/// General Statement /// Health & Safety Guidance Rules
/// Policy: Working Above 2 Metres /// Code of Conduct

HEALTH AND SAFETY

/// Policy: Working Above 2 Metres

/// Definitions

1. Working on equipment where the distance exceeds 2 metres from the ground to the
    user’s feet.
2. Working area, carrying out a process of work, which exceeds five minutes.

Areas of consideration relating to our installation process:

• External CCTV Systems, internal minor works
• External Emergency Lighting
• Internal Fire Alarm Systems
• External Security System, internal minor works

Areas of work:

• Domestics
• Factories
• Shops
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Multiple Occupied Premises

Persons at risk during their normal occupations:

• Employees
• General Public
• Home Owners
• Commercial Premises Staff
• Installation Staff
• Emergency Services

Methods of Access:

• Ladders Step ladders
• Customers Equipment (Fork Lift Cages)
• Cherry Pickers
• Scissor Lift
• Scaffolding (Customers / Building Contractors)

/// Ladders

• Always consider if the work or some of the work can be carried out on the ground.

• Always consider if the work can be carried out in a simpler, safer way.

• It is important to consider the length of time a person is working from a ladder and as a   general rule work periods should not exceed two hours without a break.

• Do not attempt to stand with one leg on a structure with the other on the ladders.

• Inspect area of footing and make sure the ground is stable and free from debris, pay   particular attention to the spillage of oils, graphites and chemicals.

• Ensure the footing is a suitable distance from machinery etc, and does not obstruct   passageways or is likely to be knocked by traffic or forklift trucks etc.

• The area above the ladders should be considered for overhead cables or others working   above on scaffolding etc, in addition to this working near to electrified overhead cranes is   forbidden unless a permit to work has been issued by the client stating that the area is safe.

• Work must never be carried out above members of the general public.

• Any waste or debris from the area of work shall be lowered gently to the ground and not   thrown down.

Ladder Inspection.

Ladders shall be inspected daily by employees prior to use, damages shall be pointed out to the office, if damaged do not use, identify with suitable notice or cut up beyond useful state.

When erecting ladders it is important to consider collisions with others or plant during the swing operation together with lights and fixtures and fittings.

Having decided the area is suitable for ladders, the action of extending same should be considered, normally this is achieved by placing the foot of the ladder between the feet and lifting vertically to a comfortable height normally to arms length above head height. Extending ladders on the ground and swinging vertically upwards should be avoided.

The ladder head should be preferably located against pillars or located in ruts or grooves in the fabric of the walls, and where the work position is to exist for a period of more than 5 minutes the ladder should be lashed to the structure. If this is not possible but a location point for a safety harness is available this should be used.

In a situation where the work position is above 2 metres height the ladders shall be footed at all times (this means not just placing feet at the base of the ladder but also holding at arms height to avoid lateral movement).

Where the working height is below 2 metres to the feet and the area of works does not exceed 5 minutes in one place and the above considerations have taken place it is deemed satisfactory that this can be a one man operation.

Requirement

Providing a risk assessment has been carried out and the client has been requested to view same and add comments or restrictions and has authorised same.

/// Step Ladders

• The general inspection of the area of work detailed in item 1.1 applies.

• These vary in height and therefore safe working height, step ladders should be used   wherever practicable in view of their inherent stability, however the general guideline of   standing on the top tread only applies to steps which have a top rest bar. This can be utilised   to rest a persons legs against and thereby stabilise a person.

• Combination ladder steps cannot be used in this fashion and an operator should only ascent   to the third step from the top, again allowing for stability by leaning against the upper steps   and body, where these are used as ladders then the consideration of item 1 applies.

• In the case of very tall step ladders the three step rule applies and should be manned by a   second person to avoid sideways toppling when above 2 metres.

• The requirement as detailed in item 1.3 has been carried out.

/// Forklift Cages

• The general inspection of the area of work detailed in item 1.1 applies.

• We are often in a position whereby a client offers the use of a fork lift truck and driver to gain   access via a cage. Inspection of the cage is mandatory and should reflect the fact that it is a   proprietary item and not home made (should you have any doubts in this regard politely   decline). Should this be deemed acceptable and the operator is trained and certified this is   acceptable.

• The requirement as detailed in item 1.3 has been carried out.

/// Scissor Lifts/Cherry Pickers

• The general inspection of the area of work detailed in item 1.1 applies.

• Only units hired by this company shall be used, where training in the use of the equipment   has been given to the employee/s using same by the hirers and where a document of   familiarity has been authorised together with a certificate of thorough examination dated   within last 6 months for the equipment. (These documents shall be kept safe until the   earliest return to the office for insertion in the job file).

• It is usual for most automated hired access equipment to include anti tilt cut off devices never   try to obviate or defeat these safety features.

• Always follow the familiarity training given and ensure work colleagues adhere also. During   this training request that items which are complicated or misunderstood are repeated until  you are satisfied that you understand what is being taught.

• The requirement as detailed in item 1.3 has been carried out.

/// Scaffolding

• Two situations normally apply here – scaffolds hired by us or existing scaffold on a   construction site, therefore:

• Scaffolds present at a construction site.

• The general inspection of the area of work detailed in item 1.1 applies.

• The requirement as detailed in item 1.3 has been carried out.

• Do not remove hand or guard rails at any times, changes should only be carried out by the   main contractor, requested for alterations should be directed to him.

• Never work from scaffolding which has been utilised for the primary function of support for a   structure.

• Always use the correct method of access provided by the main contractor, these normally   take the form of ladders lashed to the scaffold, do not scale the external supports or attempt   to work outside the area of railings other than to a distance of elbow to wrist.

Prepared by MR K. J. SCOVELL and MRS J.A. SCOVELL on behalf of Cortech Fire and Security Systems.

Date: 23/8/2002