Rank: Forum user 
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I would appreciate some thoughts on the following.
Some small extract fan need replacing in the ceiling of a large open roof.
These fans are fixed to the joists of the ceiling. The joists are open (no plaster board) and are spaced at 18 inches.
Engineers have to gain access to the work area and work from above the joists. That is walking on them.
The height is 4 meters, the fans are only small and weight less than 10 kg.
I would appreciate your thoughts on the best way to tackle this work. Scaffold is not an option as access has to be from above the joists.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hard to comment without actually seeing it but if i picture it correctly, would it not be possible to build a tower 1m below the joists so the handrails are at 470 & 950 above the platform? Then the engineers can fit inside the 18" gaps and work comfortably above the fans, assuming they are taller than 3 feet 6. ;-)
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Rank: Forum user
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Unfortunately the work in on the ducting and can not be reached from underneath.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Again it is very hard to picture, can you post a picture or a sketch.
Given the joists already support your ducting and fan if you plan to scaffold them out you will need to check the safe working load is not exceeded.
Can you get a scissor lift or another type MEWP underneath to act as a crash-deck and have you got an access point?
However in my experience if access is really difficult scaffolding is the only answer. The cost of the scaffolding can be excessive in relation to the cost of the actual task and I have seen Clients take the cheaper option only to avert catastrophe by luck alone.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Tony Woodside wrote:Unfortunately the work in on the ducting and can not be reached from underneath.
Then if it cannot be reached from underneath, it needs to be done from above with fall prevention or fall protection. As Alf has said, scaffolding appears to be the best option.
Two other options:-
1) Could the area around the fans be boarded out with sheets of plywood (obviously checking whether it will support the extra weight) to allow future access for maintainance.
2) Is there a roof area above where an inertial reel could be attached safely to a secure anchor point so the engineers could access the area wearing a harness? They would still want something safer to stand on than just the joists.
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Rank: Forum user
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As mentioned work from above seems to be the way forward.
However I try to avoid fall arrest wherever possible and use work restraint. Adjust the lanyard so that it will prevent a fall.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Just as an aside. Why not use this as an opprtunity to move the fans to a more easily accessible location for the future.
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Rank: Forum user
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Move the fans. First rule of work at height..... Can work at height be avoided? Ok, not immediately, but for future access as the fans will need future maintenance. Can they work from above and use safety nets?
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