Catholic Safety, Health & Welfare South Australia

Policy Title

FALL PREVENTION - WORKING AT HEIGHTS

Document No.

25

Date Approved

22 February 2007

ELGC Approval

2 April 2007

Version

2 (Amended September 2007)

Review Date

February 2010

1.

POLICY STATEMENT
All worksites within the Catholic Church Exempt Licence, wherever possible, should
avoid working at heights. Any work at heights including the working in the vicinity of an
opening, through which a person might fall MUST be managed by planning and
UNDERTAKING a risk assessment prior to the commencement of the works.
To manage the prevention of falls the site MUST:

2.

Identify all work at heights;

Plan and risk assess any work at height prior to commencement;

Eliminate working at heights where possible;

All identified hazards must be controlled according to the hierarchy of control by:
o

Developing a SOP (Safe Operating Procedure)

Selecting, providing appropriate equipment which is maintained and regularly

inspected

Use employees/volunteers who are appropriately trained in the use, fitting

and maintenance of their personal protective equipment (i.e. harness).

PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to prevent falls that may cause injuries due to the distance
fallen.

3.

SCOPE
This policy applies to all situations where personnel are required to either perform work
or gain access to or from a workstation where they may fall to a lower level.

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4.

DEFINITIONS

4.1

Physical Barriers
Physical barriers are the preferred method of preventing a person from falling from
height and include:

4.2

Edge protection systems:

Barriers which are erected around the edge of a building,

structure or hole e.g. perimeter guard rails.

Fall protection covers:

Protective structure placed over holes and openings to

prevent falls (except for lifts and stairwells).

Elevating work platforms:

Elevated platforms consisting of a platform surrounded by

an edge protection system. Platforms include telescopic,
scissor lifts, boom, and cherry pickers.

Work Platforms:

Provide effective protection against falls at the perimeter of

a building e.g. scaffolds.

Personal Fall Protection

Personal fall protection systems are systems of work, including equipment which
secures a person to a building or structure.
Personal fall protection includes:
Travel restriction devices:

Restrain a person from reaching an unprotected edge by

tethering them to an eye-bolt or other suitable anchorage
point.

Fall protection systems:

Consist of a restraint belt or work positioning harness

connected to a restraint line and attached to fall-prevention
static line or an anchorage point which prevents a person
getting into a situation where they could fall.

Fall arrest systems:

Designed to arrest the fall of a person. Types of fall arrest

system include:

A fall arrest harness (where there is a risk of free fall)

connected to a lanyard assembly (the lanyard assembly
should be as short as possible and not more than 2m)
and attached to a fall arrest static line or an anchorage
point, or

A ladder belt connected to a lanyard of not more than

300mm in length attached to a ladder fall-arrest device.

Fall arrest systems are designed to reduce the free fall distance as far as possible.
Correctly installed fall arrest equipment will only safely arrest a fall if there are no
obstructions in the fall path.
Individual fall arrest systems are classified as personal protective equipment, which
means these systems should be used only after other controls such as elimination,
isolation, and substitution have been considered.

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4.3

Anchorage Points
Anchorage points must have a force capacity of 15 kN.
Refer to AS 1891.4 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices Selection, use and
maintenance for the selection of an appropriate fall-arrest system

4.4

Fragile Roofing
Fragile roofing refers to plastic building sheets for walls and roofs and all plastic roofing
systems eg skylights.

5.

RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1

Manager
Executive Management and Management are responsible to ensure:

A safe system of work is established for the prevention of falls from height,
including:
o

Planning the task;

Hazard Identification (Document No. 14)

Conducting a risk assessment (Document No. 14);

Selection and use of appropriate measures to control risks;

Appropriate supervision and training.

The method selected for the protection of employees will generally be determined by
individual job factors including the nature of the work, the size of the job and equipment
availability, interaction with the contractors or volunteers. Methods of protection include:

5.2

Travel restriction devices;

Fall protection; and

Fall arrest.

Employee
Whilst undertaking any activity which involves working at heights or around open holes,
an employee must do so in line with safe systems of work, and in a manner which does
not adversely affect their own health and safety, or that of others.

6.

PROCEDURE

6.1

Hazard Identification/Risk Assessment

A documented risk assessment will be conducted (Document No. 14(#) on all

activities relating to working at heights in consultation with those involved with the
task.

Where any fragile roofing has been identified in the above process refer to 6.3.

A risk assessment must include an emergency procedure for all work at heights.

Any identified hazards will be controlled according to the hierarchy of controls.

The risk assessment must include a site specific comprehensive rescue plan for all
fall arrest systems.

