Hi all

A friend of mine who up until a couple of years ago was a TechSP working in H&S, posed me a question regarding work at her local church. The steeplejack that they were planning on using has stated that he is exempt from the requirements of the WAH Regs because he is a steeplejack.

I have had a search and can find no such exemption and, to be honest, I would be surprised if there was one, however, I could be wrong so before I go back to my esteemed colleague and friend and tell her that he is "winging it", I should appreciate knowing if there is any basis of truth in what he says.]

Thanks in advance.

Hi Hilary
Steeplejacks used to have certain exemptions from requirements laid down in the old Construction Regulations re guard rails and toe boards. These regulations have been revoked and replaced by the Working at Height Regulations and there are no exemptions.

Even though the exemptions were limited, steeplejacks always claimed they were exempt from everything in the regulations. I had many a battle with these guys in the past and in the end my stock answer to them was " There are no exemptions on my patch regardless of who you are". They always did what I wanted if they wished to continue with the job.

Take care
John C

Thanks Redken, I had seen the prosecution which made me figure the guy was talking rubbish but there are some strange and antiquated loopholes so I thought I had better just get a straw poll to see if the consensus was that the guy was lying.

Thank you all contributors, I have told my colleague/friend and as this guy is doing all the churches in the area on a grant, he may be in for a less than smooth ride.