Guidelines onSafe OperatingProcedures

In the Aerial & Satellite Industry

Section 1Acknowledgments:

The CAI wishes to thank all CAI recognised Safe Working at HeightsTraining Provider Companies who attended the SW@H forum and theirvaluable contributions towards this publication.

Special acknowledgements:

The CAI would like to thank:

Mr Alan Laing BSc, MSc, CMIOSH (BSkyB)Mr Ian Luke (CSS Worksafe)Mr Bill Padden (Artwork & Design)

Published by the Confederation of Aerial Industries LtdCommunications House41a Market StreetWatfordHertfordshireWD 18 0PN

Tel: 01923 803030 Fax: 01923 803203Email: office@cai.org.uk Website: www.cai.org.uk

Issued August 2010

© Copyright The Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd 2010All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without theproper written consent of the Confederation.

ForewardThis document has been prepared by the Board of Directors of the Confederation

of Aerial Industries Ltd. (CAI) to represent its members to Government, Local

Authorities and other National Bodies, by uniting the industry in its common aims

of raising safety standards, keeping abreast of technological changes and

promoting the membership to prospective customers.

The CAI also offers an information service, training courses and technical advice,

and actively encourages all companies within the industry to avail themselves of

these services and invite them to join the CAI as represented members.

Kevin Dawson FSCTE

Assessment & Training Executive

Confederation of Aerial Industries

Section 1

1.0 General 61.1 Introduction 61.2 Qualification 61.3 Legislation 61.4 Standards 71.5 Training for work at height 71.6 Definitions 7

2.0 The Safety System 62.1 Securing and Stabilising the Ladder 82.2 The Fall Protection System Equipment 102.2 Setting up ladders securely 122.2 Installers personal safety procedure 152.3 Summary 16

3.0 Accessing a Pitched Roof. 173.1 The Access Ladder. 173.2 The Roof Ladder. 173.3 Setting up for Pitched Roof Work. 17

4.0 Accessing a Flat Roof. 214.1 Setting Up for Flat Roof Access. 214.2 Safe Working Area on a Flat Roof. 21

5.0 Working On or Near Chimneys. 23

6.0 Cable Clipping. 24

7.0 Some General Principals. 25

8.0 Rescue. 25

9.0 Loft Work. 26

10.0 Applying the System in Unusual Situations. 26

Appendix (i) Risk Assessing Work at Height From Ladders. 26

Appendix (ii) Pre use equipment safety inspection 29

Appendix (iii) Standards That Apply to the Equipment Needed. 29

Appendix (iv) Definitions. 30

Table of contents

1.0 General

1.1 Introduction

The hazards associated with working atheights on ladders during aerial and satellitedish installation are obvious. For many yearsthese hazards were accepted as an inevitablepart of the job. However, over the pastdecade, much has been done to improve theunderstanding of these hazards and manywell-proven and tested methods exist tocontrol or minimise the associated risks.

The CAI has developed this guidancematerial after seeking specialist adviceregarding improvements in current workingpractices. A list of the companies andindividuals contributing to this guidance isgiven in Appendix (iii).

This document outlines a generic minimumstandard safety system for working at heighton and from ladders. As such it refers to a fallprotection system that will provideprotection for a person climbing, workingfrom, or descending a ladder. The use ofladders as a means of access and as aworking platform in the satellite and TV aerialinstallation industry is an accepted practice,which, with appropriate safety systems inplace, is acceptable to the Health and Safetyenforcement authorities in the UK.

This document may be used as the basis of atraining syllabus providing that the specificrequirements of that training syllabus aredescribed precisely. This document in itself isinsufficiently detailed to be considered atraining standard in it’s own right.

The requirement to work safely at height is alegal requirement and all CAI membersengaged at working at height must do so inaccordance with the requirements of currentUK Health and Safety legislation. Thisguidance document lays out a framework fora safe system of work which if followed,should ensure compliance with legalrequirements. CAI members may choose touse methods that differ from these proposedin this document.

All CAI members, however, must ensure thatany safe system they develop does complyfully with existing legislation and testingrequirements.

1.2 Qualification

This guidance is not legally binding, butcontains guidance material prepared by arepresentative group of companies andexperts in the satellite TV and TV aerialinstallation industry. The document has beenprepared by the CAI to help aerial and satellitedish installers to work safely at height. It isintended to supplement paragraphs 4.2 and5.1 of the CAI document on Health and Safetyin the Aerial and Satellite Industries.

