Guidance

• Safety warning for those using fixed rail fall arrest systems
• A brief guide to the Regulations (INDG401) [90KB]
• Using access equipment safely in building and plant maintenance [102KB]
• First aid management for harness suspension when working at height

Our key messages to duty holders are:

• Those following good practice for work at height now should already be doing enough to comply with the Work at Height Regulations;
• Follow the risk assessments you have carried out for work at height activities and make sure all work at height is planned, organised and carried out by competent persons;
• Follow the hierarchy for managing risks from work at height - take steps to avoid, prevent or reduce risks; and
• Choose the right work equipment and select collective measures to prevent falls (such as guardrails and working platforms) before other measures which may only mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall (such as nets or airbags) or which may only provide personal protection from a fall.

A question and answer brief has been developed aimed at people who work at height in construction. Visit the HSE Construction website [334kb] for more information. HSE and Local Authority inspectors have received information about the requirements of the Work at Height Regulations.

• Falls from height downloads

Ladders guidance

HSE have produced a guide on the safe use of ladders and stepladders (INDG402) [318kb] . This is aimed at employers, the self-employed and people who work from ladders.

There is also a toolbox talk (INDG403) [307kb] to help ladder users recognise the risks and work safely. This is supported by a pocket card (INDG405) [38kb] , which provides useful information on safe ladder use in a handy size for users to keep with them. This pocket card is now available in 21 other languages.

Some sensible tips for using a ladder safely are listed below. The ladder should be:

• Prevented from slipping,
• Prevented from moving before it is stepped on,
• Long enough to do the job safely,
• Have a handhold available to allow the worker to maintain 3 points of contact where possible,
• Used without overreaching,
• Inspected and checked regularly where necessary.

Duty holders should check that workers are fit to use the equipment that they are provided with. Employees or contractors should report any issues (including health issues) that may affect their safety or the safety of others. Some of the human factors that would prevent you from using a ladder are:

• Recurring dizziness
• Epilepsy
• Psychiatric conditions (inc fear of heights)
• Heart condition
• Severe lung conditions
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Significant impaired joint function
• Medication that recommends you do not operate machinery could also be a problem

• More information on ladder use

These publications are available from HSE Books. They can be ordered by telephone on 01787 881165 or by post from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA.

• ACOLAR and LOLER - How they apply to rope access [85kb]

Need help with a work at height problem? Try Work at Height Solutions.

• Work at Height Safety Association offer a series of guidance notes and links