I am trying to find out if there is anything specific under any regulation in regard to the access/fall arrest requirements which should be fitted and used on a industrial chimney during shutdown periods for inspection of the exterior or replacement of aeroplane warning lights etc. A contractor has told me that we shuld have a fixed Y spar ladder for access which is backed by the HSE. I am unable to find this on the HSE website and whilst I agree this would be a sensible approach to go down this route I also have to consider the budget, to have something like this fitted would cost in the region of £10,000-£15,000 and we currently erect temporary ladders and fall arrest before work commences as we normally only carry out works (using specialist contractors) on an annual or 6 monthly basis. Does anyone have an opinion on this as I would appreciate any comments. Thanks

Pretty sure there is a Environmental Agency document that can be downloaded from NetRegs, that covers access to industrial chimneys for stack sampling purposes - it covers platform requirements, I think from memory. Sorry can't remember the number/name of the document. Also try the Source Testing Association.

Hi, as indicated the ladder is to access the top of the chimney and the aeroplane lights, once up there the contractors can access the internals of the chimney where they can abseil down and make appropriate checks etc there is already fittings to for safety lines and use of bosons chair etc. We already have a fixed platform approx a third of the way up in line with Environment Agency guidance and STA for emissions sampling. In one of the ATLAS guides it mentions some HSE guidance "GS 53 Single-flue steel industrial chimneys: inspection and maintenance" and I am unable to find this, any ideas?

Quote=bob youel]Also evaluate the Work at Height regs and the hierarchy of control therein as what has been quoted to date is not law but guidance