Working at height. What is the risk? How can you manage it?

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1 Working at height What is the risk? How can you manage it? Shell Chemicals Europe BV June

2 DISCLAIMER This document is made available for information only and on the condition that (i) it may not be relied upon by anyone, in the conduct of their own operations or otherwise; (ii) neither the [Shell] company issuing this document nor any other person or company concerned with furnishing information or data used herein (A) is liable for its accuracy or completeness, or for any advice given in or any omission from this document, or for any consequences whatsoever resulting directly or indirectly from any use made of this document by any person, even if there was a failure to exercise reasonable care on the part of the issuing company or any other person or company as aforesaid; or (B) make any claim, representation or warranty, express or implied, that acting in accordance with this document will produce any particular results with regard to the subject matter contained herein or satisfy the requirements of any applicable federal, state or local laws and regulations; and (iii) nothing in this document constitutes technical advice, if such advice is required it should be sought from a qualified professional adviser. 2

3 Working at height can be dangerous Falling from height is a known high risk for workers in the chemicals industry. Industry data show that the majority of incidents in the chemicals supply chain occur during loading/unloading. Because road tankers are so high, a fall from the top can result in serious injuries. 3

4 How can the risk be controlled? The three options for controlling the risk, in order of effectiveness, are : 1. Elimination 2. Engineering 3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) For both engineering and PPE, procedures and training need to be in place. 4

5 1. Elimination The best solution is to eliminate all work at height, i.e. opt for ground level operations. To achieve this, transport equipment needs to be set up for bottom operated unloading. Wherever possible, sampling should be avoided; if for quality or other reasons a sample is needed, sampling equipment (see picture for example) can be used to avoid climbing on top of the tank. If working at height cannot be eliminated, a safe work place needs to be provided, which means installing proper fall prevention equipment. 5

6 2. Engineering fixed access systems If the risk cannot be eliminated, a gantry or cage provide the safest conditions for working at height. Cage Gantry 6

7 2. Engineering mobile access systems A fixed engineering solution is preferred but if this is not practical, mobile stairs provide an alternative. The disadvantage of a mobile system is that it requires discipline from the operators to use it, plus a flat, smooth surface is required for proper operation.. 7

8 3. Last resort: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Fall arrest is viewed as an acceptable option only if for technical, economic or practical reasons it is not possible to eliminate the risk or provide an engineering solution. A single handrail is considered by some to be an acceptable safe working practice, but it does not meet many country specific legal requirements for working at height. As a result, the additional use of a safety harness is encouraged. Harnesses do provide adequate protection to drivers when properly handled and maintained. A challenge may lie, though, in finding a suitable anchor point at the unloading site. 8

9 Using safety harnesses safely At sites where no gantry is available AND where working on top of transport equipment is required, a proper fixing hook, fall arrest line and cable should be provided - and regularly inspected and maintained. Sites should have a rescue plan, in case an operator or driver falls from the vehicle and is suspended in his safety harness. Being in a safety harness for as little as 15 minutes could be fatal. The plan will help to ensure a quick response and avoid a potentially hazardous improvised rescue operations. For an example go to: siontrauma-osha.pdf Self-lowering fall arrest systems significantly reduce the likelihood of suspension trauma and make the creation of the site s rescue plan easier.

10 Safety harnesses who provides them? We recommend carriers provide harnesses to their drivers plus (un)loading sites have harnesses available as back-up and for use in exceptional circumstances. Harnesses provide adequate protection to the drivers, as long as the following conditions are met: Harnesses need to be inspected in accordance with applicable legislation Drivers need to visually inspect their harness for defects and damage before each use. Drivers need to be trained in how to wear their harness.

11 Procedures & Training Both parties are advised to have procedures and training in place. Procedures help by: Setting out what to do in situations where elimination is impossible. Explaining how to use engineered safety equipment or PPE correctly. Underlining the importance of the issue to both the customer and the carrier But remember that procedures do not: Guarantee compliance in all circumstances. Avoid the need for continuous training of staff. Eliminate the need for compliance checks. 11

12 Talking points What kind of activities, related to working at height, take place on your site? Have you ever experienced, or are you aware of, incidents or near misses related to working at height? Are procedures for working at height operations described in your HSE Management System? Are there changes that you should consider making and when will you do that? 12

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