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ArticleWorking at HeightSAFETY STEPS TO WORK AT HEIGHTWhen working at height, it is crucial that roofers are aware of the many different tools andequipment available to them that can help to minimise the risk of falls. Below, JamieBrassington, Product Manager at WernerCo, discusses the different equipment that shouldbe used and the support available that can help educate roofers on the safest ways ofworking.Whilst trade bodies and manufacturershave continued to educate tradesmenon the dangers of working at height, therecent figures from HSE show that there is workto be done. The latest ‘Workplace Fatal Injuries inGreat Britain 2020' Annual Statistics reportshowed that whilst there was a reduction infatalities caused by a fall from height during2019/20, it still remains the main cause of fatalaccidents, accounting for almost a third of allthose recorded.To help combat this, it is crucial that roofers areutilising the correct tools and that employees andemployers are up to date on best workingpractices in order to safely work at height.“Ladders should onlybe used for shortperiods, for light workand should also not beused if the user has tooverreach”Using equipment safelyWhen it comes to finding safe ways to work atheight, there are a range of different tools andequipment available that are suited to differenttypes of jobs.Ladders, for example, should only be used forshort periods, for light work and should also notbe used if the user has to overreach. Work atHeight regulations prohibits overreaching as thiscan cause injury, and if the user cannot movearound easily or needs to frequently reposition aladder in order to work, this canhinder productivity.Any work that is donewith the aid of aladder should alwaysbe carried out faceonand three pointsof contact shouldalways be maintained.When working on roofs,the suitability requirementsare also often different asaccess to another level is usuallyrequired, meaning any ladder used must extendpast the stepping point by at least 1 metre.For the majority of work carried out on a flat roof,temporary fall protection is usually needed toundertake work safely. Although it might seemobvious, when working on a sloping roof, workersshould never work directly on slates or tilesunless they have additional safety measures,such as a roof ladder. The Youngman 5766 RoofLadder series is designed especially for roofspitched up to 55° and is fitted with ridge hookassembly, support bearers and wheels to helpeasily position the ladder and secure it when inuse.Be properly informedFor any ladder user looking for more information,the Access Industry Forum’s (AIF) new SafetySteps handbooks are a good starting point.Created in conjunction with other work at heightorganisations, the handbooks includecomprehensive advice for anybody using a ladderor specifying working at height equipment. This isdone through handy flow chartsand checklists, whichoperatives and managerscan follow to make thecorrect safetydecisions.As part of theguidance provided byAIF, it is alsohighlighted that anybodyworking at height musthave sufficient knowledge andtraining before undertaking any job. Inorder to comply with this, WernerCo offersspecific work at height training such as theLadder Association’s Ladders and Stepladders forUsers or PASMA’s Towers for Users course, bothwhich have recently been tailored toaccommodate social distancing. These shortcourses provide those working at height with theknowledge they need in order to work safely anduse equipment correctly.As well as taking careful considerations to ensurethe correct tools and pieces of equipment aremade available, both employers and employeeshave a responsibility to ensure their correct use.By enhancing their knowledge and following theguidelines set out by trade bodies, such as theAIF, roofers can play their part in helping reducethe number of accidents that occur when workingat height.Contact Youngman / WernerCowww.youngmanaccess.comwww.wernerworldwide.com62 TC OCTOBER 2020
GET AHEADOF THEGAME……with new building safety regulations coming, proving the competency ofyour team is going to be critical. Register NOW to start your operatives on theirRoofCERT journey. Don’t be left behind with the changes afoot.Register at www.roofcert.co.uk/tcRegister TODAY2,000 fundedaccreditations availablea saving of ~£300 per operative*RoofCERT—the home of Professional RoofersRoofCERT accreditation benefits your company through:• Your team having clear proof of their skills and knowledge• Providing an easy to manage training record for operatives• Recognition of employing those with the highest professional standards• Being ahead of forthcoming regulatory changes in the sector• Supporting professionalisation of the roofing industryInterested in finding out more about putting your company’s operativesthrough RoofCERT accreditation? Call 020 3940 0053* Funding covers the RoofCERT Knowledge Test and evaluation of training and qualifications. Operatives maystill need to cover costs of mandatory health and safety training if they do not already have the required evidence.
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OCTOBER 2020SpecifyresponsiblyIt’
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Editor’s CommentMATT DOWNSEDITORI
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REGULARS18 THE APEXJackie Biswell l
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#ValueMattersNo fuss flat roofing.
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THE MULTI-AWARD WINNINGALUMINIUM RO
Page 11 and 12: Handrails:- EasyGuardfree-standing
Page 13 and 14: Tapered insulation...all routes lea
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Page 18 and 19: The Apex: Mental HealthTREATING MEN
Page 20 and 21: SIG RoofingCLAY TILES: AN EYE-CATCH
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Page 35 and 36: Traditional and modern gutters, pip
Page 37 and 38: X-TWO fromVELUX Commercial Xtralite
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Page 41 and 42: the structure to be fixed in place
Page 43 and 44: Promotingsystems-basedsolutionswww.
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October 2020

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