Hi I work for a manufacturer of static homes and holiday lodges. We had a HSE inspection yesterday and the inspector questioned our working at height policy. The issues he had were.... 1. In the roofing area (the roofs are constructed on the floor and then craned into position later) the operative has to walk up the structure to nail the timbers and trusses etc. The guy is a maximum of 4-5ft off of the ground on a sloping roof. The inspector questioned if the operative needs a fall arrest harness or other similar control in case of a fall from the structure. Space is an issue in the area and overhead cranes means that any harness cannot be attached to the ceiling of the factory. Does anyone have any other ideas to prevent a fall from this height? 2. In the flooring area (floors are fitted to a chassis before any walls are in place) the whole unit has unprotected edges when the floors are being fitted. The unit would be approx. 3ft max off the floor. The unit needs to be accessible to 2/3 operatives but again the inspector has asked for us to review our procedures and put in an additional control. I'm thinking that in the flooring area we can simply use some kind of fencing/netting to place around the unit (like a netball net) but I am open to any ideas that anyone has. After a meeting today most of the conventional methods have been rejected so I am looking for any other ways to control the risk. The inspector threw in a curve ball by saying that perhaps we do not need to actually implement any changes but I am wary to do nothing just in case there was an accident and the company had not acted on his concerns. The rest of the inspection went well though which was a relief!!! Thanks Dave

ayup So is the guys walking up the sloping roof to nail the structure before the crane activity? Would crass matts be an option? could get expensive though? Crash matts could work on the flooring task? Shame we cant add images on this site to get a better grasp of the dilemma

I was thinking along the same lines Frank. Collosians, HSE Inspectors shy away from making recommendations in case theynget it wrong.

Very true

They offer Collective Fall Protection for more than one person so would keep the HSE happy. Plus, the OP did say the HSE had asked him them to 'Review their procedures' and 'PUT IN AN ADDITIONAL CONTROL' Quite agree. Good at telling you how not to do it...

we use a rope fall restraint system - (not fall arrest) in a similar area with a beam crane in the way. It works but could be more trouble than it's worth here in your situation. How about portable (Wheeled) staging that can be positioned adjacent to the roof, providing an adjacent level platform removing any possibility of fall from height, as you would only fall from the roof onto the staging?

Since you mention about nailing, it looks like a wooden structure... or is it a steel structure? In case of roof work we use to guard of the edges, with combisafe guard rails and used to provide a life line which is not supported to the roof. If its a slop roof cant we use inertia reels to restrict the operative movement to edges. Also reduce the number of operatives on the roof as minimum you can... The best option, Is there a better way to do it without sending the operative to roof? regards, Pradeesh

Its a little hard to imagine, is the 4 or 5 feet from the apex to the floor with the lower part actually on the floor or is it a 4 to 5 feet drop from the lower part ? Could you have a post either side and have a running line lenght ways down the roof apex. Allowing them to get to the apex but no further. Roof type ladder to get to the apex and then clip on? Same sort of thing you see for vehicle flatbeds / trailers. Chris

Hi thanks for all your comments and ideas. Were going to wait to see what the inspector puts in his report before making a final decision but the crash mats and netting seem to be the best options. Thanks again Dave