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Working at height ??
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Torres  
#1 Posted : 26 September 2011 10:21:05(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Torres
Hi Guys,

I will try and keep this simple.

We have a 16 metre high tank with handrails all round on top.

Is a harness needed when working on top??

Thanks,

Torres
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JohnW  
#2 Posted : 26 September 2011 10:53:25(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JohnW
If the barriers are of same dimensions as scaffolding rails then I'd say you could work without harness/lanyard.

Scaffold: two guardrails on scaffold nominally 470mm and 950mm high and there's a 'toeboard' 150mm high.

But a full risk assessment must take into account all possible hazards:

So, are the rails at the heights 470mm and 950mm?
Is there a 'toeboard' to prevent someone sliding under (and to prevent tools falling to ground)?
Check integrity of the barriers for corrosion and weakness.
Is there an opening in the barriers for vertical ladder access?
Is the work area flat?
Is the work area slippy?
Are there openings/manholes where employee could fall in?

etc etc
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PH2  
#3 Posted : 26 September 2011 11:01:34(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
PH2
I agree with Torres and would further suggest use of mesh infill between the handrails. The Work at Height Regulations requires empoyers to take account of weather conditions ; 4(3). The relevant British Standard BS 5395 part 3 recommends the use of infill where walkways are exposed to the weather.

PH2
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JohnW  
#4 Posted : 26 September 2011 11:26:05(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JohnW
I assume PH2 was agreeing with me :o)

Torres, when I listed hazard: 'Is there an opening in the barriers for vertical ladder access?' I was implying that there should be no gap in the barrier, so the top of a vertical ladder should be 'hooped' and/or there should be a gate device.

JohnW
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Torres  
#5 Posted : 26 September 2011 11:32:32(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Torres
Hi Guys

Answers below

[So, are the rails at the heights 470mm and 950mm? YES
Is there a 'toeboard' to prevent someone sliding under (and to prevent tools falling to ground)? YES
Check integrity of the barriers for corrosion and weakness. NDT DONE 4 WEEKS AGO ON TANK AND HANDRAIL.
Is there an opening in the barriers for vertical ladder access?
Is the work area flat? NO,
Is the work area slippy? PAINTERS CLEANING DOWN ROOF AND APPLYING ANTI SLIP MATERIAL
Are there openings/manholes where employee could fall in? NO

Thnaks for replies,

Torres
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PH2  
#6 Posted : 26 September 2011 11:59:05(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
PH2
JohnW,
Sorry, yes I meant you ; Monday morning, slow start.

PH2
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frankc  
#7 Posted : 26 September 2011 14:51:40(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
frankc
torres wrote:
Hi Guys,

I will try and keep this simple.

We have a 16 metre high tank with handrails all round on top.


How do you access the tank roof?
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Torres  
#8 Posted : 27 September 2011 08:22:43(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Torres
frankc wrote:
torres wrote:
Hi Guys,

I will try and keep this simple.

We have a 16 metre high tank with handrails all round on top.


How do you access the tank roof?


frankc

We have steps on the side of the tank.
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frankc  
#9 Posted : 27 September 2011 18:09:41(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
frankc
Torres wrote:
frankc wrote:
torres wrote:
Hi Guys,

I will try and keep this simple.

We have a 16 metre high tank with handrails all round on top.


How do you access the tank roof?


frankc

We have steps on the side of the tank.


Cheers mate. I was a bit concerned how you were accessing the tank as you said it has handrails all round on the top.
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