Working Safely at heights Flashcards
What does working safely at heights refer to?
Protection for any work that exposes you to a risk of injury from a fall
Includes falls from elevated positions, ground level into excavations, or risk from dropped items.
What are the three requirements workplaces must establish under WHS legislation?
- Establish and maintain a safe working environment
- Implement safe work practices
- Have a duty of care for safety of all persons
What must a duty holder do to manage risk according to WHS Regulation 34-38?
- Identify foreseeable hazards
- Eliminate the risk as far as reasonably practicable
- Minimise the risk if elimination is not practicable
- Maintain control measures
- Review and revise risk control measures
What does ‘reasonably practicable’ mean in the context of health and safety?
What is reasonably able to be done considering:
* Likelihood of hazard occurring
* Degree of harm
* Knowledge about the hazard
* Availability of ways to eliminate or minimise the risk
* Cost associated with risk management
List some hazards associated with working at height.
- Adverse weather conditions
- Damaged structures
- Animal and vermin activity
- Hazardous substances
- Electrical sources
True or False: Technicians should take shortcuts to avoid risks when working at heights.
False
Taking shortcuts does not meet WHS standards.
What are the responsibilities of a Team Leader during height operations?
- Conduct operational scene assessment
- Nominate a Safety Officer
- Ensure completion of risk assessments
- Maintain overall control of activity
- Ensure safety of all persons involved
What is the role of the Safety Officer?
- Determine fall hazards
- Conduct risk assessments
- Monitor safety of personnel
- Ensure incidents are reported
- Advise on control measures
What must technicians do before committing to working at height?
- Use auto stop descenders at both ends of the height safety line
- Limit to two people per height safety line
- Attach to a line before stepping onto the roof
- Have a rescue plan in place
Fill in the blank: A working-at-height safety system must incorporate at least one _______.
[height safety line (HSL)]
What is required for any height safety line (HSL)?
- Terminated at both ends with auto-stop belay device
- Tensioned by a single technician
- Sufficient line for rescuer lowering
- Maximum of two technicians per line
What are the two methods for dealing with lateral movement on HSL?
- Method 1: Connect to safety loop, disconnect edge restraint, and reconnect to the next loop
- Method 2: Make safe and check area for obstructions
What is crucial to ensure while working on roofs with a pitch greater than 45°?
A two-rope system that includes a main and safety line must be used.
What should be done if the work at height is deemed too risky?
Decide not to undertake the tasking to prioritize safety.
What is the purpose of the Working Safely at Heights (WSH)—Roof Safety Checklist?
To be used in all non-emergency situations for risk assessment and safety planning.
