Working at Height- Toolbox Talk

Working at height means working on any height from which there is a risk of
fall. More Than 30% of industrial accidents are because of falls from height.
out of which almost 60% of falls resulted in a death. Common causes include
falls from ladders, fall from scaffoldings, fall from structure, fall from the
fragile roof, etc. majority activities in which risk of fall from height include
painting work, roof sheeting work, scaffold erection work, cable laying work,
cable dressing work, lighting work, etc.

Hazard of working at Height

• Fall from height

• Fragile roof
• Inadequate Ladder
• Unstable platform
• Overhead electrical power lines
• Overhead cranes
• Tough Weather (high wind flow, rain, extreme heat etc.)
• Slip & trip by tools or material stacking on platform
• Material fall from height
• Inadequate access
• Poor illumination
Control for Working at Height
• Elimination: Avoid work at height if possible
• Substitute: Use scissor lifts, Cherry picker (Boom lifters),
scaffolds for working at height instead of working through unsafe
access
• Engineering control: Use crawling board, edge protections,
railings etc. as a engineering control
• Administrative control: Provide training related to work at
height , Permit system for work at height
• Personal protective equipment(PPE): Use safety belt, retractable
fall arrester, lifeline for height work
Precaution required before working at Height
 • Inspect work site prior to day of work
• Mark or covered fragile surface with appropriate guard rail
before assigning work
• Prepared pre job plan for work
• Identify hazard of work and decide appropriate controls for each
hazard before starting of work
• Explain each hazard to workmen before starting of job
• All platform or ladder should be inspected as per your plant
procedure
• Ensure safety belts are free from any damages, all it’s hooks,
strips are in healthy conditions
Ensure following points while Working at Height
• Use engineering controls and do as much as work from ground
level
• Work Permit has been required with all due precautions (i.e.
PPEs, structure, platform, weather condition, illumination, area
surrounding etc)
• Mobile or static platform should be safe and secure use
additional outriggers in mobile scaffolds to improve stability of
scaffolds
• Work platforms have adequate capacity for withstanding weight
of people, their equipments and materials
• Adequate guardrail, barriers or any other means of protection
are required
• A safe intermediate platform is required , where access ladders
rise above 9 m
• All Scaffold must be approved by scaffolder or decided authority
• Ladders are rested at the correct angle (maintain 4:1 ration),
extend at least 1 m above the stepping-off point and are secured,
top and bottom. (for more details of ladder safety click here)
• ladders must have valid inspection tag or it must be approved
• Safety belt required while working at height above 1.8 meter
• Avoid work near to the HT or LT Line
• Ensure appropriate access of egress for emergency
 • Make sure all tools or equipments should be properly tied to
avoid fall from height
• Provide toe guard or edge protection on roof on platform to
secure unwanted material falling from height
• While working near fragile roof provide appropriate anchorage
for safety belt anchoring
• Use fall-arrest devices, safety harnesses, lifeline, H-line or safety
nets to prevent falls
• Always supply and use anchorage points for safety harnesses
and ladders
• Work at height not allowed if weather condition is adverse
• Clean safety shoes before stepping up at heights to avoid slip
• Do not overreach on platforms or ladder
• Do not accumulate rubbish on platform
• Never use forklift for working on height

Always anchor Safety harness while working at height

Safe Working Practices for Working at Height
• All person engaged in height work are trained and competent
 • Conduct medical examination of workers ( He must be physically
and mentally fit for working at height) before working at height
more than 50 feet
• Select appropriate equipment and conduct risk assessment for
work
• Use crawling boards or ladders on roof if roof is fragile or the
slope of roof is above 10 degrees
• Restrict unauthorized access to roofs, chimney, terrace, stacks
etc.
• Use ladders for light work of short duration, when no safer
alternative identified
• Inspect & maintain all equipment regularly before use and after
adverse conditions
• All opening must be guarded or covered to avoid fall
• Secure your tools with your cloth to avoid slipped or fall during
height work
• Ensure area barricading if any height work activities going on
• Use a chute for lower materials properly from height
Remember: There is no safe height to fall from, so avoid working at height
when possible