Safe Work Procedure: Work 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 to be followed when working at heights. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may be exposed to fall hazards during their work activities. This procedure covers the use of fall protection equipment, safe work practices, and emergency procedures to minimize the risk of falls and related injuries.

This SWP applies to all work environments where there is a potential for falls from heights, including but not limited to construction sites, elevated platforms, roofs, and scaffolding. It is applicable whenever a worker may fall 3 meters or more , or where there is a possibility of injury if a worker falls less than 3 meters .

This SWP should be used in conjunction with other relevant safety procedures and guidelines, including the manufacturer's instructions for fall protection equipment and any site-specific safety plans.

2. Definitions

Fall Arrest System: A system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body belt or body harness and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these .

Fall Protection System: A system designed to protect workers from falls, including guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems, travel restraint systems, and control zones 4, 20.

Control Zone: An area clearly marked with an effective raised warning line or another equally effective method if a worker is working more than 2 meters from an unguarded edge .

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are properly trained and competent in the use of fall protection equipment and safe work practices 1, 3.
Conduct regular inspections of work areas and equipment to identify and correct potential fall hazards .
Enforce the requirements of this SWP and take corrective action when necessary.

3.2 Workers

Follow all safety procedures and instructions provided by supervisors and trainers .
Inspect fall protection equipment before each use and report any defects or damage to the supervisor .
Use fall protection equipment properly and as instructed 1, 3.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of this SWP .
Monitor the implementation of this SWP and provide recommendations for improvement .
Investigate incidents and near-misses related to falls from heights .

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falls from heights	Serious injury or death	Use appropriate fall protection equipment (e.g., guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems) 4, 20.
Unstable working surfaces	Slips, trips, and falls	Ensure working surfaces are stable, clear of obstructions, and properly maintained.
Falling objects	Head injury, other injuries	Use toe boards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling from higher levels .
Improper use of equipment	Equipment failure, falls	Provide training on proper equipment use and maintenance.
Weather conditions (e.g., wind, rain, ice)	Slips, falls, reduced visibility	Postpone work during adverse weather conditions.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential for protecting workers from potential hazards while working at heights.

Hard Hat - Protects the head from falling objects .
Safety Glasses - Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and other particles.
Gloves - Provides grip and protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and other injuries.
Safety Boots - Provides slip resistance and protects feet from punctures and impacts.
Full Body Harness - Used as part of a personal fall arrest system to distribute fall forces and prevent serious injury .

Inspect all PPE before each use to ensure it is in good condition and fits properly. Replace any damaged or defective PPE immediately .

6. Equipment and Tools

Using the right equipment and tools is crucial for safe work at heights.

Ladders - Used for accessing elevated work areas. Ensure ladders are properly secured and inspected before use.
Scaffolding - Provides a stable work platform at heights. Ensure scaffolding is erected and inspected by a competent person .
Aerial Lifts - Used for reaching high work areas. Ensure operators are trained and certified.
Fall Protection Equipment - Includes harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, and anchor points. Ensure all equipment is inspected and in good working condition .
Hand Tools - Used for performing specific tasks. Ensure tools are in good condition and used properly.

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

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must be trained and competent in the following areas:

Fall protection equipment inspection, use, and maintenance 1, 3.
Hazard identification and control 1, 3.
Emergency procedures 1, 3.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing must be conducted before starting work at heights to discuss:

Potential hazards and risks .
Safe work procedures .
Fall protection requirements 1, 3.
Emergency procedures .

7.3 Work Area Preparation

The work area must be prepared as follows:

Ensure the work surface is stable and free of obstructions.
Establish a control zone or warning line system if necessary .
Inspect anchor points for integrity and proper installation .

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment

Conduct a thorough hazard assessment of the work area to identify potential fall hazards and other risks 1, 3.

Identify all potential fall hazards, such as unprotected edges, holes, and unstable surfaces.
Assess the risks associated with each hazard, considering the severity of potential injuries.
Determine the appropriate control measures to eliminate or minimize the risks.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure the hazard assessment is documented and communicated to all workers involved in the task.

Step 2: Fall Protection System Selection

Select the appropriate fall protection system based on the hazard assessment and the hierarchy of controls .

Use a guardrail, a travel restraint system or a fall restricting system .
If the above is not practical, use a fall-arresting system .
If a fall-protection system is not practical, use a control zone .

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure the selected fall protection system is compatible with the work environment and the task being performed .

Step 3: Equipment Inspection

Inspect all fall protection equipment before each use to ensure it is in good working condition .

Check harnesses for any signs of damage, such as cuts, tears, or excessive wear.
Inspect lanyards and lifelines for fraying, kinks, or corrosion.
Verify that all connectors and hardware are in good working order.

Safety considerations for this step: Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service immediately .

Step 4: Work Execution

Perform the work task following safe work practices and using the selected fall protection system 1, 3.

Maintain three points of contact when climbing ladders.
Keep the work area clear of obstructions.
Avoid overreaching or working outside the protected area.

Safety considerations for this step: Continuously monitor the work area for changing conditions and adjust the fall protection system as needed.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Weather Conditions: Do not work at heights during adverse weather conditions such as high winds, rain, or ice .
Housekeeping: Keep work areas clean and free of debris to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Equipment Use: Use equipment and tools properly and according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Supervision: Ensure adequate supervision is provided to monitor work activities and enforce safety procedures.
Communication: Maintain clear communication between workers to coordinate tasks and avoid potential hazards.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, follow these general procedures:

Immediately stop work and assess the situation.
Provide first aid to any injured workers.
Contact emergency services if necessary.
Evacuate the work area if required.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Fall from Height: Rescue the fallen worker immediately and provide first aid. Ensure the worker receives medical attention.
Equipment Failure: Stop work and inspect the equipment. Replace any damaged or defective equipment before resuming work.
Medical Emergency: Provide first aid and contact emergency services. Ensure the worker receives prompt medical attention.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[Company Safety Officer]: [PHONE NUMBER]
[Project Manager]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately.

The supervisor will investigate the incident to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
A written report will be prepared and submitted to the safety department.

12. References and Related Documents

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Manufacturer's instructions for fall protection equipment
Site-specific safety plan

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