It is considered Work at Height any and all activities performed above 2 meters of height from the main base, with risk of the professional falling. This kind of work requires special care so that it can be done safely, minimizing the risks run by the worker and offering all the security so that the activity can be done satisfactorily.
This kind of activity presents risks to the worker that can be fatal, so it is important to follow all the recommendations to the letter so that the Work at Height can be done correctly. It is essential that the workers are properly trained and qualified to perform the work and that both employee and employer respect the procedures determined by NR-35.
In this post we will show you everything you need to know about Work at Height so that it can be done safely and respecting all the safety norms and procedures. You will see the employer’s main responsibilities, the employee’s main responsibilities, which PPEs are necessary for Work at Heights and other important information to let you know everything about this subject.
Employer’s Responsibilities
The employer has very clear and important responsibilities regarding Work at Heights, and it is important that he/she knows them well in order to offer all the information and safety that the workers need. We will list here the main responsibilities of the employer regarding Work at Heights.
It is the employer’s responsibility for the execution of Work at Heights:
Guarantee the implementation of the protection measures established in NR-35.
Ensure the completion of Risk Analysis and issue of Work Permit, when necessary.
Develop operational procedures for routine activities of work at height.
Ensure that workers have up-to-date information on risks and control measures.
Ensure that activities are initiated only after all NR-35 measures have been adopted.
Suspend the activities whenever an unexpected risk arises.
Always review the procedures adopted and, in case of an occurrence, give training for the entire team again.
Worker Responsibilities
The worker is, without a doubt, the most affected by all the possible consequences of a Work at Heights performed without the recommended safety measures being taken. Therefore, it is essential that he goes through the necessary training, with a minimum workload of 8 hours, and be certified for this type of activity. It is necessary that he knows his responsibilities and duties in order to preserve his physical integrity.
Regarding Work at Heights, it is the worker’s responsibility to:
Comply with the legal and regulatory provisions on Work at Height, including the procedures issued by the employer.
Collaborate with the employer in the implementation of the provisions contained in NR-35.
Interrupt their activities, exercising the right to refuse, whenever there is evidence of serious and imminent risks to their safety and health or to other people’s, immediately informing their superior, who will take the appropriate measures.
Ensure your own safety and health and that of other people who might be affected by your actions or omissions at work.
Update the course for Working at Height every 2 years and whenever there is a change in legislation, change of company or any other situation that requires updating.
PPEs for Work at Height
A fundamental part of Work at Height is the worker’s protection. For this protection to be effective, the correct use of PPE specific for Work at Height is essential. With the PPE recommended for this type of activity, the employer and the worker minimize the chances of accident or fatality.
It is the employer’s responsibility to provide the PPE with validity in effect for their workers. And it is the worker’s responsibility to make sure that they use the correct equipment to ensure their safety.
The main PPE for Work at Height are:
Fall arrest device;
Safety harness or Mountaineering Harness;
Helmet with jugular;
Adjustable lanyards;
Sinlge leg lanyards;
Double Leg lanyard;
Safety boots;
Safety goggles;
Safety gloves.
Risk Analysis for Work at Height
A very important point for Work at Heights is the Risk Analysis, which should be mandatory before any activity at height. Besides all the natural risks of this type of activity, the risk analysis should consider:
The place where the service will be executed and its surroundings.
The isolation and signaling around the work area.
The establishment of anchoring systems and points.
Adverse weather conditions.
The risk of materials and tools falling.
Work Permit for Activities at Height
In the case of non-routine Activities at Height, it is necessary that they are previously authorized and approved by a Work Permit, which should be valid for the time of the activity’s execution. This important document should contain the following information:
The minimum requirements to be met for the execution of the work.
The provisions and measures established in the Risk Analysis.
The list of all people involved and their authorizations.
Working at height: all you need to know
We believe this Post was very complete, because our objective was to give you the main information to be considered for good Work at Heights practices.
And remember: Whenever you need reliable information, come visit us, because this is the Work at Height Experts Blog.