Working at Height. Andy Suthern Maersk Training

Transcription

1 Working at Height Andy Suthern Maersk Training

2 Legislation

3 Working at height means any height from which people could fall and injure themselves. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 place a duty on employers and contractors to ensure that all work at height is: Properly planned and organised - including planning for emergencies and rescue Assessed for risks using the hierarchy of control measures Appropriately supervised Done in a way that is - as far as is reasonably practical - safe Always done by competent people. Done using appropriate equipment that is regularly inspected and maintained.

4 The regulations set out three simple rules for working at height: AVOID work at height if you can - If you don't need to go up there, don't!! PREVENT If work at height cannot be avoided prevent falls by selecting and using the right access equipment MINIMISE the impact of any fall. Where you cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other means to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, should one occur.

5 Over half of the fatal injuries to workers were of three kinds: Falls from height Struck by a vehicle Struck by a moving or falling object (RIDDOR);

6 Statistics for 2014/15: Falls from height are the biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the biggest causes of major injury. Falls from height accounted for nearly three in ten fatal injuries to workers (41 out of 142). Almost half of fatal falls took place in construction (20 out of 41 fatal fall injuries).

7 Common causes of incidents

8 Failure to recognise a problem. Poor management, rather than equipment failure. Failure to ensure a safe system of work is in place and followed. Inadequate information, instruction, training & supervision. Failure to provide safe plant & equipment Failure to use the appropriate equipment.

9 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

10 Global, European and UK Standards ANSI / OSHA CSA CE / EN AUS / NZ BS8437 (Code of Practice for use of PFPE)

11 What is PPE? PPE means: Any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health & safety hazards. PPE is broken down into 3 separate categories: Simple Intermediate Complex

12 Simple Items of PPE that come under the simple category include: Gloves Boots High visibility vest Safety glasses They require no user instruction due to the minimal risk involved

13 Intermediate Covers categories neither covered by Simple nor Complex design categories. Intermediate includes equipment such as helmets which require minimal instruction and training.

14 Complex Complex PPE requires more in depth user instruction. Designed to protect against mortal danger or dangers that can seriously harm health.

15 PPE Inspections EN365 By the user before and after use All PPE should be inspected for signs of damage on a regular basis. Interim (optional) if deemed necessary by a competent person. By an independent competent person a minimum of every 6 months in the UK. All competent person inspections should be recorded and kept on file for the duration the item is in service. An immediate inspection should be performed on: Equipment used under conditions causing deterioration Equipment that has arrested a fall.

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17 Fall Arrest Lanyards

18 Why Use Shock Absorbers? Internal injuries, e.g. Lungs Liver Heart Spleen Kidneys Shock force without shock absorber Shock force with shock absorber Shock force in kn Fall in meters

19 Why the need for rescue

20 What is Suspension Trauma? Orthostatic intolerance The effects of immobilisation in a vertical position as a result of suspension. Presents an immediate threat of death to all persons immobilised in a vertical position. Onset and progress are rapid and unpredictable. Suspension intolerance is the main reason the WAHR insist on immediate in-house rescue.

21 Any Questions

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25 Assessing the Risk

26 Elementary risk assessment Identify the work task and the location (use site visit, photo, drawing, previous experience) Look for significant hazards Decide who can be harmed and how Estimate the risk can I get rid of the risk altogether? if not, how can I control the risk? Record your findings. Review Periodically.

27 General considerations for work at height Location of the work position Methods of access and egress (fixed and temp.) Weather Falling objects Handling of loads size, weight, stability, position, required action Tools and equipment Slip and trip hazards ducts, pipes, cable trays, rubbish, algae, snow, ice RF isolation Communication Special risks

28 Method statements should provide all the necessary information Where the work will be performed Means of access and egress Methods of fall protection Methods used to secure materials Any other specific hazards Work equipment which will be used Level of competence to be required Level of necessary supervision How changes to the work method will be checked Method statements should be properly communicated e.g. toolbox talks.