Any person conducting working at heights must be properly trained and supervised
in the use of any equipment.

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6.2

Controls
Any hazard identified through the risk assessment process must be eliminated or
minimised by the implementation of the hierarchy of controls.
The procedures should take into account the need for:

6.3

The immediate rescue of a person after an arrested fall;

The equipment required to effect a rescue;

Ensuring workers are trained in emergency procedures and are familiar with fall
arrest systems and devices;

The availability or access to first aid facilities or services, including trained first
aiders;

Additional support facilities if necessary (e.g. additional person, fire brigade,

ambulance, hospital);

An effective and readily available means of communication;

All persons working at heights must be trained in the use and maintenance of all
equipment, and must be in possession of competency in operating plant required
to complete the task.

Fragile Roofing

All fragile roofing must be identified at the worksite.

A risk assessment (Document 14a) specific to each area of fragile roofing MUST
be conducted in conjunction with the Occupational Health Safety & Welfare
Regulations 1985 (OHS Regulations) and AS 2424.

Controls will be implemented through assessment and specifically in conjunction

with the OHS Regulations Division 2.13.1 (prevention of falls) and AS 2424-1991
Plastic Building Sheets (General Installation Requirements and Design of Roofing
Systems).

Where it is necessary to work over plastic sheets approved roof ladders/walk/crawl

boards must be provided and used.

NB:
The load test to determine integrity of material is difficult to conduct, therefore Catholic
Church Endowment Society has adopted:

6.4

the highest standard of control;

the requirement of all fragile roofing determined by risk assessment to be meshed

on the underside;

safety mesh must be non-corrosive and constructed to the Australian Standard

requirement (AS2424:1991).

Permit to Conduct Work at Heights

Any activity identified through the risk assessment, including but not limited to working
on roofs prior to any work at heights commencing, a permit must be obtained from the
person responsible at the worksite for the management of this task.

6.5

Working in Isolation
Any person undertaking work in an area remote/isolated from the assistance of others
because of time, location or the nature of the work (may include but is not limited to roof,

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roof space or in an area/activity that is dangerous for the employee to perform alone)
must follow the isolated procedure Document No. 17 and documentation of same
recorded.
6.6

General Ladder Safety

Ladders provide access to work areas and are not a means of fall protection. It is
acceptable to use a ladder when carrying out minor tasks.
A ladder must be of sound construction and must be inspected and maintained in a safe
working condition (Document 25(c)). Inspection of the ladder in accordance with the
checklist must be conducted at least every three months and documented. Visual
checks on ladders must be performed prior to each use.
It is recommended that a person have three limbs (three points of contact) with the
ladder at all times, i.e. both arms and one leg, or both legs and one arm.
When working on a ladder:

the user should not climb from one ladder to another;

the user should remain centred between the stiles;

the user should never push or pull unless the ladder is properly secured;

the ladder should not be relocated whilst anyone is positioned on the ladder;

users should not walk the ladder to reposition it but instead should descend and
relocate the ladder;

if the ladder is a self-supporting ladder and is required to be relocated tools should

be removed from the top cap before moving the ladder; and

in the workplace the ladder must be industrial grade (not domestic) and designed
in accordance with Australian Standards. In the case where an industrial grade
ladder may create a manual handling hazard a risk assessment is to be performed
to identify the appropriate ladder for the task and a safe operating procedure to be
developed for the ladder which may include a maximum total load capacity.

NOTE:

Metal ladders should not be used for electrical work where there is the possibility of the
ladder making contact with live electrical parts.
Makeshift ladders, tables, boxes, and chairs must not be used as a substitute for a
ladder.
Rungs of ladders must not be used to support a plank from which a person is required
to work.
Weather conditions must be taken into consideration when using ladders.
6.7

Step Ladders
Step ladders must be purchased with an integrated hand rail attached. Training will
include an understanding and application of Safe Operating Procedure 25(a) Use of
Portable Step Ladder.

6.8

Portable Single and Extension Ladders

Ladders must only be used for light work of short duration. Only employees who have
been trained in the safe use of ladders will be authorised to use ladders. Training will
include an understanding and application of Safe Operating Procedure 25(b) Use of
Portable Single and Extension Ladders.

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7.

TRAINING
All employees will be briefed/trained in the requirements of this Policy during induction
and when implemented or amended.
Employees will be trained (where applicable) in any risk assessments and/or safe
operating procedure developed as a result of this Policy.

8.

REVIEW AND AUDIT

Compliance with this Policy will be audited according to the internal CSH&W Audit Policy
Document No. 7 and the CCES Audit Procedure.
This document shall be reviewed within two years of the date of issue. Changes in
legislation or Catholic Church Policy may necessitate earlier review and subsequent
amendment or re-issue.

