Working at height involves tasks performed in locations where a person could fall and suffer injury, even at above or below ground level. These tasks include working on ladders, scaffolds, or roofs and accessing areas through fragile surfaces or open holes.

Rescue operations focus on retrieving individuals who may have fallen, become stranded, or faced emergencies while working at height. A properly designed rescue plan is vital to ensure timely and safe recovery.

Why to Manage Working at Height?

• Falls are the leading causes of death in the construction industries.
• Most fatalities occur when workers fall from open sided floors and through floor openings.
• Falls from 4 to 6 feet can cause serious injury or sometimes death.

In 2021, the construction industry accounted for nearly one in five workplace fatalities. Over one-third of these deaths were caused by falls, slips, and trips, with the majority resulting from falls to a lower level. Notably, construction contributed to 46.2% of all fatal incidents involving falls, slips, and trips.

What should employers do?

Work at height tasks should be carefully planned, properly supervised, and executed by individuals who possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience. It is essential to use the appropriate equipment designed specifically for working at height.

A practical and sensible approach should be taken when determining safety precautions. Simple, low-risk tasks may require minimal planning, and in some cases, common sense may indicate that no additional precautions are needed.

What does the Law State about Working at Height?

Section 32(c) of The Factories Act, 1948, mandates that in every factory, when any person has to work at a height from where he is likely to fall, provision shall be made, so far as is reasonably practicable, by fencing or otherwise, to ensure the safety of the person so working.

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(2) Workers must be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems, even if they are not engaged in leading edge work, if they are on a walking or working surface that is 6 feet or more above a level where leading edges are under construction.

Our Learning Outcomes of Working at Height  & Rescue at height training

By the end of work at height theory module participants would be familiar with:

• The roles and responsibilities of employers, constructors (if applicable), suppliers, supervisors, and workers in ensuring safe practices when working at height.
• Hazards of working at heights;
• Hierarchy of controls (such as elimination, isolation, engineering, substitution, administrative & PPE), related to working at heights;
• Types of warning methods (signs and bump lines) and physical barriers (fencing, guard rails, protective coverings) and their appropriate use;
• Use of Ladders and other Elevated Work Platforms;
• Use of PPE and Lifeline, fall protection and fall prevention systems.

By the end of work at height practical module participants would be familiar with:

• Situations in which bump lines, barriers, guardrails and safety nets would be appropriate;
• Discuss the limitations and the appropriate application of travel restraint, fall restraint and fall arrest systems;
• What an anchor point is; discuss the appropriate location and use of anchor points and examples of appropriate and inappropriate anchor points;
• Using the hierarchy of controls, identify the different types of equipment that may be available to safely perform a variety of tasks at heights;
• Understand the purpose of a fall rescue plan to ensure timely and effective responses during working at heights emergencies.

By the end of work at height rescue course, participants would be familiar with:

• Apply the hierarchy of controls in compliance with work at height legislation.
• Gain an understanding of emergency preparedness and rescue methods.
• Recognize the effects of suspension trauma and the critical need for timely rescue.
• Use of self-relief technique during harness suspension trauma situations.
• Harness inspection and fitness.
• Demonstrate effective casualty management and the use of temporary aids.
• Using of Rescue Kit.
• Simulated rescue of suspended casualty using a rescue kit.

Who can take the Work at Height & Rescue training?

• Personnel required to work at height.
• Workers designated as member of the ERT.
• This course is ideal for construction workers, scaffolders and facilities maintenance engineers.
• Managers, supervisors, individuals responsible for teams or groups of employees who require understanding of working at height.

Benefits of Work at Height & Rescue Training at NIST Global

• Renowned for delivering high-quality HSE training and consultancy services with expert faculty, innovative learning methods, and tailored industry solutions.
• Specializes in NEBOSH, IOSH, and ISO Consulting; pioneers in Training Process Outsourcing (TPO); has trained over 120,000 professionals.
• 15+ years HSE Training expertise; specialized in HSE domain.

Our Accreditations:

• NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner (first in India).
• ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management.
• Affiliated with global HSE professional organizations (IOSH, IEMA, AHA, NFPA, BSI, STI, NSC, CPD and IPAF).

Protect Your Workforce Today

Working at height involves significant risks, but with proper training and rescue plans, you can create a safer work environment. NIST Global comprehensive solutions ensure your team is equipped to prevent accidents, respond effectively to emergencies, and comply with all legal requirements.

Schedule your Working at Height & Rescue at height Training today and safeguard your team, assets, and reputation.