1.3 Legislation

The requirement to ensure the health andsafety of employees during installation workis contained within the Health and Safety atWork etc Act 1974 and a number of sets ofregulations made under it.

In summary, the 1974 Act places generalduties on employers, the self-employed andemployees to provide a safe place of work,free from risks to health and safety foremployees. The Management of Health andSafety at Work Regulations 1999, require thata risk assessment of work be done, andappropriate control measures be put in placeto control or minimise these risks as far as isreasonably practicable.

The Provision and Use of Work EquipmentRegulations 1998 require the selection of themost suitable work equipment for the job,and for the work equipment to bemaintained in good working order.Equipment should only be used by personswho have received adequate training andinstruction in it’s use.

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Regulations 1992 require the provision ofappropriate protective clothing andequipment for the task to be carried out.

In the context of this document this relates toeverything from the provision of safetyboots, to the provision of a fall arrest harness,etc.

The principal legislation that relates toworking at height from ladders are the Workat Height Regulations, 2005.

The Work at Height (WAH) Regulations2005

The Work at Height Regulations place thebasic requirement of risk assessing any workat height on an employer. They furtherspecify what precautions need to be taken incertain circumstances. The guidance in thisdocument has been prepared with referenceto the WAH Regulations.

The precautions required by the Regulationswill depend on such things as the complexityof the work, weather conditions etc; howeverin all cases the selection of precautions toreduce the risk of falling must take intoaccount the following hierarchy:

� Where possible, eliminate the need to work at height.

� Prevent falls by providing a fixed means of access – e.g. the use of existing means of access, access scaffolding, workingplatforms, mobile elevating working platforms, etc.

� Fall restraint – make it difficult or impossible to fall using additional equipment.

� Fall arrest – if a fall may occur, stop that fall as quickly and as safely as possible byuse of appropriate equipment.

The Regulations allow for the use of laddersas a means of access and as a place of work,but only if it is reasonable to do so havingregard to the nature of the work and itsduration - and only when the ladder isadequately stabilised and secured.

For most aerial and satellite dish installationsit will be acceptable to use ladders, and in allcases it will be reasonably practicable to usethem with a fall protection system.

Failure to take appropriate precautions tocontrol the risks involved with work at heightis a contravention of the Work at HeightRegulations and other Health and Safety lawand may result in enforcement action beingtaken by the Health and Safety Executive or aLocal Authority.

Such action may include the work activitybeing stopped immediately (a ProhibitionNotice) and/or prosecution, with thepotential for an unlimited fine or even acustodial sentence in the most severecircumstances.

1.4 Standards

The relevant British and/or EuropeanStandards appropriate to the height accessequipment and necessary PPE can be foundin Appendix (ii).

1.5 Training for work at height

All installers who work at height must betrained in risk assessing and planning work atheight tasks, the use of ladders, techniquesfor securing ladders, ladder stabilisationdevices, fall protection systems, PPE,emergency procedures and be capable ofinspecting their own ladders and safetyequipment.

Training courses must be appropriate to thework to be carried out and delivered by acompetent training provider in line withBS8454: 2006 (Code of Practice for theDelivery of Training and Education for Workat Height and Rescue) and in line with atleast the minimum requirements for safetydescribed in this document.

1.6 Definitions

For clarity, a dictionary of definitions is givenin Appendix (iv) to this document.

Page 6 Page 7

2.1 Securing and Stabilising the Ladder.

Ladders.

Installers should use extendable ladders toan appropriate industrial standard – i. e. EN131see appendix (ii). Ladders designed fordomestic purposes are generally not suitableand should not be used.

A typical extendable ladder made up of 3sections as shown in Fig 2:1 These sectionsslide over each other and are held in place bybrackets. Some ladders may have locks thatallow sections to be locked together whenextended.

Each of the sections can be separated andused individually. It is recommended that onlythose sections needed be used – i.e., if a singlesection is needed to get to height, that sectiononly should be used. This reduces the need formanual handling of the full ladder set.

Extendable ladders are generally available in12 or 14 rung versions. This guidancedocument applies to situations where up totriple 14 at its maximum extension.

Installers working with larger ladders shouldseek specialist advice.

Stabilising the Ladder.

A ladder should be used such that thebottom of the ladder makes an angle of 75degrees with the horizontal surface that itis resting on as shown in Fig 2:2

This is often referred to as the “1in 4” rule – the distance theladder reaches up the wallshould be 4 times thedistance the bottomis out from thewall.

