WORKING AT HEIGHT - 28.02.2011

Safe access equipment

The HSE and the Pre-Fabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) have issued warnings about certain types of access equipment. What’s prompted this and what should you be aware of?

Dodgy imports

The PASMA and the HSE have recently issued a joint warning to users of access equipment telling them to make sure that equipment they buy or hire is up to the job (see The next step). They say that cheap sub-standard work platforms are flooding the UK market. By PASMA’s reckoning, approximately 50,000 sub-standard work at height products have been sold throughout the UK and Ireland in the last six years. The majority of them are for use at low level, i.e. below 2.5 metres.

Why?

There are two reasons why this is happening. One is the lack of a British Standard that covers such equipment. This means that you can’t look for a kite or CE mark. The other is that the market is flooded with equipment that should be used in a domestic environment, as opposed to a commercial one. These items don’t have as much protection, e.g. hand rails fitted. Also, they’re not as robust.

Note. The British Standards Institute is currently working on a standard to cover access equipment. We’ll keep you posted on its progress.

Domestic-rated equipment shouldn’t be used in a commercial environment. Inspectors are particularly hot on the use of equipment designed for domestic use. If your premises are inspected, any access equipment will be checked. If they find any domestic-rated kit, they will tell you to stop using it. Arguing against this is pointless. In fact, doing so could force the inspectors into issuing a prohibition notice which formally prevents you from using the equipment.

Tip 1. Domestic-rated equipment should have “domestic use only” stamped on it. However, this isn’t always the case.

Tip 2. The safest way to avoid domestic-rated equipment is to buy through trade suppliers, rather than high street DIY stores.

What to look for?

Tip 1. Make sure that the product you purchase is marked with a safe maximum load. Those intended for commercial use should be able to safely take 150kg. If you want to use it in a more robust environment, such as on a construction site, look for a product with a maximum load of 175kg.

Note. Domestic-grade equipment will take 95kg - that’s only 15 stones including the person plus materials. It isn’t sufficiently robust for use commercially.

Tip 2. Unless it’s a very low platform, e.g. half a metre, and you’re convinced that the risk is very small, choose a product with a guard rail. Make sure that the railing appears to be sturdy and that it includes an intermediate rail, i.e. no gap greater than 47cm.

Tip 3. Follow the HSE’s guidance on what type of equipment is generally suitable (see The next step). In doing so, you will minimise the chance of facing awkward questions from an inspector. More importantly, following this policy should ensure the safety of your staff whilst they are working at height.

For a weblink to the warning (HS 09.12.05A) and to the HSE’s guidance (HS 09.12.05B), visit http://healthandsafety.indicator.co.uk.

According to PASMA, some 50,000 sub-standard work platforms etc. have hit the market and should be avoided. These are supposed to be for domestic use only. Follow the HSE’s guidance when selecting low level work platforms and go for those with a safe working load of at least 150kg.

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