Safety

Checklist for the Planning of the Installation of a Permanent Access System

  1. the number, type, capacity and operating speed of the suspended access equipment required;
  2. the provision of safe access to the roof and equipment;
  3. the loads which the equipment will impose on the building structure;
  4. the areas within which the equipment will be required to operate;
  5. the special requirements of local authorities and other requirements set out in the ‘planning permit’;
  6. the requirements for providing and fixing suitable mullion guides or other fixtures to the building face where necessary;
  7. the need for the builder to maintain accuracy of building as to roof fixings, mullion guides, etc;
  8. the periods of time required for the preparation and approval of relevant drawings for manufacturing and the installation of the equipment;
  9. the provision of suitable storage space for roof trolleys, etc;
  10. the requirement for anchoring the roof fixings to the building structure;
  11. the time at which electric power will be required before completion to allow for testing;
  12. the requirements for electrical supply feeders, earthing requirements, etc;
  13. delivery and storage of equipment;
  14. the need for the future inspection and testing of the equipment.

Source: British Standard 6037 : 1981

Safety Checklist

  1. Ensure that the permanent structure is capable of carrying the loads.
  2. Use an experienced cradle erector.
  3. Ensure that supervisors are experienced and competent in the operation and capabilities of suspended platform equipment.
  4. Ensure that a competent person is in charge of equipment whilst it is in use.
  5. Ensure that operatives are thoroughly instructed in the use of the equipment, preferably in writing, and are aware of its safe working load in practical terms.
  6. Ensure that the equipment is inspected and entered as required by the Construction (Working Places) Regs 1966 and that the winches and wire rope are the subject of test certificates.
  7. Ensure that necessary licences and wayleaves are obtained before work commences.
  8. Liaise with building occupants regarding the dangers of opening non-sash-type windows when suspended platforms are in use. Also inform the building supervisor or the responsible person that the power supply to the platforms should not be disconnected when in use.
  9. Warn operatives of the danger of open windows or other projections from the face of the building when operating suspended platforms.
  10. Check suspended platform roof beams, counterweights and fixings and ensure that these are as originally installed.
  11. Ensure that supporting ropes are not kinked or damaged before using the equipment.
  12. Ensure that supporting ropes are reeved correctly into winding drums and over all pulleys and guides.
  13. Ensure that ropes are secured correctly at anchor ends.
  14. Ensure that safety ropes, when fixed, are similarly checked.
  15. Ensure that all safety equipment – stops, override switches, brakes, etc. are operational.
  16. Check power supply and all electrical cables and connections to ensure that they are in good working order.
  17. Check that control buttons and emergency buttons/ switches function correctly.
  18. Take precautions to prevent contact between arc welding apparatus and wire safety or suspension ropes which could cause damage or fracture.
  19. Ensure that where pendent controls are supplied, they are secured to the handrail of the platform. Do not supply cables for this purpose.
  20. Ensure that the safe working load is not exceeded.
  21. Ensure that hand tools are secured to the platform wherever practicable.
  22. Ensure that the platform and equipment are kept clean and washed down, particularly if subject to contamination by chemicals or fumes.
  23. Ensure that the platform, when not in use, is securely lashed down and fended off the building; particular care must be taken if high winds are expected.
  24. Ensure, when the platform is not in use, that all electrical equipment and controls have been switched off and all control equipment removed to prevent tampering or vandalism.
  25. Report all breakdowns or malfunctions to the supplier.
  26. Work in a safety harness, if secondary safety wires are not fixed.
  27. Remember that objects may fall from a higher level.
  28. Loop and secure the power cable at roof level to prevent the risk of its being pulled out of the socket by its own weight.
  29. Ensure that a warning notice is displayed at the source is displayed at the source of power informing people of the work being undertaken, and the fact that the power must not be switched off.
  30. Do not allow work on suspended platforms if high winds are forecast, especially on tall buildings and exposed sites.
  31. Do not disconnect, or prevent from working, any safety device.
  32. Do not enter or leave the platform other than at ground level or at other safe access points.
  33. Do not allow rubbish to accumulate on the platform.
  34. Do not allow the use of platforms after snowfalls until the snow and ice have been removed.
  35. Do not indulge in reckless or dangerous practices when operating, or working on, the platform.
  36. Do not move mobile roof rigs whilst operatives are on the platform.
  37. Do not allow electric cables or connections to lie in gutters or where water can collect.
  38. Do not allow fibre ropes to lie in gutters or where water can collect.
  39. Do not allow equipment to be used before a thorough examination of the complete installation (including public protection) has been carried out.
  40. Do not use the equipment before a handing over certificate has been issued.

Source: Health and Safety Executive (Guidance Note PM30), Cleaning and Maintenance Journal November 1983.