Posted By rdot With regards to works using trestles i.e. Brick works I have a few queries - 1 - Obviously if anyone fell and was hurt or worse prosecutions could occurr under the WAH regs, does anyone know if this has occurred. 2 - Does the HSE enforce the use of handrails on trestles. 3 - Does anyone know of any good systems. Thanks in advance

Posted By Shaun Brennan rdot from my experience and from working on Construction sites, unofficially, unless the trestle has a built in handrail they are banned off site by most of the Major Construction group, with the view that officially they will banned in total next year. Bugsy

Posted By db Kick Stools are not banned - nothing is banned including trestles. Kick stools are not the same as trestles in that they are used for short duration work and although you could arguably get a nasty injury its better than standing on a box or shelf etc. Trestles can be used without hand rails but beware - if there is an accident you have to prove why it wasnt reasonably practicable to install the handrails which are easily available nowadays - the same goes for any other access equipment which either isnt on the hierarchy of control for work at height or is lower down such as harnesses, ladders and steps - you have to prove why it wasnt rp to use something else. It would be quite difficult to do that so my advice is use something other than trestles - they are usually held together with a nail, are very rarely inspected and could get you a PN or prosecuted. If you have to use them, make sure you use the proprietary hand rails and make sure you have adequate access as getting on and off them is an "accident black spot" so to speak.

Posted By Philip Beale Have a look at this link http://www.shponline.co.uk/incourt.asp?index=3 The company were fined £93,000 after an employee died