Many constructors and electricians often need to work at height to accomplish different projects. They have to wear protective gear and take safety measures while working at a height. Falls from scaffolding and ladders cause serious injuries. Workers should learn about every precautionary step to avoid the potential hazard.
Safety tips for contractors working at heights
Use a strong railing – A durable railing provides passive protection and keeps workers safe. You always need training to make the best use of railing systems. Parapet-mounted and non-penetrating railings are popular among professionals who work at height. So, install the rails as the fall protection system at the job site.
Choose the right PPE – You can invest in industry-standard full-body harnesses to keep yourself safe. Make sure you have chosen an arc-shaped design and fireproof materials. The best harnesses will make you comfortable during your work. Workers dealing with welding activities at heights should never use nylon harnesses. Kevlar is the best material for their protective equipment. There are also safety lanyards for different purposes. Choose a retractable lanyard after evaluating the working conditions.
Never overlook the anchor point – You can accept an anchor point only if a professional has designed and approved it. The best ones are designed to manage a load of around 5,000 lbs. Some structures cannot endure heavy forces. There should be a proper beam clamp and high-quality steel structure for your safety.
Choose your equipment carefully – Harnesses may not provide the best fall protection solutions for every worker. Scaffolds are the safest choice for contractors working at heights. When these professionals paint a house or wash windows, they can equip their scaffolds with railing. But, it is sometimes challenging to determine if you need a ladder or scaffold.
What should you not do while working at height?
- If you are mentally and physically unfit, avoid working on a project that involves risks.
- Never perform multiple tasks simultaneously when you are at a height.
- Do not throw materials and tools from a height.
- Never perform any activity without a safety permit. Avoid overloading the ladders that you use for the project.
- Never use a stepladder while dealing with work that involves strenuous tasks.
- Never allow inexperienced workers to work at heights.
- Do not place your ladder on any weak surface.
When do you need fall protection systems?
To decide on the type of protection system, you have to focus on the:
- Location of your project
- Duration of the work
- Frequency
Even if you do a short-term task for two hours, protection is vital. Also, you have to determine if your job site is close to the hazard. The fall protection type depends on the distance to the hazard.
These tips will be highly useful for constructors and other professionals working at heights in Victoria. Train your employees before allowing them to work at height. They should also stick to the safety guidelines to avoid any risk during work hours.
