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From PPE To Scaffold Tower Hire: How To Stay Safe While Working At Height


If you are carrying out a project that will require work to be carried out at height it is crucial that you have the right equipment available for work to be completed safely. One of the key steps in planning work at height is carrying out a thorough risk assessment. This planning process should also identify any access challenges to help evaluate the pros and cons of different equipment options.


There is a wide range of access equipment available and choosing the most appropriate option can have a significant impact on the efficiency of your project. For some projects ladders and scaffolding can be sufficient to carry out work safely and efficiently. In other cases it may be necessary to use scissor lifts or articulating boom lifts. This may be the best approach for shorter projects, in locations where it is not viable to set up scaffolding or where there are access difficulties.


Discussing the range of options from tower scaffold hire to access hire with a specialist equipment company can be useful in arriving at the best option for your project. Each project has varying requirements and ensuring that equipment is chosen to meet these requirements is a key step to ensuring that a project can be carried out cost-effectively and efficiently. The Health and Safety Executive website provides a comprehensive range of information on the key considerations for carrying out projects involving working at height.


Read more for some further information on some of the main factors to consider in order to stay safe whilst working at heights.


Risk Assessment


Before a project begins it is important to carry out a thorough and comprehensive risk assessment. The Health and Safety Executive recommends avoiding working from height where possible so at the outset of a project it is a good step to explore whether work can be carried out from the ground. Extendable tools can help facilitate work being carried out at ground level.


If work at height is unavoidable then having the correct safety measures in place is crucial. Using high-quality mobile elevating working platforms, scaffolding or ladders are all examples of options that can help minimise risk. Using a harness whilst carrying out work on this equipment is also a clear step that can improve safety whilst working at height.


In addition to assessing the risk at the outset of a project it is also important to continue assessing the range of risks as a project is ongoing. For example, weather conditions can impact whether work can continue safely. Choosing equipment that is best suited to the needs of a project and ensuring that everyone working on the project has the right PPE equipment is a key step to mitigating risks when working at height.


Regulatory Requirements


The Work at Height Regulations 2005 outline the requirements for safe working at height. These regulations stipulate the planning requirements for working at height whilst also outlining the competency requirements. In order to be compliant with these regulatory requirements there is a number of steps that need to be taken. Some of these steps include carrying out a risk assessment, taking steps to eliminate or reduce the risks that are identified, ensuring that individuals carrying out work at height are ‘competent’ as defined in the regulations and creating a plan for work carried out at height.


Training And Experience


For work carried out at height it is crucial that the team is trained and experienced on the equipment used. Some projects may require specialist access equipment and ensuring that all workers who will be operating the equipment are fully trained is a key preparatory step for any project. Ensuring that necessary training is provided ensures compliance with the regulations for work carried out at height as it is outlined that work must be carried out by a competent person.


Industry-Specific Safety


Whilst there are a number of general safety steps that can be taken for safe work regardless of the industry there is also a range of industry specific safety steps that should be taken into account. For example in the arboricultural sector, specialist equipment is required for tree surgeons to work safely whilst carrying out work. In roofing work it is important to take steps to prevent falls and ensure that the roof can be accessed safely.


PPE Whilst Working At Height


PPE equipment will differ for each project depending on the access equipment used and the work carried out. There are however some core pieces of PPE equipment that will be used across a wide range of construction projects with more specific pieces of PPE equipment added as necessary. Some core pieces of PPE equipment that will be required in a wide range of situations working at height include helmets, eye protection, protective footwear and high-visibility clothing.


Some examples of equipment that will also be required in some contexts when working at height include harnesses and lanyards to provide a secure point of contact whilst work is carried out. When carrying out a risk assessment, it is important to consider risks associated with the equipment that will be used and identify items of PPE equipment that can eliminate or reduce these risks.


Ladders And Scaffolding


Ladders and tower scaffolding are both frequently used in projects requiring work at height. If work is carried out over longer periods of time, scaffolding will typically be favoured providing a stable base on which work can be completed safely and efficiently. In addition to typical aluminium tower scaffolding there is also a range of other scaffolding options for specialist tasks. One of these options is the aluminium stairway scaffold. Utilising equipment such as this for specialist tasks significantly reduces the risks.


Scissor Lifts And Articulating Boom Lifts


There is a range of instances where using lifts is necessary to access the area where work will be carried out. Scissor lifts and articulating boom lifts are both frequently used to meet a range of access requirements with different benefits to each option. Scissor lifts provide a stable base and can allow for significant elevation in instances where it is possible to base the lift directly under the area where work will be carried out. Articulating boom lifts provide an access solution in instances where this area is difficult to access.


Hiring Or Purchasing Access Equipment


There is a number of important factors to consider when deciding whether to purchase or hire access equipment for a project. As access requirements will often be very specific and can differ from project to project even where similar work is being carried out, it can be beneficial to hire equipment. The option to select equipment that can meet the specific requirements of a project can help ensure that a project can be carried out as safely and efficiently as possible.


Another benefit to hiring equipment is that this removes maintenance costs. For any tools or equipment used to facilitate work carried out at height, it is crucial that regular maintenance is scheduled to ensure that the equipment is in good condition. Renting access equipment from a reputable supplier provides peace of mind that the equipment you are using throughout your project is in optimal condition.


From Mini Digger Hire To Cement Mixer Hire, Get In Touch With Rocket Rentals Today


Based in Gloucestershire, at Rocket Rentals we offer a wide range of high-quality equipment hire at competitive prices to help ensure you have the right equipment for the job. Our range of access tools and equipment includes articulating boom lifts, scissor lifts and tower scaffolding alongside a large number of additional options. Our experienced team can help provide information on the best piece of equipment to meet the requirements of your next project.


Explore our range today from landscaping equipment hire to roller hire or for more information on the best equipment options for your next project get in touch with our team today by calling 01453 51 95 51 or emailing hire@rocketrentals.co.uk.


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