Dos and Don ts – Working at Height
- as much work as possible from the ground.
- ensure workers can get safely to and from where they work at height.
- ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job, maintained and checked regularly.
- take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces.
- provide protection from falling objects.
- consider emergency evacuation and rescue procedures
- overload ladders – consider the equipment or materials workers are carrying before working at height. Check the pictogram or label on the ladder for information.
- overreach on ladders or stepladders.
- rest a ladder against weak upper surfaces, eg glazing or plastic gutters.
- use ladders or stepladders for strenuous or heavy tasks, only use them for light work of short duration (a maximum of 30 minutes at a time).
- let anyone who is not competent (who doesn’t have the skills, knowledge and experience to do the job) work at height
