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Work at height is considered to be any activity that is carried out above 1.5 meters, performing work on or under the ground, such as fixed platform systems, mobile or rolling scaffolding, work on stairs. For all work carried out at height, the appropriate personal protection equipment must be used, which complies with the safety recommendations, such as the safety harness with a double securing system (life rope) independent of the work platform. .
For any type of work, unsafe acts and conditions can be incurred, which can increase the risk of occurrence of incidents.
Common unsafe acts for work at height
Lack of verification of the conditions of the scaffolding (stability, level, installation of double railing, skirting board, proximity to energized power lines, state of the ladders, equipment and accessories of the structure).
Lack of verification of climatic conditions at the work site (intensity of wind, rain, electrical storm, earthquake, overloads in general).
Do not use or misuse Personal Protection Equipment
Not evaluating the operational conditions before carrying out the activity.
Carry out activities without authorization.
Not checking the conditions of the ladder (stability, safety, rung conditions).
Unsafe conditions common in work at height
Unstable, slippery and uneven work surfaces
Lack of anchor points.
Personal protective equipment in poor condition.
Scaffolding and ladders without certification.
Any type of activity has a probability of occurrence of incidents, but when these activities are carried out at heights, the probability of an incident increases considerably, which is why both the workers who carry out the activity and the company that executes it must adopt certain measures to minimize or eliminate the probability of the incident occurring. The most important measures when working at heights are the following:
- Establish work procedure that incorporates the step by step of the activities to be carried out, the materials and equipment to be used, as well as the response plans for emergencies that may arise during execution.
- Review of work platforms to be used (scaffolding, ladders, Mant lift), including stability, anchors, physical and mechanical integrity, certifications and permits.
- Internal training: all workers must be informed about the content of the work procedure, in addition to reinforcing the operational controls and the specific dangers associated with the activity, through continuous training through courses and frequent talks.
Safety recommendations for working at height
- Before starting operations, evaluate the existence of risk factors in the environment of the activity and identify control measures for existing risks.
- Before starting work at height, verify the correct condition and operation of the required personal protection equipment, inspect the condition of the safety harness, if there is damage to the straps and/or buckles, request a change of equipment.
- Review and plan the work to be done before starting the activity.
- Have knowledge of emergency response plans, and rescue at height
Bibliographic references.
Own source
Brief curricular description
ing Daniela Avila
Chemical Engineer, with more than 6 years of experience in the area of Industrial Safety, Occupational Health and Hygiene and Environment, in the business sector of oil gas and petrochemicals.
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