Posted By Andy Walker I have been instructed to come up with a system to allow our maintenance to work alone on rail mounted over head cranes cranes. It has been an unwritten rule that maintenence always work in pairs whilst on cranes throughout the company but the argument is that it ties up resources. I've already pointed out the need for a rescue plan if suspended, Reg 14 of the Electricity at work regs which states 2 persons if working on live equipment and Ive studied the Lone worker guidance which as usual relies on Risk Assessment (already done shows high risk) Can anybody help with other regulations or guidance to back up my argument? Andy

Posted By Andy Walker Thanks for the vote of confidence Sean however head and brick wall seem to spring to mind!! Andy

Posted By Jerry Lucey Hi Andy, Lone working is not acceptable where a person is wearing fall arrest for the reasons given in the previous post. I would recommed though that you examine alternatives to fall arrest if the lone working option is to be persued. Perhaps air bags might be an alternative which could be examined. The important thing is to start with a risk assessment where you assess the risk and come up with control measures. In the scenario you describe current work practice may need to be changed i.e. if lone working is to be considered, fall arrest is not acceptable. If an option such as air bags are to be looked at, you might look at the probability of someone becoming injured as they fell from the gantry crane. How quickly would they require First Aid/ Medical attention. You might need to look at a 'man-down' device in conjunction to other measures. The best approach may be to present the person requesting this system with your risk assessment stressing that the use of fall arrest is not acceptable in a lone working situation. You could discuss the feasibility of other measures e.g. air bags and a safe system could be produced for the acceptable measures.

Posted By steve e ashton Not exactly the same, but this may help your case in arguing for a groundsman? http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2005/e05131.htm Also, HSG19 published in 1982 comments: "Some of the more common dangers associated with the use of WPs are: (h) persons becoming stranded on the platform in a raised position, perhaps due to power or control circuit failure" Plus, as others have stated: Work at height regs - requirements to make provision for emergency rescue.... Hope this is helpful... Steve

Posted By Jeffrey Watt Andy Strategy one. You could always argue that since reviewing the legislation it has become clear that two pople might not be enough with the risk of suspension trauma, rescue plans, HSE activity on work at height, monitoring and communications etc and three people would be safer. Watch as they squirm and haggle you back to two. Strategy two. Why are they going up? To replace nylon bushings every 3 months when they could fit steel ones that last a year etc. So ask them to research ways that they can minimise maintenance schedule downtime to keep two guys on the job because your assessment says two men. Hope that helps Jeff

Posted By Glyn Atkinson Ask the person / manager blocking the two man operation to be the guinea pig in any lone worker rescue plan - they may wish to change their viewpoint once suspended for a while, let the blood flow away from their brain to clear their head - don't send anyone to do what you would not do yourself !!