The ratchet strap should be tightened untilthe load on the ladder is apparent – i.e., theladder should be pulled in sufficiently hardthat the top and bottom of the ladder will notmove. Some bowing in the ladder, under thetension of the ratchet strap, is acceptable butthe strap should not be overtightened.

It is important that a ladder is set on a good,firm surface that is as level as possible. Wherethe surface is firm but not level, there aredevices that can be used to make the surfacemore level – see later.

There are devices that can be fitted to thebottom of a ladder that will assist in settingthe ladder at the correct angle.

A device that is recommended in this safesystem is a stand-off, which should be fittedto the top of the ladder.

The recommended type of stand-off isknown as a Microlite, but other stand-offdevices are available and may be as suitable.Fig 2:3 shows the Microlite in place. Thisshould be fitted before the ladder is liftedinto place on the wall.

The Microlite should be fitted between the3rd and 4th rung and attached following themanufacturer’s guidelines.

Fig 2:3

Securing the Ladder to the Wall.

The ladder should be secured in place bypassing a ratchet strap through a rung roughlyhalf way up the extended length of ladder, andpassing it through an eyebolt placed in a pre-drilled hole in the wall.

Fig 2:4 is for illustration purposes only – see Fig2:14 for more information. Alternatively adevice that attaches the ratchet strap to thestiles of the ladder (e.g. appropriate hooks) mayalso be used.

Fig 2:5 shows a range of eyebolts that can beused – the 20mm and 12mm dia. are self-expanding types while the 10mm dia is usedwith a rawplug. The 20mm requires a 20mmhole to be drilled and is considered strongenough if fitted correctly to act as anattachment point for a fall arrest rope. The oneon the left requires a 10mm hole. Testing hasshown that any of the eyebolts shown will holdthe loads imposed on a ladder during normaluse for securing the ladder to a wall.

Fig 2:6 illustrates the whole system in place.The range of angles between the ladder andratchet strap that are acceptable is shown.Angles outside the range of 45 to 90 degreesshould not be used as they may result in theladder being pulled in or downwards andhence becoming less stable.

Fig 2:1 Fig 2:2

Fig 2:5

Fig 2:6

Fig 2:4

2.0 The safety system - introduction overview

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2.2 The Fall Protection System.

In order to protect an Installer whilst climbing, working on, and descending a ladder, a fallprotection system is required.

Fall Protection System Equipment. Component description / specifications / comments

Portable aluminium extendable ladder.

BS2037 Class 1- 130kgs or(BS) EN131 Trade - 115kgs

Body harness with front ‘D’ ring

EN361

Must be issued to and suitable for each individualInstaller

Ladder levelling device

Ladder restraint straps

25mm wide webbing strap, endless assembly with safeworking load o 500kg. Several may be required.

Expanding eye bolts

Capable of withstanding an axial load of 3kN.(See fig 2:6)

Kernmantle rope running linefitted with manacroix connector

A semi-static rope to EN1891 is theminimum standard that isrecommended when used as partof a fall arrest system as referredto in this handbook.

SKR rope grab

EN353-2

WITHOUT shock absorber

The rope should be compatible with the rope grab device

Karabiner

EN362

With automatic locking gate

‘Cow’s tail’ Lanyards

EN354

Double action locks

Page 10 Page 11

Includesinstaller

and tools

Fig 2:7 Drill a hole between 1-1.5m aboveground, to a diameter and depth required bythe selected eyebolt(s).

Fig 2:8 Secure the selected eyebolt(s). Alleyebolts can also be inserted centre brick. ONLY20mm bolts may be secured in mortar joints.

Fig 2:9 Attach a fall rope to the ladder whilststill on ground.

Fig 2:10 Position the ladder upright and extendto the height required.

Fig 2:11 Tie off the fall rope to the bottom rungof the ladder allowing a small amount of slack.

Fig 2:12 Ladders should be set up on groundthat is flat, level, and strong enough to take theweight of the ladder and the Installer and anyequipment he may carry on the ladder.

Where the ground slopes slightly a deviceknown as a ladder leveller, or gravel bag, may beused. The HSE recommends that the maximumslopes a ladder can be used on are given in Fig2:16 – unless the manufacturer states otherwise.

REMEMBER the 1 in 4 rule

Fig 2:13 The ratchet strap(s) should be fittedand tightened until the load on the ladder isapparent – i.e., the ladder should be pulled insufficiently hard that the top and bottom of theladder will not move. Some bowing in theladder, under the tension of the ratchet strap, isacceptable but the strap should not be overtightened.

