Safe Work Procedure: Working at Heights

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary safety precautions and procedures for any work conducted at heights where there is a risk of falling that could cause personal injury. This includes, but is not limited to, work on roofs, scaffolding, ladders, elevated platforms, and any other elevated work surfaces. This procedure applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who are required to perform tasks at height. This SWP aims to minimize fall hazards and ensure a safe working environment.

2. Definitions

Fall Hazard Any condition where a worker could potentially fall from an elevated position.

Fall Protection A system or equipment used to prevent workers from falling from heights or to minimize injury if a fall occurs.

Competent Person An individual who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them [1].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are adequately trained and competent to perform work at heights.
Provide appropriate fall protection equipment and ensure it is inspected and maintained regularly.
Conduct pre-job briefings to discuss potential hazards and safety procedures.
Monitor work activities to ensure compliance with this SWP.

3.2 Workers

Follow all safety procedures and instructions provided during training and pre-job briefings.
Inspect fall protection equipment before each use and report any defects immediately.
Use fall protection equipment properly and as instructed.
Report any potential fall hazards to the supervisor.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
Conduct regular audits of work at height activities to ensure compliance.
Investigate incidents and near misses related to falls from height.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Slippery surfaces	Slips and falls	Ensure surfaces are clean and dry; use slip-resistant footwear.
Unprotected edges	Fall from height resulting in serious injury or death	Install guardrails, safety nets, or use personal fall arrest systems.
Improper ladder use	Falls due to instability or incorrect positioning	Ensure ladders are properly secured, inspected, and used at the correct angle.
Falling objects	Injury to workers below	Use toe boards, debris nets, or barricade the area below.
Unstable scaffolding	Scaffold collapse leading to falls	Ensure scaffolding is erected by competent personnel and inspected regularly.
Weather conditions (e.g., wind, rain)	Increased risk of slips and falls	Postpone work during adverse weather conditions.
Sharp edges	Cuts and abrasions	Wear appropriate gloves and protective clothing.
Dust inhalation	Respiratory irritation	Use a NIOSH approved dust mask or filtering facepiece is recommended in poorly ventilated areas or when permissible exposure limits may be exceeded 13, 14.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use proper PPE [2].

Hard Hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts.
Safety Glasses/Goggles - Protects eyes from dust and debris 5, 16, 20.
Gloves - Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16, 20.
Safety Boots - Provides slip resistance and foot protection.
Fall Protection Harness - Full body harness with appropriate lanyard and anchorage for fall arrest.
Protective clothing - Wear suitable waterproof protective clothing 4, 5, 8, 16, 19, 20.

Inspect all PPE before use for any signs of damage or wear. Replace damaged PPE immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Ladders - Used for accessing elevated work areas.
Scaffolding - Provides a stable work platform at height.
Aerial Lifts - Mobile platforms for reaching high areas.
Fall Arrest Systems - Harnesses, lanyards, and anchorage points to prevent falls.
Hand Tools - Various tools required for the specific task.

Inspect all equipment and tools before use to ensure they are in good working condition. Remove any defective equipment from service.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must complete a certified Working at Heights training program.
Training should include the proper use and inspection of fall protection equipment.
Ensure workers are competent in the specific tasks they will be performing at height.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved.
Discuss the scope of work, potential hazards, and safety procedures.
Review the SWP and ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Inspect the work area for potential hazards such as slippery surfaces or unstable structures.
Ensure adequate lighting is provided.
Establish a barricaded drop zone to prevent objects from falling and injuring others below.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Setting up Fall Protection

Inspect all fall protection equipment (harness, lanyard, anchorage) for damage or wear.
Ensure the anchorage point is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per worker.
Properly don the full body harness, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
Connect the lanyard to the harness and the designated anchorage point.

Safety considerations for this step: Always double-check connections and ensure the lanyard is of appropriate length to prevent swing fall.

8.2 Performing Work at Height

Maintain three points of contact when using ladders.
Keep tools and materials organized to prevent tripping hazards.
Avoid overreaching or leaning away from the work surface.
Communicate regularly with other workers to ensure everyone is aware of the activities being performed.

Safety considerations for this step: Never work at heights under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.

8.3 Completing the Task and Dismantling

Ensure all tools and materials are properly secured before dismantling fall protection.
Carefully remove the lanyard from the anchorage point and disconnect from the harness.
Inspect all equipment for damage and store it properly.
Remove any barricades or warning signs from the work area.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure the area below is clear before lowering any equipment or materials.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Weather Conditions: Do not perform work at heights during adverse weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, or thunderstorms.
Equipment Inspection: Always inspect fall protection equipment before each use. Replace any damaged or worn equipment immediately.
Housekeeping: Keep work areas clean and free of debris to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Communication: Maintain clear communication between workers, especially when working in teams.
Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that a rescue plan is in place and that all workers are aware of emergency procedures.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately assess the situation and ensure the safety of all personnel.
Activate the emergency alarm and notify the appropriate emergency services.
Provide first aid to any injured workers.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Fall from Height: Immediately call for medical assistance. Do not move the injured worker unless there is an immediate danger. Ensure the worker is secured and stabilized until help arrives.
Suspension Trauma: If a worker is suspended in a harness after a fall, attempt to rescue them as quickly as possible. Prolonged suspension can lead to serious injury or death. Follow established rescue procedures.
Equipment Failure: If any fall protection equipment fails during use, immediately stop work and replace the defective equipment. Report the incident to the supervisor and health and safety representative.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[Company Safety Officer]: [PHONE NUMBER]
[Local Hospital]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately. All reported incidents will be investigated to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]