29 Controlling Dropped Objects

30 Controls to reduce the risk of falling objects Secure all tools by Lanyards Create (and enforce) exclusion zone below employ a sentry if necessary Always wear helmets Avoid working beneath others Forbid the carrying of loose objects Ensure toe boards on working platforms Deploy debris netting if required Use bolt bags or tool bags attached to waist Suspend heavy tools separately Secure lifted loads properly

31 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

32 What is PPE? PPE means: Any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health & safety hazards. PPE is broken down into 3 separate categories: Simple Intermediate Complex

33 Simple Items of PPE that come under the simple category include: Gloves Boots High visibility vest Safety glasses They require no user instruction due to the minimal risk involved.

34 Intermediate Covers categories neither covered by Simple nor Complex design categories. Intermediate includes equipment such as helmets which require minimal instruction and training.

35 Complex Complex PPE requires more in depth user instruction. Designed to protect against mortal danger or dangers that can seriously harm health

36 PPE Inspections EN365 By the user before and after use Interim (optional) if deemed necessary by a competent person. By an independent competent person a minimum of every 6 months (Abutting countries Finland Norway Poland - Turkey = 12 month). All PPE should be inspected for signs of damage on a regular basis. Inspections should be carried out : All competent users inspections should be recorded on an equipment recorded and kept on file for the duration the item is in service An immediate inspection is performed on: 1) Equipment used under conditions causing deterioration 2) Equipment that has arrested a fall Employees shall keep a log of all inspection results until next inspection.

37 Harness Types, Inspection and Fitting

38 Sala Exofit Wind Harness

39 Miller RV Revolution Offshore

40 Skylotec Wind Harness

41 User Inspection Overall appearance Labels Fall indicators Webbing (both sides) Attachment points Metal and cam buckles Pivot links/hip rings Accessories Stitching Back shield / padding

42 Work Positioning/Restraint Lanyards

43 Work Positioning Lanyards Designed to support the climber when at the work site and to enable us to work with both hands and prevent a fall. Work Positioning devices have no energy dissipating properties. There must be no slack in the system when attached so always kept taut. They must comply with EN358 or higher (e.g. EN12841). They are not designed to protect the user in a fall just act as a point of contact. At least one item of fall arrest equipment must be connected as well as the work positioning device.

44 Work Positioning Lanyards IMPORTANT: Work positioning lanyards must ALWAYS BE KEPT TAUT Miller Adjustable Lanyard Length: 2 m (2.2 yds.) Maxikarabiner opening: 52 mm (2.1 in.) Skylotec Ergogrip Length: 1.8 m (2 yds.) Maxikarabiner opening: 60 mm (2.4 in.)

45 Harness Practical

46 Fall Arrest Lanyards

47 Why Use Shock Absorbers? Internal injuries, e.g. Lungs Liver Heart Spleen Kidneys Shock force without shock absorber Shock force with shock absorber Shock force in kn Fall in meters

48 Fall Arrest Lanyards Designed to protect the user in the event of a fall but not to prevent one. Must incorporate an energy-absorbing device (shock absorber) keeping forces to less than 6KN. Must be used with a full body harness to EN361 and be connected to the upper attachment point. Must be connected to an anchorage capable of supporting 12kN or more. Difference between Y and V lanyards.

49 Fall Arrest Lanyards Difference between V and Y types Both have shock absorbers. V types have a shock absorber on each lanyard. Y types have one shared shock absorber (shock pack).

50 Fall Factor Factor 0.5 Factor 2 Definition A free fall factor of 2 is a fall where the distance is equal to 2 times the distance between the worker and anchoring point. In practice a free fall factor of 2 happens when the anchoring point is located at foot level Factor 2 fall example 2x length of lanyard 1x absorber maximum deployment (1.75 m) 1x safety margin (1 m) = 6.75 m/7.4 yds.

51 Pendulum - Swing while Falling Always be extra cautious when it is not possible to anchor the fall arrest lanyard or self-retractable lifelines (SRLs) vertically above you. If you cannot find a more suitable anchor points you should consider using a work positioning lanyard.

52 Tie-off Points Ladders

53 Anchor Bolts/ Attachment Points Purpose-fitted eyebolts are commonly found in places of work where working at height takes place. Eyebolts must comply with EN795 and be identified as for PFPE use only. They should never be used for lifting of heavy equipment. A PFPE eyebolt must be inspected before use and annually (for fall arrest use) or every 6 months (for abseil use, which is covered by LOLER as well as the WAHR). Something that is deemed unquestionably unreliable may also be used, such as lifting points or steel framework.