Fig 2:14 The securing strap is often passedthrough the rung of the ladder, however hereare several ways one or more ratchet straps canbe fitted and the site conditions can oftencontribute to the selected method.

Fig 2:15 The securing straps should be fittedwithin the angles shown. Additionally on higherreaches a second strap may be considereddesirable.

Fig 2:16 (overleaf ) summarises the procedureshowing alternatives that may be applied.

Fall Protection System - setting up the ladder securely

Fig 2:7

Fig 2:8

Fig 2:9

Fig 2:11

Fig 2:12

Fig 2:10

See Fig 2:16 foralternatives

Fig 2:14

Fig 2:15

Fig 2:13

IF REQUIRED

Page 12 Page 13

Fall Protection System - Technicians procedure

Personal safety procedure

Fig 2:17 Illustrates a suitable, full-bodyharness which the installer should bewearing at all times whilst climbing,descending and working from the ladder.The harness should be to EN361 with a frontattachment D-ring.

Fig 2:18 A rope grab manufactured toEN353-2 should be attached to the rope – a“rope grab” is illustrated here. Devices of thistype allow the device to move up the ropewithout restriction, but they will “grab on” tothe rope should a load be applied to the loopseen on the right of the device.

Fig 2:19 A “D-ring” can be seen on the frontof the harness at chest height. This ring isattached to the loop on the rope grab orother device as shown below.

NOTE: The installer should also connect a‘Cow’s tail’ lanyard to the harness ’D’ ring tosecure himself to the ladder once in aworking position.

Fig 2:20 The Installer can now begin to climbthe ladder and will be protected should a falloccur.

Fig 2:17

Fig 2:18

Fig 2:20Fig 2:16

Fig 2:19

OPTIONAL

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Fig 2:21. When the installer reaches hisworking position he should connect theCow’s tail Lanyard.

The Large karabiner is attached to a rung oraround a rung and a stile as far above as theinstaller can reach. This device restricts theInstaller’s movements but should be kept asshort as possible to minimise the fall distanceshould a fall occur.

The attachment to the fall arrest ropethrough the rope grab device should also bekept in place.

Fig 2:22 Three Points ofContact – the Cow’s Tail Lanyard.

There is an accepted generalrequirement when workingon ladders that the person onthe ladder should maintainthree points of contact withthe ladder – i.e., two handsand one foot, or two feet andone hand should be incontact with the ladder,supporting the person, at alltimes. Looping one armthrough the rungs andaround a stile is notconsidered to be a point ofcontact.

The cow’s tail lanyard, whenused properly, is consideredto be a third point of contactand so can be used to allowthe Installer to have bothhands free when working ona ladder.

Fig 2.21

Fig 2:22

2.3 Summary

The above system, if used correctly, will provide an Installer with a solid and secure workingplatform and protect him in the event of a fall.

The rest of this document describes other situations that the Installer may have to access – and allthe following situations work with the system above as the basis of the safe system of work.

An Installer may have to access a pitched roofin order to reach an aerial or satellite dishthat is only accessible from that roof or isfixed to a chimney on the roof. A pitched roofis considered to be any roof where the angleof the roof is 10 degrees or more to thehorizontal. Some pitched roofs may havemultiple angles and the followingprocedures may not be appropriate in thissituation – a specific risk assessment shouldbe undertaken in such cases.

The following procedures will ensure that theaccess can be carried out safely.

3.1 The Access Ladder.

The access ladder should be set up inaccordance with the principles describedabove. The stand-off device, if it is a Microlite,with wheels, can be placed on the roof tiles,or the surface of the wall just below thegutter level. At least 4 rungs of the ladder, ormore than 1.2m of ladder, should protrudeabove the gutter level of the roof to providethe Installer with a hand-rail at the top of theladder and at the roof edge.

3.2 The Roof Ladder.

Climbing onto a pitched roof should only beattempted while using an appropriate roofladder – these are sometimes known as “CatLadders”. Generally, a roof ladder will have ahook arrangement at one end, to allow it tobe hooked over the ridge of a roof. It mayalso have spreader bars on the side thatshould rest on the roof, to spread the weightof the ladder and the Installer. A typical roofladder is shown in Fig 3:1

Small wheels allow it to be rolled up thepitched roof.

3.3 Setting up for Pitched Roof Work.

In the same way that a fall arrest rope can beattached to the access ladder, one is fitted onthe face of the roof ladder in such a way thatit runs down the face of the ladder that willface upwards on the roof. Fig 3:2

Fig 3:1

3.0 Accessing a Pitched Roof.

Fig 3:2

See Fig 2:16 for alternativesfor attaching the arrest rope

Page 16 Page 17

Once it has been equipped with a fall arrestrope, the roof ladder should be placed in anupright position beside the access ladder.

