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jhun1203  
#1 Posted : 03 April 2012 16:30:32(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
jhun1203

Do the contractor need to us hard hat during their fixing of lights in the ceiling? The contractor is just using the A-frame ladder with 5 mtrs height inside the office? I feel its no need..any opinion is really appreciated.
SW  
#2 Posted : 03 April 2012 18:41:26(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SW

Its up to the person running the job - a lot of sites use the blanket rule - everyone has to wear helmets or safety specs regardless if there is a risk. Slightly off your original question - Have you done a risk assessment on the work at height? - I would assess working off the 5m step ladder - what work is exactly involved, the duration, environmental issues such as ground / other risks in the vicinity etc and perhaps you may find that better access equipment will be needed.
RayRapp  
#3 Posted : 03 April 2012 19:55:11(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

Hmm..Interesting question. First, as the previous poster has mentioned, a risk assessment should be conducted to assess the potential risks and controls. As a rule I think it is not necessary to wear a hard hat when working on a ceiling, indeed they can often be more of a hindrance unless they are the peakless type used by scaffolders. A 5 metre step ladder seems very high, would a mobile tower not be more suitable for the task? Forgetting the site rules for a minute, whilst working on a ceiling there may be no risk of anything falling, however there is still the risk of someone falling from 5m and hitting their head. Therefore a hard hat without a chin strap would be of no use whatsoever, unless they were clipped on to the rung with a karibiner via a harness/ lanyard and the step ladder properly secured. So, plenty of things to consider before making a decision.
david leniewski  
#4 Posted : 03 April 2012 20:51:45(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
david leniewski

ppe regs state that hard hats dont need to be worn if the only risk of injury to the head is by falling over, I believe the are risks of injury by hitting the cieling, lights girders etc, Most companies blanket the rule, wear the hat you will get used to it
jhun1203  
#5 Posted : 05 April 2012 01:04:13(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
jhun1203

Thank you very much to all for your valuable feedback! I am clear now what to implement! With regard to the use of A-Frame Ladder, what are the practical measures while using this Ladder ( contractor standing on it to max 3 mtr heights)? The situation was, there was no strong support to hook the fall arrest while using the ladder and I have given already training to the users.
SP900308  
#6 Posted : 05 April 2012 09:41:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SP900308

jhun, With all due respect, this is the purpose of risk assessing. Other options for work at height are available based on the above assessment, inc but not limited to: Sherpascopics, Podiums, Tower Platforms etc. Good luck!
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