9.

REFERENCES
Occupational Health Safety & Welfare Act 1986 (as amended)
Occupational Health Safety & Welfare Regulations 1985
AS Standard 1892.5:2000
AS Standard 1891
Worksafe SA

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SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE

Task:

Use of Portable Single and Extension Ladders

Personal Protective Equipment:

Footwear that minimizes slipping

Hazards:

Fall from Height

Assessment of Risk

All work at heights will be subject to a risk assessment

Weather conditions which may cause loss of balance shall be included in risk
assessment

Ladders shall be designed in accordance with Australian Standards rated

industrial with a load rating of at least 120kg

Metal ladders should not be used for electrical work where there is the possibility
of the ladder making contact with live electrical points.

Ladders should be pitched at a slope of not less than an angle of 1 horizontal to 4

or of not less than an angle of 1 horizontal to 6

The ladder should extend 900mm above the last surface where a person can gain
access

Operation

Check the ladder for faults prior to use

Use the correct ladder for the job

Place the ladder on a firm level, non-slip surface

Whilst climbing the ladder 3 point contact must be made (two feet - one hand, two
hands one foot)

Items must not be carried by hand up and down a ladder. Attach items to the waist
or pulled up on a line or in a bucket

Perform all work facing the ladder

When performing minor tasks on the ladder do not over reach (person belt buckle
should be inside the stiles of the ladder)

When working at a height of 2m or more, portable and single extension ladders

shall be lashed at the top, otherwise another person must hold the ladder whilst in
use. Whilst the ladder is being lashed a person must hold the foot of the ladder.

Do not stand any higher than the 3rd step from the top plate

Do not walk the ladder whilst standing on it

Do not work above another person

Do not leave a ladder in use unattended

Do not use on working platforms to gain height above the protected edge

Do not use to support a working platform

Do not place the ladder above an opening door or access area without sealing
them off

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SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE

PORTABLE STEP LADDER

Personal Protective Equipment Required

Footwear that minimises slipping

Before Work Commences

Check the ladder for condition, faults prior to use
Use the correct ladder for the job

Basic Task Step(s)

Working at heights
Correct ladder for task
e.g. height, metal

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Hazards
Falling from Heights
Weather conditions

Safe Procedures
Place ladder on a firm level,
non-slip surface
Use in a fully opened
position
3 point contact whilst
climbing the ladder
Perform all work facing the
ladder
Do not over reach
Do not stand any higher
than the 3rd step from the
top plate
Do not walk ladder
Do not work above another
person
Do not leave ladder
unattended
Do not place ladder within
proximity of an opening
door or access area,
Seal off area prior to use

Document No. 25(b) V2 (Amended)

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Ladder
Location
Date
of
Purchase
Load
Rating

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Document No. 25(c) V2 (Amended)

INSTRUCTIONS/SOP:
Readable

HOOKS/GRIPS/LASHES:
Check condition for proper operation

ROPE/PULLEY:
Check for damaged rope and/or pulley

LADDER FEET:
Check feet are attached and in good
condition:

WELDS:
Check welds for cracks and/or damage

NUTS/BOLTS:
Check to insure nuts and bolts are intact
and are not stripped

RIVETS:
Check integrity of all heads and crimps

METAL COMPONENTS:
Check for excessive rust and corrosion

HARDWARE ITEMS:
Check top irons, hinges, etc. for
functionality

GUIDES:
Check guides for functionality

LOCKS:
Check locks and spreaders for
functionality

STEP/RUNG BRACES:
Check for bends, splits, cracks, or other
defects Free mud/oil

TOP:
Check for bends, splits, cracks, or other
defects Free mud/oil

STEPS/RUNGS:
Check for bends, splits, cracks, or other
defects Free mud/oil

RAILS:
Check for bends, splits, cracks, or other
defects Free mud/oil

Catholic Safety, Health & Welfare South Australia

LADDER REGISTER INSPECTION FORM

CHECKLIST
WORKSITE: ______________________________

Needs
Repair
Transferred
to Action
Plan

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ACTION PLAN
IDENTIFIED
HAZARD

CURRENT
CONTROL(S)

CURRENT
RISK
RATING

RESPONSIBLE
PERSON

IDENTIFIED
FURTHER ACTION

Inspected By: ________________________________________________________

Date:

TARGET
COMPLETION
(Priority) DATE

DATE
COMPLETED

NEW
RISK
RATING

____________________________________

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Document No. 25(c) V2 (Amended)

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