The Installer can then climb the access ladder,using the fall arrest system as described insection 2.0. He can then attach himself to thetop of the ladder using the Cow’s tail device.(see fig 3:4)

The roof ladder can then be lifted upwardsand then pivoted onto the roof, with thewheels facing down onto the roof and thehooks facing away from the roof surface.Fig3:3

The ladder is then rolled up until the hooksare past the ridge line, and the ladder turnedover so that the hooks engage on the ridgeline. Figs 3:4/5/6

Fig 3:3

Fig 3:4

Fig 3:5

The ladder is then moved close to the accessladder, and the fall arrest rope arrangedcentrally down the roof ladder.

The roof ladder is then attached to the stand-off on the access ladder using a ratchet strap.This strap secures the roof ladder in placeand prevents it moving when the Installertransfers from the access ladder to the roofladder. Fig 3:7

Fig 3:6

Fig 3:7

Page 18 Page 19

Transferring from the Access Ladder to theRoof Ladder.

Once the roof ladder is secured in place, theInstaller can transfer the rope grab devicefrom the rope on the access ladder to therope on the roof ladder. He does thiswithout disconnecting the Cow’s tail Lanyard,so that he is still attached to the ladder at alltimes.

Once the rope grab is on the roof ladder, theInstaller can climb up the access ladder to apoint where he can safely transfer to the roofladder. At this point, he can then detach thecow’s tail and secure the loose end to hisharness. Fig 3:8

The Installer can then climb the roof ladder,keeping his body low and close to the ladder.Fig 3:9

Once the Installer reaches the requiredposition on the roof ladder where work isrequired, the Cow’s tail Lanyard can beattached to the roof ladder. Fig 3:10

Descending from the roof is the reverse of theprocess above – with special care being takento ensure that when transferring from theroof ladder to the access ladder, the Cow’stail Lanyard is attached to the accessladder BEFORE the Installer detaches therope grab from the roof ladder rope andattaches it to the access ladder rope.

Fig 3:8

Fig 3:9

Fig 3:10

Fig 4:1

4.0 Accessing a Flat Roof.

Roofs are considered to be flat roofs wherethe slope of the roof surface is 10 degrees orless to the horizontal.

Accessing a flat roof should only be carriedout after a thorough examination of the roofhas taken place – a check on the underside ofthe roof is recommended to see if it appearsto be strong enough to take the weight of anInstaller and the equipment he may takeonto that roof.

4.1 Setting Up for Flat Roof Access.

Before the Installer climbs onto the flat rooffrom a secured ladder, a thoroughexamination of the top surface should becarried out to ensure that it appears that theroof can support the weight of the Installer.Depressions, puddles, cracks, loose feltingmaterial, etc may all indicate that the roof hasbeen weakened and may not support theInstaller’s weight.

Roofs made of Asbestos Cement Sheet orany other fragile material should not bewalked on – an alternative means ofreaching the dish or aerial will need to befound.

4.2 Safe Working Area on a Flat Roof

The safe working area on a flat roof is whenthe Installer can stay more than 2 metresaway from any unprotected edge, Fig 4:1then he can work without the need for a fallprotection system. He may walk away fromthe top of the ladder to the work area, andback again, without being attached to the fallarrest rope.

When walking on a flat roof, Installers shoulduse crawl boards Fig 4:2 These are metal orwooden or composite boards designed tospread the weight of the person over an areain order to reduce the loadings on the roof.

Fig 4:2

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When transferring from the ladder to the roof, the Installerdetaches from the ladder rope but remains attached tothe ladder by the cow’s tail lanyard Fig 4:3 until he isready to move to the safe work area.

Where flat roofs already have edge protection– that is, a barrier or fence or rail of some

sort – that will prevent a person fallingoff of the roof – no fall protectionsystem is needed.

If an Installer needs to work closer toan edge than 2 metres, then he musthave some form of fall restraintsystem in place.

Fig 4:4 demonstrates a way ofproviding a fall restraint system.The Installer has drilled a holefor a 20mm eyebolt andattached a spare fall arrestrope to the eyebolt, andattached his rope grabto the rope.

The Installer can nowwork safely closer toan edge than2 metres.

