Rank: Forum user 
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Any advice would be much appreciated, we have been asked to replace lights with in a church approx. 8 lights in 2 areas, 4 in each . The access is very limited due to the pews with regards to scaffolding, the height of the lights is about 30ft, all positioned on walls. Cherry picker access is a no no due to the height of the steps to the pulpit.Would a ladder be appropriate or is the height to great if not what measures would need to be in place???
Lee
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Consider the hierarchy of controls in the WAH regs and I think you will have answered your own question.
Consider this though - if you are having to go to the time, trouble and expense to access the lights now, would it be cost effective for you to install lights that could be lowered to ground level for maintenance etc?
Just noticed the new spell check option above this box. Thanks IOSH.
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Rank: Super forum user
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leerob wrote:Any advice would be much appreciated, we have been asked to replace lights with in a church approx. 8 lights in 2 areas, 4 in each . The access is very limited due to the pews with regards to scaffolding, the height of the lights is about 30ft, all positioned on walls. Cherry picker access is a no no due to the height of the steps to the pulpit.Would a ladder be appropriate or is the height to great if not what measures would need to be in place???
Lee
Isn't there a walkway at the end of the aisles where an alloy tower could be assembled, allowing access to the lights?
If (as advised) you have worked your way down the hierarchy of the W@HR and discounted the use of a MEWP or tower, use of a ladder would be dependent on the weight/size of the lights you are changing. With having the need for 3 point contact on the ladder, would it be feasible for you to place a ladder either side of the light for 2 people to work in tandem?
Just a thought without knowing the exact layout, space and weights.
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Rank: Super forum user
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just for clarification is the whole light unit you are replacing or just fitting new bulbs. certainly fitting units that could be lowered is a good idea or ones where the bulbs have a longer lifespan.
Phil
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Given the vast array of ladder access solutions out there (the link below being a typical example) I would very much doubt the use of bog-standard leaning ladders to be acceptable.This kit is readily available for hire.
http://www.abtechsafety.com/LAS.html
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Rank: Super forum user
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ron hunter wrote:Given the vast array of ladder access solutions out there (the link below being a typical example) I would very much doubt the use of bog-standard leaning ladders to be acceptable.This kit is readily available for hire.
http://www.abtechsafety.com/LAS.html
If there is room for that, a tower could be assembled.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for all your replies, the job in question entails just the changing of 8 halogen bulbs. With regards to reasonably practicable would the erection of a 30ft tower not be a bit OTT as the size of the foot print for a tower of that size and the training of more PASMA operatives would cost a small fortune. I have spoken with the persons responsible for the maintenance of the church and they have stated that funds are very short (as they always do), so this eleviates the question of changing the lights to ground maintenance ones. As stated previously access is limited for the use of MEWPS, and as the duration of the job will be no longer than 30 mins is a TYPE 1 ladder the best option, obviously safe systems of work will be implemented.
Comments appreciated
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Rank: Super forum user
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Is this a wind up?
This situation reminds me of a “health and safety gone mad” story run by one of our favourite national daily newspapers where it claimed a church had been made to use scaffolding to change a light bulb. Turned out it was the whole light fitting which from memory weighed almost half a tonne. Please remember ladders are not banned. Providing there are no extenuating circumstances that you have not mentioned (i.e. three point contact can be maintained with a suitable ladder, that the ladder can secured so it cannot fall/slip that the bulbs are not massively heavy and the ground will support the ladder etc) this really sounds like a task that can be undertaken from a ladder/stepladder and be within complete compliance of the work at height regulations.
Brian
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Rank: Super forum user
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I think the original posting mislead people to thinking you where changing the complete light fitting and not just a bulb. which is why i sought clarification.
I don't see any issue in changing the bulb from a ladder so long as common sense is used as well as the right height of step ladder rather then having someone standing on the top step and stretching to reach the light fitting.
Phil
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Phil,
The light fittings are 30 feet up so a step ladder might not be appropriate. :-)
I wonder if there is sufficient space between the pews to locate a ladder and how is the top of the ladder going to be prevented from sliding along the wall?
Rather the OP than me! I go weak at the knees by the time I am up to gutter level on my house and that is under 20 feet...
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