be tied off at the top. - Check the condition of the ladder before use. - Before using a ladder always ask yourself is a ladder the safest and best work method to perform this task? Page 6 of 8
Page 7 of 8 Fall Arrest Systems Where a person is required to work more than 2 meters (6 ft.) above ground level and no fixed fall protection, such as guardrails, are installed then it may be necessary to utilize a safety harness. - The following are some of the basic requirements around the use of safety lines and harnesses: Only full body harnesses should be used (safety belts can cause fatal injuries in fall situations) Persons using a safety harness shall be trained in the correct use or adequately supervised. Fall Arrest Systems control - A shock absorbing lanyard should be used whenever there is potential to fall more than 4 meters (12 ft.). - The safety lines must be secured to a structurally sound anchor capable of withstanding a minimum load of 22 kn (5000 lbs.) tensile force. - Safety lines must be capable of being attached when still at ground level (or on a safe platform) this may require special attention in the case of inertia lock retractable lanyards. - Safety lines, including an allowance for the shock absorbing lanyard if fitted, must be shorter than the length of the fall. - An emergency rescue plan must be in place to ensure the rapid recovery of anyone who falls while using a safety harness. - A minimum of two people should be present when using fall arrest systems to ensure a timely rescue. Scaffolding - All scaffolding shall be installed in accordance with local regulations and standards. - Scaffolding must be installed by a competent person and inspected prior to use. The inspection shall include: The surface on which the scaffold is assembled is stable. Guardrails & working platforms are in place on all areas in use. Safe access is provided to all platforms. Page 7 of 8
Page 8 of 8 Sufficient scaffold ties and braces are in place. All load-bearing supports are in the correct place and secured using the correct fittings. Working platforms are fully decked with no gaps, and planks are secured against movement. Perimeter protection or guardrails are correctly fitted. Any scaffold poles protruding below 2 meters (6ft.) height above grade have suitable end caps fitted. - Regular ongoing inspections should be scheduled where scaffolding is in place for more than one week (to ensure no unauthorized modifications) Mechanical Plant control - When working in an elevated bucket a fall protection harness suitably anchored to the bucket, should be worn (note harnesses are not required on elevated work platforms (scissor lifts) if adequate guardrails are fitted) - Mechanical buckets and platforms shall only be operated by suitably trained and qualified personnel. Page 8 of 8