FAQS:

1. Is this training available for individuals or only for corporate groups?
   We offer training sessions for both individuals and corporate teams, with customized modules based on workplace needs.
2. Can the training be conducted at our worksite?
   Yes, we provide on-site training for companies to ensure practical learning in real-world conditions.
3. How long does the Work at Height & Rescue Training take?
   The duration varies depending on the course level, typically ranging from one or two days.
4. Does this training include hands-on rescue simulations?
   Yes, the training involves practical rescue drills, use of rescue kits, and real-life emergency scenario exercises.
5. Can the training be customized based on our specific safety challenges?
   Yes, we offer tailored training programs to address specific risks and safety requirements of your organization.

1. Wear Protective gear & appropriate clothing

Use the correct safety equipment before doing any job at a height. These could include hard hats, safety glasses, harnesses, lanyards, fall protection equipment, and steel-toed boots.

2. Know your Surroundings

Be sure you understand your surroundings and the tools you’re using. Examine the scaffolding for risks such as electricity lines, uneven ground, or gaps that could cause a fall.

3. Falling Objects

Whenever there is a chance of a head injury from falling or being struck by objects, use a hard hat (for example, flown scenery, tools, lighting equipment, or tail ends of the cable).

4. Examine your safety gear

Check any safety equipment for wear or damage before utilising it at a height. To protect your safety, make sure all components are fastened and set up correctly.

5. Follow the procedures

Make sure you strictly adhere to any established protocols for working at heights if there are any. This can entail performing pre-work inspections of the scaffolding or safety harnesses or performing tasks in a particular order.

6. Unstable or Slippery Surfaces

The footwear that technicians or workers must wear offers protection from current dangers. Let’s say that a worker cannot wear the typical protective footwear. In that situation, the employer is required to take further precautions to safeguard the employees from harm, such as fitting costume shoes with nonslip bottoms, altering the floor surface, or eliminating the danger.

7. Escape Plan

Prepare an escape strategy in case you find yourself in a risky position. Be aware of the best way to exit the height and be ready to use it if necessary.

8. Stay focused

Distractions and daydreaming are not appropriate while working at a height! To keep safe and prevent accidents, pay attention to what you are doing at all times.

9. Ask for help

Everyone isn’t expected to be an expert in safety, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or get help if you’re confused. Instead of rushing through and running the chance of an accident, it is best to take your time and do it well.

10. Take breaks

Take frequent breaks when working at heights because it can be both physically and emotionally draining. Your energy levels will be maintained and the likelihood of mishaps caused by exhaustion will be decreased.

11. Report Incidents

Report any incidents involving accidents at height to the appropriate authorities and make sure they are properly documented. This will safeguard people from damage and aid in the prevention of future mishaps.

12. Weather-check

It’s crucial to pay attention to the weather both before and during performing high-level job. Make sure to take extra measures when working in these conditions because strong winds, thunderstorms, rain, and other extreme weather conditions might raise the danger of an accident.

13. Know your limits

Being at a height can be frightening and physically taxing, so be mindful of your limitations at all times. Don’t push yourself too hard or try to achieve something you’re not comfortable with.

14. Training

Before starting any job if you’ve never worked at a height, receive the necessary training. This will make sure that you understand how to handle any equipment safely and take the essential safety precautions.

15. High voltage

When operating close to activated high-voltage electrical equipment, respect the permitted range of approach. High voltage is defined as “a potential difference (voltage) of more than 750 volts between conductors or between a conductor and ground” in the regulation.

16. Fall protection

When working at a height, you should always wear the proper fall protection. Safety harnesses, anchor points, guardrails, and other tools intended to stop falls and safeguard you in the event of an accident may come under this category.

17. The three points of contact rule

When climbing ladders or other structures, remember the three points of contact rule. In order to retain your balance and avoid falls or slips, you must keep at least two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the framework.

18. The right tools

Your safety can be significantly improved by using the proper tools. To guarantee that you can accomplish the operation securely, make sure you have the appropriate ladder, scaffolding, harnesses, and other equipment.

Conclusion

You may make sure that you stay safe while working at heights by adhering to these instructions and adopting the essential safety precautions. Always be aware of your surroundings, wear the appropriate safety gear, and avoid attempting anything that makes you uncomfortable. You can guarantee that your work is completed safely and effectively if you have the necessary information and preparation.

Take the required actions to maintain a safe working environment since your first priority should be your safety and the safety of others around you. You may make sure that everyone stays safe while working at height by adhering to the tips given above.