THE HUMAN ISSUE
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• Make sure that no-one works underneath the ladder .
• Do not allow anyone else on the ladder at the same time .
• Do not straddle the ladder .
• Wear slip-resistant footwear .
• Never overreach from the ladder — the centre of the torso should be within the ladder stiles throughout the work .
When using ladders , it is not safe to :
• Use metal or metal reinforced ladders when working on live electrical installations .
• Carry out ‘ hot ’ work like arc welding or oxy cutting .
Except where additional fall protection equipment is used in conjunction with the ladder , you should never :
• Use a stepladder near the edge of an open floor , penetration or beside a railing .
• Use power or hand tools requiring two hands to operate , for example concrete cutting saws and circular saws .
• Use tools that require a high degree of leverage force which , if released , may cause the user to over-balance or fall from the ladder , for example drills or pinch bars .
• Face away from the ladder when going up or down , or when working from it .
• Stand on a rung closer than 900mm to the top of a single or extension ladder .
• Stand higher than the second tread below the top plate of a stepladder with the exception of three-rung stepladders , unless working through an overhead opening of the building or structure that provides appropriate additional support above the ladder .
Ladder use in the following situations should only be carried out with additional safety precautions in place :
• In access areas or doorways – if necessary , erect a barrier or lock the door shut .
• Next to powerlines unless the worker is trained and authorised and the correct ladder for the work is being used .
• In very wet or windy conditions .
• Next to traffic areas unless the working area is barricaded .
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR FALLS
Whenever there are risks from working at height , emergency procedures must be established , and first aid equipment provided . Typical injuries from falls can include :
• Unconsciousness
• Blocked airways
• Impalement
• Serious head injuries
• Abdominal injuries
• Fractures . A person using a fall arrest system could also suffer suspension intolerance because of being suspended in a harness after a fall .
A PCBU who provides a fall arrest system as a measure to control risk must establish emergency and rescue procedures . The procedures must be tested so that they are effective . Workers must be provided with suitable and adequate information , instruction , and training . You must ensure that workers have access to first aid equipment and facilities for the administration of first aid . You must also ensure that workers are trained to administer first aid or that workers have access to people who are trained in first aid . The emergency procedures for falls should be incorporated into the emergency plan required for the workplace under the WHS Regulations . Further information on the selection , safe use and care of portable ladders is set out in AS / NZS 1892 : Portable ladders series of standards . The ladder manufacturer ’ s
Where single or extension ladders are used for entry and exit , you should check that :
• There is a firm , stable work platform , free from obstructions , to step onto from the ladder .
• The ladder is securely fixed .
• The ladder extends at least one metre above the stepping-off point on the working platform .
• Fall protection is provided at the stepping-off point where people access the working platform . n
recommendations on safe use should also be followed . Master Electricians have unlimited , direct access to the MEA Safety hotline . If you have questions or concerns about working at heights phone the experts on 1300 889 198 .
BECOME A MASTER ELECTRICIAN
• Access VIC Tenancy Regulations – Electrical Safety Report template
• Technical Team Hotline – got a question , speak direct to the experts
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Call 1300 889 198 or visit masterelectricians . com . au / joinMEA
42 GEMCELL . COM . AU DEC – JAN 2022