Posted By Paul Adams
In a word - NO.

Plenty of fall arrest systems available for this situation, but they cost money. Having said that, a fall off a 10m chimney would cost a bit more

Posted By David A Jones
agree with previous respondants - NO.

I've seen the video of the research done by the HSE on falls on ladders with and without hoops and with and without fall arrest devices.

The hoops can cause more injuries and can't be relied on to stop a fall to ground level, even when fall arrest systems are being used as well.

Posted By Robert K Lewis
I would tend towards the use of specialist steeplejacks for the work unless there is an overriding reason not to do so. The fact that it is so occassional indicates that operatives are not going to be able to operate safely without significant thought. The use of twin and triple landyards is complicated and I doubt that your own staff will remember the correct use.

These boiler chimneys will always have poor access arrangements and sometimes they are not suitable for even fixed lines.

Bob

Posted By Derek Holt
Steve,

I agree with most. It has long been known that hooped ladders do not provide adequate fall protection, although it took some considerable lobbying/education of the HSE by height safety specialists to convince them to undertake their own research.

If its 'reasonable' (diffiult to prove its not) to do so then without a doubt have a rail or cable fall arrest system fitted. Their are pros and cons to both types. Such systems generally reduce the fall distance to 0.5m or less (usually less). Reference maintenance, not only should the system be inspected at least annually but also the ladder and fixings. The former inspection being less than the latter.

If it can be justified that the above is not reasonable, Then the fall arrest harness (upper front attachment point) and small twin lanyard with suitably sized connectors should be considered along with appropraite training. Remember though that the use of lanyards does not prevent a fall, but only limits the distance fallen. Therefore especially on a ladder (with or without hoops), it is still possible that injuries could occur. Another reason why a fixed system should firstly be considered.

Do not forget that if the person is required to leave the ladder and he is not on a fully guarded platform, including access hatch (closed). Then they will still require to use lanyards with their harness to provide protection.

Steeplejacks are not required, so long as the person(s) climbing are competently trained in the use of the system and PPE and medically fit. Without wanting to upset any steeplejack there are those that think they defy gravity and therefore do not afford themselves adequate protection. If we required steeplejacks every time high fixed ladders were climbed then it would be good for their industry but not so good for the likes of the telecomms industry. Technicians/riggers who frequently have to climb towers and masts upto and exceeding 100m, usually after a one or two days climbing course. For note: such towers and masts are bulit with fixed fall arrest systems and not hoops.

Final note and a particular interest of mine. Recovery of a person stranded at height be it due to exposure, medical or injury. Have you a plan in place? If it relies on the emergency services, have you contacted them to ascertain if they can 'safely' reach and recover someone at 100m (not all can).

Contact me direct if you need any more info on systems/ height safety equipment/training or recommended suppliers.

Posted By Terence R Bannon
having worked quite closely with the London Fire Brigade last year I know they did not have the capability for rescue at height, and the station officer I dealt with told me the unions were very anti the idea of training.

Posted By Sarah O'Brien
I have read with interest the comments regarding fixed ladders. I work at the docks and we have quayside cranes these have fixed ladders with hoops. Do you think we would have to have fall arrest equipment?
You go up approx 40-50 ft. There is a landing point halfway up with a handrail and a handrail around the access to the cabin area.

I can imagine the comments I'll get if I have to tell these guys who have been going up and down these cranes since before I was born that they now have to have a harness.

As always comments appreciated.

Posted By Derek Holt
As John and Sarah rightly point out, there are fixed vertyical ladders in many environments, some of which have hoops and some of which have nothing. As previously discussed hoops do not prevent falls, this is backed up by relatively recent research undertaken for the HSE RR 258. Fall arrest systems do nevertheless provide a level of protection in a fall situation but are not 100% effective.

Preference should be given to guided type fall arrest systems as opposed to lanyards. There are two types to choose from, rail or cable. The decision as to which is the most suitable will depend upon a number of factors which are too exhaustive to discuss here.

What is important to note is that if a fall arrest system is to be installed, then do your home work. I have had the mispleasure to see many installations that where either of the wrong type or so poorly installed they actually increased the risk of a fall. Also, remove the hoops/cage from the structure as this has the potential to interfere with the effective operation of the fall arrest device.

Reference Johns point about the physical ability of those who have to climb, linked with the rescue of persons from height. Firstly as previously cited, less than a third of all UK Fire and Emergency Brigades have the capability to rescue people form height, over and above the height of their ladders. Do not assume that turn table ladders and mobile elevated platforms can get to the site of the emergency, check it out. I highly recommend that all persons who have to regularly climb as a part of their work are subjected to periodic medical examination. This is common practice in some industries and not so in others.

Ken makes the interesting point about height of ladders related to fall protection. As we all know any fall from height can seriously injure or kill, but the height of the ladder has to be considered in the selection of a fall arrest system. As previously cited, harness and lanyards need anywhere upto 5.8m of clear space below to stop a fall, the smaller the lanyard the less distance required but the more difficult to climb. Guided type fall arrest systems need less distance, typically 3m. In summary you need to be at least 5.8 or 3m above the ground/platform/obstacle to afford optimum protection.

Posted By David AB Thomas
For advice on the use of twin-tailed lanyard see:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2004/e04168.htm

For advice on the use of guided type fall arresters including a rigid anchor line see:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2004/e04074.htm

Note: EN 353-1 was amended in January 2005 (AMD 15198) to reflect the latter.