Working at Height

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A person is working at height if it is somewhere they can fall which might result in injury, including at or below ground level.

Examples of working at height equipment at UCA:

Using stepladders, small steps or kick stools
Mobile access equipment such as Genie lifting platforms for reaching up high
Scaffolding

Examples of working at height activities:

Using ladders to put artwork up on walls in studios or for exhibitions
Using ladders to reach high up storage
Using a kick stool to reach a book in the library
Using ladders or scaffolding to access the roof

Process

Risk assessments should identify any task or process that involves working at height.

Before anyone (staff or student) works at height they must complete training and a risk assessment carried out?

Regularly check and maintain all work at height equipment.

Training

Staff should complete the work at height module before working at height on ladders, stepladders, kick stools and steps. To be refreshed every 2 years.

Any staff working on other equipment such as mobile elevated working platforms, scaffold towers, scaffolding or on a roof, should speak to their line manager about further training.

Students are inducted into the use of stepladders/kick steps by their Technical or Academic staff.

General Risk Assessment - Working at Height

Roles and Reponsibilities

Line Manager

Identities their staff members who work at height and ensure they have completed the required training.

Ensure work at height equipment is suitable and meets recommended standards.
Staff

Ensure they do not use anything they have not been trained to use.

Ensure all work at height equipment in their area is maintained and inspected regularly.

If responsible for supervising students, ensure they have been trained before working at height.

FAQ's

Do I need to keep a record of inspections?

Yes, a ladder log should be kept centrally in each department and a record made of the inspections. Each ladder/kick stool must have a tag on it documenting when the ladder was checked, when the next inspection is due and whether it has passed. The green side of the tag indicates the ladder is safe, the red side indicate it is not safe to use.
How often are checks/inspections carried out?

Each time a ladder is used, it should be checked by the user.

An inspection must be carried out every three months, including before the first use of a new ladder.
What does inspecting a ladder involved?
The following is checked during an inspection.
- Defects – such as cracks, shakes, splits, gouges, cuts and decay
- Broken or inadequate repair
- Wear on rungs or treads
- Loose, broken, missing or decayed rungs or treads
- Stile-to-rung fastening
- Wear at head and feet of stiles
- Corrosion on fastenings, e.g. bolts, nuts, mild steel fittings
- Lack of rigidity, excessive play between stiles and rungs
- Warping and sagging
Please use the UCA inspection form.

For more information look at this Guide to safe use of ladders and step ladders.
I only use a ladder occasionally to help put up student work, do I still need to complete training?

Yes, before anyone at UCA uses a ladder they must be suitably trained.
A ladder is broken, what should I do with it?

Remove the ladder from use and turn over the tag so the red ‘do not use’ side is showing and report it to your Line Manager. Ladders will be disposed of by Estates & Facilities.
What standards should I use when purchasing a ladder?

All new ladders must comply with EN131 (Professional Standard which is intended for use in a workplace).
Can people with health conditions work at height?
Staff and students should report any issues (including health issues) that may affect their safety or the safety of others when working at height. Some of the health factors that may prevent working at height are:
- Pregnancy
- Recurring dizziness
- Epilepsy
- Mental health (inc fear of heights)
- Heart condition
- Severe lung conditions
- Alcohol and drug use
- Significant impaired joint function
- Medication that recommends you do not operate machinery could also be an issue
If you have any health condition and are not sure about whether it is safe to work from height, speak to your Line Manager.