5.0 Working on or Near Chimneys

Installers may access the area around achimney using the principles described inSections 2 and 3 above. Once at the chimney,it may be possible to work on an aerial or dishwithout leaving the roof ladder. This is apreferable situation, as chimneys may beweak and in poor repair – and can be easilydamaged.

Installers who need to work on or near achimney should assess the chimney fromground level and from nearby on the catladder to ensure that it is stable and securebefore approaching the chimney. Chimneyshave collapsed during work by Installers andcan cause injury to the Installer and damageto the house.

If work is required near a chimney then it ispossible to provide additional protectionfrom falls for the Installer. A chimney stropmay be passed around the chimney andfastened. This loop can then be used as anattachment point for the Installer’s cow’s taillanyard.

Where Installers have to work around achimney, the Fig 5:1 illustrates the safedistances around a chimney that must bepresent before work can commence.

If less than 1M

Fig 5:1

Fig 4:3

Fig 4:4

Page 22 Page 23

A knot should be made towards the end of the ropesuch that it is not possible for the Installer to walk tothe edge of the roof.

The Work at Height Regulations require thatany person planning work at height shouldalso have in place a plan that explains how aperson working at height will be rescuedshould an accident occur.

In the case of the safe system of workdescribed above, the vast majority ofsituations that will occur where rescue maybe needed will be self-rescue situations.

Once an aerial or satellite dish has beeninstalled, cables running from the dish oraerial need to be routed over the outside ofthe building to an entry point.

Cables are usually “clipped” to a wall usingclips with masonry nails which arehammered into place either in the brickworkor in the mortar between the bricks.

All cable runs from dishes or aerials should bevertically down from the dish or aerialwherever possible. This allows the Installer tocarry out the hammering in of clips from theladder that is already secured to the wall, andwhile the Installer is attached to the ladder bythe fall protection system described inSection 2.0.

Once the cable has been brought to low levelon the building, it can be clipped to the wallhorizontally by the Installer while he works atground level.

Where a cable cannot be run horizontally atground level, and must be run at height, thenall of the precautions described in Section 2.0must be in place – i.e., the ladder should besecured to the wall by an eyebolt and strap,and the Installer must be wearing a harnessand be attached to the fall arrest rope on theladder. In addition, the cow’s tail lanyardshould be used.

The Fig 6:1 illustrates how a ladder can bemoved along a wall for a long stretch of cableclipping at height whilst using the minimumnumber of eyebolt holes. This “crabbing”method means that the ladder is still secured,but can be moved easily as the workprogresses. The strap arrangement mayconsist of one continuous strap, passedthrough the rung, or two separate strapsattached to the rung and stile on each side ofthe ladder.

6.0 Cable Clipping

Fig 6:1

7.0 Some General Principles

8.0 Rescue

Working at height is a dangerous activity even if the precautions in this document are followed.

� Distraction can often lead to accidents.

� Mobile phones and hand-held computers should not be used on ladders or on roofs unless there is an emergency situation and there is no alternative to using the phone or device.

� Only trained Installers should use their equipment

� Installers who are unsure how to complete a job should be encouraged to seek additional advice and support.

If an Installer is using the safe system ofladder use described above, the fall arrestsystem will either prevent a fall occurring, orleave the Installer hanging on the face of theladder or just behind the ladder – as is shownin Fig 8:1 Self-rescue is simple from theposition, even on a fully-extended triple-stage ladder. Fig 8:2

Fig 8:1

Fig 8:2

2 Separate ratchet straps can also be used

Page 24 Page 25

9.0 Loft Work

10.0 Applying the System in Unusual Situations

Aerial and satellite TV Installers may have to access domestic lofts to run cables, etc.

Domestic lofts should be well ventilated, fully boarded out (in the area where the Installer needsto work), well lit and free from excessive dust or other contamination. If the area where the workis to be carried out is cluttered by material, objects, etc, the occupier of the property should beasked to move them before the Installer enters the loft.

Access to a loft should be via a fixed, purpose-built loft ladder and nothing else – stepladders,external ladders, etc, should not be used to access lofts. A fixed loft ladder should be checked overand visually checked for soundness by the Installer before it is used to access the loft.

The above safe system of work for working from ladders will work in the majority of situations,particularly on domestic properties.

Where an Installer meets a situation where the safe system cannot be used, it may still be possibleto use the principles of the system to carry out safe access.

The basic principles are these – the ladder should be in good condition, fit for purpose, and longenough to reach the working area. It should be set up on good firm level ground – or on groundthat has been levelled by the use of a levelling device. The ladder should be secured to the surfaceon which it is resting such that it cannot move at the top or the bottom under normal loads. Astand-off device should be fitted near the top of the ladder, and a fall arrest rope attached usingan appropriate means down the centre of the ladder.

