CONTROLLING THE PROJECT: CONTRACTORS
One of the most important elements of the specification – at least
for contractors – is the independently-calculated budget allowance
required to procure and install the recommended system. Unfortunately,
specification-switching down-the-line by UK contractors seeking to
reduce costs can be problematic. This worrying trend has the potential
to put workers’ lives at risk. Simply changing or substituting elements
for alternatives that are perceived as less costly can be short sighted
and dangerous. Any specified system for working at height, and any
attendant cost, is usually proposed for sound safety reasons.
High-quality equipment benefits from advanced engineering and
rigorous testing, both of which contribute to full compliance and
reliable performance. Lesser products may wear, degrade or fail more
quickly, requiring premature replacement and increasing Total Cost
of Ownership. When equipment is well designed and easy to use, the
risks of equipment failure are naturally lower.
CONFIDENT AND CAPABLE: END USERS
There’s no value in provisioning fall protection equipment if workers
are unable, or are unwilling, to use it properly. Whilst overseeing safety,
risk assessments and method statements for those that work at height
falls to the site manager and/or health and safety officer, all equipment
users should be ‘competent persons’. That means expert PPE and or
fall equipment system training from a qualified provider. Can users
check equipment before use? Do they know when and how to use it
correctly? Do they possess the expertise and confidence to make the
right decisions at the right time? Can they execute an agreed rescue
plan if needed?
SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: INEXTRICABLY LINKED
If UK working at height safety statistics are to improve, the sequential
chain from specifier through to user requires close scrutiny. At every
stage each party has a duty of care to respect the integrity of what
should remain an optimal safety system. Specification-switching and
making arbitrary changes to carefully chosen solutions may have serious
implications. Equally, users deserve to feel confident using systems,
and must be supported with quality training and rigorous equipment
checks. Most falls from height are preventable. All parties engaged in fall
protection should be aligned and accountable to keeping workers safe.
www.msasafety.com/global
PUTTING IT ALL IN PLACE: INSTALLERS
The performance and safety of fall protection equipment depends
on correct installation, testing and commissioning. Quality installers
have a responsibility to check that only technically-competent
professionals install equipment. Leading companies are fully familiar
with the leading manufacturer systems, are usually accredited, and will
have undergone specialist training to be certain systems are installed
exactly in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines, including
all compliance checks at sign-off. Once equipment is installed, the
installer will be responsible for commissioning, testing and ongoing
maintenance and, in some cases, arranging user training.
Experienced installers are also used to quickly overcoming any
unexpected challenges a building may pose – for example, undertaking
a retrofit system installation within an older or historic building. They
will also spot and highlight any new risks or findings that may impact the
effectiveness of the fall protection system.