After opinions regarding parapet wall It has a height of varying 850mm - 900mm as such does not comply with WAH regs We have been asked to clean gutter running along the edge, although putting a hand rail up will be costly, I would like to ensure a robust method statement and risk assessment in place to avoid the need for the hand rail However my conscience has got to me and I feel we should put edge protection Thoughts of others please

Its on the inside of the parapet, access to roof area is via an internal staircase leading onto roof Gutter can not be reached via cherry picker No fragile roof areas to worry about

Alan Can you do this from some distance from the parapet e.g. using a lance? Otherwise suggest harness fall restraint back to portable anchorage e.g. http://www.safesite.co.u...oducts/mobile-man-anchor Used to be a weighted version illustrated in HSG33 but not in the current edition.

intereting comment Frank! Schedule 2 states 3. In relation to work at height involved in construction work— (a)the top guard-rail or other similar means of protection shall be at least 950 millimetres or, in the case of such means of protection already fixed at the coming into force of these Regulations, at least 910 millimetres above the edge from which any person is liable to fall. therefore I would argue as the parapet wall only just falls below the 910mm criteria and the operatives will be working on the roof gutter at base of the parapet wall. Thus the RA will demonstrate adequate controls and the risk is reduced SFARP. So perhaps they can be over 5ft tall. Or is that a sizest comment?

Note the regulations clearly state AT LEAST 910mm and there is no rider to permit slightly less even if risk assessed. As the operative verb is SHALL NOT then further actions to secure persons against falls must be taken. This can be either a restraint system or a raising of the parapet top level in some manner. Long term I would be looking towards a secondary permanent handrail fixed to the parapet top in some manner.

Evening Alan, Given the circumstances there would be justification in this to use the individual protection by way of harness, lanyard in arrest rather than the gold standard collective protection fixed barrier. However, in unison I would build a business justification for a future fixed barrier installation that would allow gutter cleaning (I presume annually or any other, especially this time of year during the leaf fall) and other works such as roof inspection, repair and any other emergent work where a fall restraint mechanism may not suffice. Hope this is of help. Regards Alex

Thanks for your comments everyone I will put in place a robust method statement together as and then put a plan together to ensure hand rail installed to enable access to roof area. Looks like they require a new roof so this will go in as part of the quote and aftercare maintenance package cheers for you comments