The Installer should be wearing a full body harness and attach himself to the fall arrest rope on theladder using a rope grab.

Any roof work should be carried out from an appropriate roof ladder, or using crawl boards if ona flat roof. If the Installer will be working closer to an unprotected edge than 2 metres some formof fall restraint system is needed.

If all of the above can be satisfied in the unusual situation, then it is likely it will be safe to proceed.Installers who are unsure should be able to contact a competent person in their company ortraining provider to seek further advice before proceeding.

All companies and individuals involved in aerial or satellite TV installation work must have a set ofRisk Assessments associated with the work that they carry out. Because the risk associated with workat height is significant, these risk assessments must be recorded – written down – in some way, eitherin writing or on a computer. They should be reviewed regularly – at least annually – and the contentsof the assessments must be made known to all workers who will be affected by the assessments.

Appendix (i) Risk Assessing Work at Height From Ladders.

The HSE publishes guidance on carrying out risk assessments and this information can be found onthe HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk . All companies and individuals involved in work at height areencouraged to visit the HSE website and become familiar with the information on that website.

Generally, there are considered to be five steps to carrying out a risk assessment.

1. Identifying the Hazards.

The hazards associated with a task need to be identified – hazards are things that cause harm.

Obviously the main hazard facing an Installer will be working at height. In addition, though, hemay be harmed when carrying and placing a ladder – he may be harmed when working near hisvan in the roadway, or he might get bitten by a customer’s dog – or slip on mud or ice and snow,or trip over a kerb or something left lying around in the customer’s garden. He could cut himselfusing a knife to trim a cable – or get dust in his eyes when drilling a hole, or damage his hearingby using a noisy drill. Driving can be hazardous, and should be covered in any risk assessment foran Installer. Weather can be a hazard – high winds can blow Installers off of ladders – too muchsun can cause sunstroke and even skin cancer – and in the Winter, ice and snow can be hazardouswhen walking, carrying things and driving.

The key hazard – working at height from a ladder – is well covered by the guidance material in thisdocument. The other hazards above should be covered in the company’s risk assessment.

2. Who can be harmed by the hazards?

The principal person who may be harmed is the Installer and his colleague(s) if he is accompanied.In addition, however, the customer or other persons at the property may be harmed – e.g. whenthe Installer is working at the top of a ladder, something dropped could hit someone walkingclose to his ladder.

3. What is the risk that someone could be hurt – and how would you control the danger?

Once it is known who can be harmed and how likely this is, a control measure may need to be putin place to control the risk if it is significant.

In the case of working at height on a ladder, the guidance on safety procedures given in thisdocument will control the risks to a reasonable level providing the control measures are put inplace and adhered to.

In the case of preventing other people being hurt, barriers could be carried and set up around thebase of a ladder to stop customers getting close, etc.

4. Record the risk assessment and what the control measures are

Good record-keeping for health and safety matters is important. A good set of risk assessments isessential for any company involved in working at height. The risk assessments form the basis ofthe training and equipment needs of the business. The control measures that are identifiedbecome the core of the safe systems of work for doing the work safely.

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Inspection and thorough examination of the fall protection components

All components should be inspected before each use for wear and tear, corrosion and to ensurethat they function correctly. Also observe the manufacturers obsolescence requirements for ropeand webbing products.

Thorough examination / Periodic Inspection

European & UK Regulations require thorough periodic examination by a competent person atintervals of at least every 12 months and the results must be recorded. Competence means theappropriate knowledge, training and experience to enable these important inspections to beundertaken. This may be the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s service agent, who has receivedthe appropriate training and accreditation.

If the attachment device, rope or other user equipment shows any signs of deformation orwear they should be removed from service. If in any doubt, DO NOT USE.

EN 353-2 Guided type fall arrestors with flexible anchorage lines

EN 361 Full body harnesses

EN 362 Connectors

EN 1891 Low stretch kernmantle rope

EN 363 Personal fall protection systems

EN 365 Personal protective equipment against falls from height – General requirementsfor instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking andpackagaging

EN 354 Lanyards

EN 358 Work positioning lanyards

EN 795 Anchor devices

(BS) EN 131-1 Ladders. Specification for terms, types, functional sizes

(BS) EN 131-2 Ladders. Requirements, testing, marking

(BS) EN 131-3 Ladders. User instructions

(BS) EN 131-4 Ladders. Single or multiple hinge-joint ladders

BS 2037 Specification for portable aluminium ladders, steps, trestles and lightweight stagings

BS 8437 Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace

BS 8454 Code of practice for the delivery of training and education for work at height and rescue

5. Review the risk assessment – at regular intervals and any time an accident or near accident occurs.

Risk assessments should be checked regularly to make sure they are still up to date and reflect theprocedures and equipment actually being used. If an accident occurs, the risk assessment for thetask that was being undertaken at the time should be checked to make sure it is still current andappropriate – if the risk assessment was that good, why did the accident happen?

