Just looking through the criteria for membership on the APWC website and need some clarification on the WAHR stuff.
I'm not after the usual WFP vs ladders war so please avoid this guys. I'm just after info.
The stuff I need clarifying concerns the quote below:-
QUOTE
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WaHR)
All work at heights will be undertaken in a manner that reflects a knowledge of and adherence to
WaHR. This includes an understanding of the hierarchy of controls, where we as duty holders must
1. avoid work at height where possible (i)
2. use appropriate equipment to prevent falls where work at height cannot be avoided(ii)
3. where the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated, use equipment or other measures to
minimise the distance and/or the consequences of a fall (iii)
A risk assessment will reveal if it is safe and reasonably practicable to work at height, or whether to use
another safer work method (i.e. water-fed pole system)
i) If a ladder or other access equipment is to be used – ensure risk is minimised by good
management controls and suitable equipment (i.e. ladder stabilisers)
ii) Use of a safety net, air bags and or fall arrest equipment
ENDQUOTE
The only time I use a ladder these days is to hop up onto a flat roof. Does the APWC classify the climb onto the roof as working at height or is that just regarded as gaining access to the work area? In making that climb I would use a ladder with a ladder stopper or similar at the bottom. I have ladder mitts on the top but these are redundant really due to the ladder needing to protrude 1 metre above the work area.
No problem with that but the bit about nets and airbags looks like overkill. Surely I wouldn't be expected to have an airbag below the ladder just to get onto a flat roof? I know it sounds a silly question but I suspect the answer lies in the probable distinction between working at height and just using the ladder for access to a roof.
I am a sole trader - not an employer.