54 Approved Anchor Points - Examples

55 Self Retracting Lifelines

56 Self Retractable Life Lines

57 Self-Retractable Lifelines (SRLs) Miller Falcon Galvanized wire and hook 20 m (21.9 yds.) wire Maximum angle: 30 Miller Falcon Offshore Stainless steel wire and hook 20 m (21.9 yds.) wire 15 m (16.4 yds.) tagline including breakaway connection for safety Plastic protection cover

58 Practical

59 Hazards

60 Group Discussion Discuss hazards and possible emergency situations

61 Site Hazards The sites you will work on normally have an induction system in place and this should be adhered to at all times. Typical hazards found on sites which should be risk-assessed are: Driving: Livestock: Electrocution: Chemicals: Manual Handling: Crushing or entrapment: Bad house keeping: Falling Objects: Lone Working: Communications: Poor visibility: Fire: Remoteness: Stay below the speed limit and avoid soft ground Gates should be closed on entry and exit Equipment should be isolated where necessary The COSHH regulations must be followed Use winches where necessary and other lifting aids Machinery must be locked and isolated before access Keeping work areas tidy, tools & equipment away Tether tools and equipment. Cordon areas below work sites Lone work at height must not be carried out A means to call for help (mobile phone etc.) must be present Head torches should be used in low lighting conditions Manned or unmanned equipment Location

62 Weather Hazards Many weather conditions would normally stop work at height: Electrical storms Poor visibility (fog, low cloud, darkness, etc.) Strong or gusting winds Heavy or persistent rain Snow or ice build up on surfaces Under the law you must not work at height in weather conditions which may present a health and safety hazard.

63 Rescue

64 Emergency Procedure Stay calm - don t put yourself at risk. Raise the alarm - as per your company policy or site induction Get to the casualty if safe to do so and establish their status Assess the need for rescue. Perform a rescue if one is required and is possible. If you need assistance, dial 999 / 112 and give: Your name, phone number, accident details, location/landmarks/grid ref and the position of the casualty. Make the operator aware this is an incident at height. For injuries request an ambulance, but for help in rescue you must ask specifically for the Fire Service LINE RESCUE team. Administer First Aid in accordance with your training. Report all incidents as soon as possible.

65 What is Suspension Trauma? Orthostatic intolerance The effects of immobilisation in a vertical position as a result of suspension in a harness or stretcher. Effects are not new Crucifixion is in fact death from suspension intolerance Presents an immediate threat of death to all persons immobilised in a vertical position Onset and progress are rapid and unpredictable Suspension intolerance is the main reason the WAHR insist on immediate inhouse rescue.

66 Symptoms and Causes SYMPTOMS General feelings of unease - Dizziness, hot and sweaty - Increased pulse and breathing rates, breathless feeling - Palpable pulse in the legs Rapid drop in pulse & BP Instant loss of consciousness If not rescued, death is certain. CAUSES Humans are not designed to stand upright. Our circulatory system was built for life on all fours Volume of blood vessels much greater than that of the blood Muscle contractions constrict blood vessels.

67 How to Reduce the Risks Vital to get the legs elevated as soon as post-fall suspension begins. Most significant factor is the angle of the thighs. Creating a sitting position helps enormously. Carry an emergency knee-loop at all times Plan for immediate repositioning and rescue All workers must be within continual rescue access BS8437 requires rescue out of suspension within 10 minutes Without repositioning the legs there is NO WAY to prevent the onset of suspension trauma, except rescue

68 Raise the Knees

69 Post Rescue Recovery Treatment No scientific literature that tests the effects of sitting a rescued casualty in a semi-recumbent position. Recent guidelines from the HSE concerning reflow effect suggest there should be no change to standard UK guidance for normal first aid precautions. Follow standard UK first aid guidance of ABC management, even if the subject of prior harness suspension. Ref: HSE research report RR708.

70 Rescue / Evacuation Kit

71 Anchoring Rescue Device

72 Course Completion and Evaluation Course Title: Working at Height and Rescue Course conducted at: Maersk Training in Newcastle