Hi All
Safe Access and Egress to a flat roof
Following continued enquiries from members who feel they are losing out to other companies that continue to practice unsafe methods to clean windows
Paul Thrupp executive council Member & representative on the HSE Cleaning Industry Liaison Forum (CILF) asked Simon Brownlee of the HSE for the HSE ruling and guidance on the safe access and egress to a flat roof; and HSE responded with the view as given to us previously:
‘Where a leaning ladder is being used to access another level (e.g. a flat roof) it should be long enough so that it extends sufficiently (at least a metre) beyond the landing point to provide a handhold, unless other measures have been taken to provide a firm (secure) handhold. The flat roof also needs to be safe. I.e. measures are taken where necessary to prevent falls from or through the roof.
Leaning ladders used as a means of access should be tied. Where tying is not possible alternative access equipment should be used. Where it is not reasonably practicable to tie a leaning ladder or use other equipment, then as a last resort the leaning ladder stiles could be wedged (eg against a wall or a heavy static weight). Each situation would need to be assessed on its merits.’
"I would like to stress that ladders should only be used where working from the ground can be shown to be not reasonably practicable, i.e. the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and short duration of use."
Simon Brownlee - Policy Advisor / Environmental Health Officer
My way
Laddermate at the bottom or footed
Microlight on the top on flat roof
Still goes down to risk assessment
Bryan