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Posted By Mark Ellis
Hi everyone,
Are stilts banned on construction sites?
I witnessed today two dry-liners using new commercial stilts to install suspended ceilings. This was not on a small development and the principle contractor has a general good/proactive attitude to H+S.
As drylineing is not my contract I never made comment but wondered maybe if some of my staff were sufficiently trained...perhaps by chipperfields..? Mark.
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Posted By Crim
Hi Mark,
Good subject this!
One day during a site visit I saw a ceiling fixer on stilts fixing the grid to take tiles. I called him down and discussed the use of stilts with him and ended up carrying out a risk assessment which came out a medium risk. We ensured certain things were put into place and I then allowed him to continue using the stilts.
In reality stilts take away the need for other WAH equipment and properly managed are quite safe.
Things to look out for are:
slips and trip hazards,
level - even floor,
trailing power cables,
other operatives in the same area,
ample head room,
a second person to assist and look out,
barrier off the area,
there are more but depends upon the risk assessment.
The chap uses the same risk assessment everywhere he goes and is usually allowed to use the stilts on other sites.
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Posted By Clive Lowery
Hi Mark,
I work for a ceiling and dry-lining firm and a lot of our operatives prefer stilts.
Crim has raised some very good points when carrying out your RA. Though I would add ensure the stilts are in very good working order, particular attention paid to the straps, hinged joints & feet. Also ensure that no heavy items are lifted. Last but definitely not least, ensure that the operative is competent to use them.
Excellent bit of kit when plastering ceilings or top half of walls
Unfortunately like all things in H & S some managers do not understand the risk management process and automatically ban them, bit like step ladders. (But thats for another thread)
Regards
Clive
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Posted By Penfold
How come stilts users are allowed only two points of contact and firemen attaching smoke detectors must have three?
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Posted By Crim
I don't know if you can buy stilts in threes, even if you can how would you use the third? I'll have to ask Jake the Peg?
Stilts are provided by the individual therefore he/she should conduct a pre-use check before starting work. Otherwise I see no reason for banning them.
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Posted By Mark Ellis
Thanks all, well I never -stilts I really thought they were banned.
There must be a maximum height?
Mark
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Posted By AGJ
Hi guys
Interesting stuff ....I was a bit sceptical with stilts when I first saw them getting used..however I soon changed may opinion...I was in a fortunate circumstance that the guy using them had used them for years and was very exoerienced ...however as he was a self employed taper..I asked him to produce a risk assessment and a check sheet to ensure they were fit for the purpose .I am know in the opinion that they are if in fact(with the proper training and experience) safer than ladders and steps
PS has anyone a generic RA for this task...
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