Busting working at height myths

By - , Build 168

Don’t want to fall short when working at height? Here are some tips based on common misconceptions frequently voiced.

Myth – I don’t need to wear a harness if I’m in a scissor lift.

Reality – According to WorkSafe’s Best practice guidelines for working at height in New Zealand, if you’re using a scissor lift, a harness should be worn unless a risk assessment has proven that the work can be done safely without a harness and there is no risk of falling.

Tips for scissor lifts or other elevating work platforms

When using a scissor lift or other elevating work platforms, like a cherry picker, follow this advice:

  • You should ideally be protected by a double lanyard system fitted with a short energy absorber or fit-for-purpose self-retracting lifeline (SRL) fixed to a certified anchor point.
  • Ensure the person operating the lift is competent in its use.
  • Make sure you follow any instructions given by the manufacturer.
  • Work inside guardrails, do not reach or climb over the rails and keep both feet on the work platform.
  • If you often work at height, it’s a good idea to regularly practise and review your rescue plan. That way, if the worst does happen, everyone will know what to do and no one will hesitate.

Make sure you are competent

If you or your workers are wearing a harness, you’ll need to be trained and competent. Only trained and competent people can install and use harness systems on site.

Untrained workers must be trained by a qualified person before they are permitted to use a harness system. They will also need to be supervised at all times by another trained and competent worker. For workers completing basic work, a recommended way of showing competence is NZQA Unit Standard 23229 Use safety harness system when working at height.

If you are involved in planning, installing and operating fall arrest systems and supervising staff, NZQA Unit Standard 15757 Use, install and disestablish temporary proprietary height safety systems when working at height is recommended.

Scaffolding myths

Myth – I don’t need any training to set up a low-level scaffold.

Reality – Everyone involved in the scaffolding process must have the knowledge and skills to perform the work safely, regardless of the height of the scaffold. You’ll also need the right certification, depending on the situation.

Anyone involved in setting up, dismantling or changing any scaffold should have:

  • the ability to make simple calculations – for example, working out a load
  • the ability to read and understand suppliers’ information, general site plans, design drawings and specifications for scaffolds
  • thorough knowledge of the scaffolding being used, including the specific assembly methods and design requirements
  • the physical skills needed for scaffolding construction and competency in manual lifting techniques
  • the ability to use scaffolding tools and equipment correctly
  • the ability to erect and dismantle the scaffolding in the correct sequence
  • the ability to identify the common hazards of scaffolding work and take effective precautions to control the risks resulting from the hazards
  • competency to visually inspect scaffolding equipment for faults
  • the ability to work safely and confidently at heights
  • knowledge of how to prevent falling objects.

To set up a scaffold under 5 m, you must be what is called a ‘competent person’. This means you have the knowledge and skills to carry out a particular task. This experience could be gained through training, qualification or experience or a combination of these.

Note that the 5 m is measured from the highest part of the scaffold to the ground.

Scaffolds above 5 m

For putting up scaffold above 5 m, you’ll need the appropriate class of certificate of competence for the type of scaffold you’re working on. Certificates of competence are issued by SARNZ (Scaffolding, Access and Rigging New Zealand) and are valid for 4 years.

 

Working at height checklist

Before getting started:

  • Identify the tasks to be done.
  • Identify the hazards for each task.
  • Identify the risks linked to each hazard.
  • Identify control measures.
  • Pick the right mobile elevating work platform for the job.
  • Develop your plan – this could be done via a safe work method statement or a task analysis.
  • Make a plan for what to do in an emergency.
  • Record the planning, including any rescue plan.
  • Involve people and talk to everyone working on the job about the plan.
  • Review the plan before the job starts and add any changes.

For more

To get unit standards, check out Site Safe’s Height and Harness Safety and Fall Arrest Systems courses, and to do a risk assessment, visit www.sitesafe.org.nz.

 

Download the PDF

More articles about these topics

Articles are correct at the time of publication but may have since become outdated.

Advertisement

Advertisement