Write a risk assessment for Curtain Installation

Curtain installation work should be assessed task-by-task using a job hazard analysis that identifies the hazard type, source, body parts at risk, severity, probability, and risk code, then applies controls in the order of engineering, work-practice/administrative controls, and PPE. For this work, the main hazards are falls from ladders or other access equipment, contact with hidden electrical services while drilling, manual handling strains, eye and hand injuries from drills and hand tools, falling objects, and slips/trips from poor housekeeping. High-risk steps must not proceed until controls are in place, and the assessment should be documented and certified. [13] [13] [2] [4]

Typical hazard identification for curtain installation:

• Working at height: falls from ladders, steps, platforms, or overreaching while fixing brackets and tracks.
• Ladder safety: unstable footing, incorrect ladder angle, standing on top rungs, carrying tools while climbing, and loss of balance.
• Manual handling: lifting curtain tracks, poles, tools, and boxed materials; awkward postures when holding items overhead; back and shoulder strain.
• Drills and hand tools: flying dust/particles, cuts, punctures, entanglement, kickback, noise, and hand-arm strain.
• Electrical services: drilling into concealed live wiring, contact with exposed conductors, damaged cords, and use of defective power tools.
• Falling objects: dropped drills, screws, brackets, anchors, and curtain hardware striking workers or occupants below.
• Housekeeping and access: trailing leads, packaging, offcuts, and tools creating trip hazards; inadequate lighting or restricted access.
• Occupant/public interface: persons entering the work area below the installation point.

[5] [8] [10] Working at height is usually the critical risk in curtain installation because the task is commonly performed from a ladder while reaching to fix brackets near ceiling level. The preferred control is to eliminate or reduce ladder work where possible, for example by assembling components at ground level, using extension tools, or selecting a more stable work platform when duration, height, or side-reaching makes ladder use unsuitable. Where a fall hazard remains, use a formal safe work procedure, trained workers, supervision, and emergency arrangements. If the work exposes workers to unguarded edges or similar higher-level fall hazards, assess whether fall protection is required. [1] [1] [1] [15]

Ladder safety controls:

• Use the correct ladder type and height for the task; inspect before use and remove damaged ladders from service.
• Set the ladder on firm, level ground and secure it where practicable.
• Maintain three points of contact and keep both feet on the ladder; do not stand on top caps or top rungs unless the ladder is specifically designed for that purpose.
• Do not overreach; keep your belt buckle between the stiles and reposition the ladder frequently.
• Do not carry heavy or awkward items while climbing; use a tool belt, hoist line, or second person.
• Only one person on the ladder unless it is designed for more; keep the area below barricaded if others may pass underneath.
• If the task requires prolonged drilling, forceful exertion, two-handed work, or significant sideways reach, use a podium step, tower, or mobile elevating work platform instead of a ladder.

[1] [5] [8] Manual handling risks are significant when lifting curtain rails, boxed blinds, ladders, and tools, especially when working overhead or in awkward postures. Plan the lift, reduce load size where possible, use team lifting for long or bulky items, keep materials close to the body, avoid twisting, and store materials near the point of use to reduce carrying distance. Workers should lift with the legs rather than the back, and mechanical aids should be used where practicable for heavier items. [8] [13] [19]

For drills and hand tools, only suitable, well-maintained equipment should be used. Check that tools are in good repair, guards and safety features are present where applicable, bits are sharp and correctly fitted, and cords, plugs, and batteries are undamaged. Secure the work where possible, use the correct bit for the substrate, keep hands clear of the drilling line, and stop work if excessive dust, binding, or unexpected resistance suggests a hidden service or unsuitable fixing point. Eye injury and hand injury are foreseeable, so controls must include safe tool use, maintenance, and appropriate PPE. [10] [5] [8] [3]

Before drilling into walls, ceilings, or window reveals, check for concealed electrical services and other utilities. Review drawings if available, use a suitable cable/pipe locator, isolate circuits where necessary, and do not drill until the fixing location is confirmed clear. Any exposed live wiring, damaged sockets, or uncertain electrical condition should stop the job until made safe by a competent person. Portable electric tools should be visually inspected before use and connected through appropriate protection required by site arrangements. [13] [10] [5] [14]

Falling-object risk must be controlled by preventing drops and protecting people below. Keep tools and materials organized, avoid placing loose items on ladder tops, use tool belts or tethering where appropriate, and establish an exclusion zone beneath the work area. Where there is overhead work or risk from dropped objects, head protection should be required. Foot protection should also be selected for risks such as falling objects, punctures, slips, and electrical hazards. [8] [3] [6] [9] [18]

PPE requirements for curtain installation should be based on the hazard assessment, but commonly include:

• Safety glasses with side shields for drilling, fixing, and any task producing dust or flying particles.
• Protective helmet/hard hat where there is overhead work, falling-object risk, or site rules require it.
• Suitable gloves for handling brackets, rails, anchors, and sharp-edged components, selected so they do not create entanglement risk with rotating tools.
• Safety footwear with non-slip soles; toe protection where materials or tools could fall on feet.
• Hearing protection if drilling noise is significant or prolonged.
• Respiratory protection only if dust exposure cannot be adequately controlled by other means and a compliant respiratory protection program is in place.
• Fall protection equipment where the assessed work-at-height situation requires it.

[3] [16] [14] [9] [11] A practical safe system of work for curtain installation is: complete a site-specific risk assessment and PPE assessment; confirm competence and authorization of installers; inspect the work area, access route, wall/ceiling condition, and hidden-service risk; select the safest access equipment; isolate or protect the area below; inspect tools, ladders, and PPE; mark fixing points; drill and fix using the correct anchors; maintain housekeeping throughout; test the installed curtain track or brackets; remove waste; and review any incidents or changes before leaving site. Workers should be trained in ladder safety, tool use, PPE use and limitations, and emergency arrangements, and supervisors should enforce the controls. [7] [12] [17] [1]

Example method statement sequence:

1. Arrive on site, sign in, review permit/site rules, and brief the team on the task, hazards, and controls.
2. Inspect the area for access restrictions, occupants, fragile finishes, hidden services, lighting, and trip hazards.
3. Set up barriers/signage to keep others clear of the drop zone.
4. Inspect ladder or alternative access equipment, tools, cords/batteries, drill bits, fixings, and PPE.
5. Locate and mark fixing points; scan for concealed electrical services before drilling.
6. Position access equipment correctly and maintain safe ladder practice or use a more suitable platform if the task demands it.
7. Lift rails, poles, and materials using safe manual-handling techniques and team lift if needed.
8. Drill pilot/fixing holes with eye protection on, keeping hands clear and controlling dust.
9. Install brackets/track securely with the correct anchors for the substrate.
10. Fit curtains/blinds, check alignment and operation, and confirm all fixings are tight.
11. Clear debris, remove barriers, and leave the area safe and tidy.
12. Report defects, near misses, or changes needed to the risk assessment and method statement.

[11] [10] [12] For compliance, the work should align with general occupational health and safety duties to assess risk, implement controls according to the hierarchy of controls, provide suitable PPE where residual risk remains, train workers, document the hazard assessment, maintain equipment, and stop high-risk work until effective controls are in place. In practice, curtain installation should not rely on PPE alone; the employer should first use safer equipment, safer methods, and supervision, then verify that PPE is suitable, maintained, and enforced. [2] [7] [4] [2]