Policy Statement
The Working at Height Safety Policy aims to minimise the risks associated with working at elevated heights within Oil Analysis Laboratories. This policy outlines the procedures for safe working practices when the feet of the worker are elevated above 2 metres from the ground level of the room, with a focus on the use of ladders and lifting cherry picker platforms.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and interns working at Oil Analysis Laboratories who are required to work at heights above 2 metres from the ground.
Objectives
- To ensure the health and safety of all staff involved in working at elevated heights.
- To comply with health and safety regulations concerning working at height.
- To maintain the integrity and reputation of Oil Analysis Laboratories.
Procedures
Risk Assessment
- Identification: Identify tasks that require working at height and assess the associated risks in line with risk assessment policies
- Mitigation: Implement measures to reduce risks, such as using appropriate equipment and conducting safety training.
Ladders for Smaller Heights
- Inspection: Ensure that ladders are inspected for any defects before use.
- Safe Use: Always maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) when climbing a ladder with strong study shoes with good grip.
Lifting Cherry Picker Platforms in Warehouse
- Operator Training: Only trained operators should use lifting cherry picker platforms and should hold a full UK driving licence to operate.
- Speed – Indoors, the slower “turtle” mode should be used on the lifting platform to give ample time to correct any navigation issues.
- Safety Checks: Conduct pre-use safety checks to ensure that the cherry picker is in good working condition and battery fully charged.
- Fall Protection: Use appropriate fall protection equipment such as the platform guardrails, when working on a cherry picker.
- Extension risk: For taking objects from the shelves, the head and shoulders should not travel across guardrails to avoid over-extension or taking the centre of mass outside the platform and in circumstances where this is necessary full harnesses should be used.
- Movement in the air: No platform shall be moved at extended height above 2m and all travel between or along shelves should be done at ground level only.
- Drop risk: when working at extended height no employee should come within 3 metres of the platform to avoid drop risks. All employees moving objects should check the area beneath them is clear before moving any object from a shelf.
Reporting and Communication
- Incident Reporting: Any incidents or near misses related to working at height must be reported immediately in accordance with safety policies.
Training and Awareness
- Initial Training: All new employees must undergo working at height safety training as part of their orientation and supervised training for a minimum 4 hours on the use of the cherry picker before commencing use of the equipment.
- Refresher Courses: Any employee not having used the cherry picker for 12 months will require a repeat of the training and an additional 2 hours of supervision to re-orientate.
By adhering to this Working at Height Safety Policy, Oil Analysis Laboratories aims to ensure the health and safety of all staff, while also complying with relevant health and safety regulations.