One of our tasks is assembling staircases for onshore windturbines. The staircase is attached to a platform that they step up onto, the platform being around 1mx1m, roughly 2.5 metres high. The task requires the guys to attach guard rails around the platform. The method statement states a MEWP should be used to install the guard rails, but this is not possible as the technicians would need ttake the guard rails up the MEWP with them and they would not be able to physically install the guard rails without leaving the MEWP. Unfortunately, the guard rails cannot be done at ground level as it comes it comes like this and can't be lowered onto its side either.

I observed one of the workers standing on top of the platform about to install the guard rails with no fall protection. I challenged this and he told me the issue as detailed above. Bit of a tricky one; similar with problems we face with working on top of a lot of flatbed lorrys there is no hook-on point for a harness with fall restraint.

Had a chat with Site management, and they have said that they have previously used an attachment for the telehandler, that the guys have hooked their SRL onto the attachment, in place of the lifting hook.

My initial thoughts are that this is a violation of PUWER as it’s designed for lifting, rather than attaching a SRL onto it for fall prevention. However, I have seen a mobile crane hook block used similarly many times, and our procedure says this is ok if the crane’s capacity as configured for the operation is 2268kg or greater. Unfortunately, it is not practical to have a mobile crane available solely for this. The telehandler lifting attachment used has a SWL of 4000KG, the outriggers would be in place and the cab would be manned to ensure no one would accidently interfere with controls.

I have contacted the manufacturer to get their input on this, However, it isn’t designed for this, so I can’t imagine me getting the answer I hope for. Has anyone seen this used before? 

Afraid it would not be possible with a cherrypicker.

Edited by user 19 September 2019 11:11:38(UTC)  | Reason: Typo

Hi,

So if I imagine this correctly (sorry I'm more of a visual person), they are on top of a platform installing handrails around 2.5m in height?

If this is a repetitive activity, could they build some semi permenant access up to the height they need, then either install a fall arrest fram work over the platform and attach an inertia reel which will allow them the free movement, materials can then be brought up by the access route (steps).

or

Build the semi permenent steps up for access but then do without the frame for the inertia and fall arrest, but deploy soft landing bags around the platform, so if they do fall the harm to employee is limited.

Just a note, you mention fall restraint in your original post, is this correct or did you mean fall arrest? As they are two different things.

Happy to help further.