There are two types of Risk Assessment that need to be considered when a company is assessingwork at height:

A. The Generic Risk Assessment.

A generic risk assessment is one that can be carried out “in the office” – it should cover all theaspects of a job in sufficient detail so that Installers can be sent out to that sort of job with thecorrect PPE, ladders, fall arrest equipment, etc and get on with the job safely.

B. A Site Specific Risk Assessment.

In the aerial and satellite dish installation industry, it is very rare if any two jobs are exactly thesame – this is because an Installer will move from property to property as a day progresses and notwo properties – and no two customers – will be the same.

There may be additional hazards at one property that were not at a previous one. One customermay keep 6 Doberman dogs – while another customer may have a low level power line runningthrough their garden close to the property.

An Installer must be trained to carry out an on-site Risk Assessment to complement the GenericRisk Assessment carried out by his employer. The Installer should have enough information,knowledge and skill to be able to think about what control measures are needed on the site tocontrol the additional risks – or, he should be able to phone a competent person who can advisehim what to do. On-site risk assessments that discover hazards that might lead to significant risksshould be recorded in some way – perhaps on a hand-held computer or other such device.

Appendix (iii) Standards That Apply to the Equipment Needed.

Appendix (ii) Pre use equipment safety inspection

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Appendix (iv) - Definitions

Anchor Point. As per EN795. (Rarely used or available in domestic installations).

Anchor points found already in situ on buildings may not be used by an Engineer unless expresspermission from the owner/maintainer of the anchor point has been given and a copy of theAnchor Point Certificate is available to the Engineer on site.

Attachment Point. Any point on a ladder, eyebolt or fixed part of a structure or other that is usedto attach a fall arrest or fall restraint system. While an attachment point is used as an anchor pointfor life safety, it is not a certificated anchor point as defined above. Testing under realisticconditions has shown that attachment points on ladders will be suitable for life safety andincorporate a high factor of safety.

Cable Clipping. The process of running a length of cable, or multiples cables, from a satellite dishacross a building to an entry point in that building, using hammer, nail-based clips and or othermethods of attachment. Generally this term refers to clipping cable externally but may also beused for internal cable runs.

Chimney Strop. A flexible cable or similar device (usually made of steel wire) that can be fastenedaround a chimney to provide and attachment point for fall arrest or restraint equipment.

Collective Measure. As defined in the WAH Regulations. Not defined other than “Guard rails, toe-boards, barriers and similar collective measures”.

Combi-Ladder (Combination Ladder) – any ladder that can be used variously as a stepladderand/or upright ladder in a number of configurations with varying numbers of rungs. (Does astandard spec for Combi-Ladders yet exist?).

Communication. See Lone Working.

Connector. A karabiner, Delta Mallion, Mallion Rapide, Manuchroche or similar device specificallydesigned to allow safe attachment of a rope, line, webbing sling or strap, etc to another similarpiece of equipment. These should be to EN362.

Cow’s Tail. See “Lanyard”.

Dormer Roof. A flat roof extending out of a pitched roof which may be surrounded by an area ofpitched roof.

Edge Protection. As defined in the WAH regulations. A suitable barrier of adequate strengthproviding a means of stopping a person walking off or falling off an area at height. It should be atleast 950mm and robust and in good repair. Where an open barrier is in use, the top rail shouldbe at least 950mm above the local surface, and an intermediate rail at 470mm height should bepresent, as well as toe or kick boards 150mm high (the latter may not always be present).

Mesh, grilles or bars that meet the 950mm height criteria and are robust and closely spaced so asto prevent persons falling though the gaps are also acceptable.

Solid wall edge protection, if in good repair and of appropriate height, is also acceptable.

Any edge protection that reaches to at least the waist height of the person working in that area islikely to be of sufficient height.

Emergency Provisions. Those protocols in place to be followed by an Installer or other personsassociated with the installer in the event of an emergency (accident involving work at height)occurring.

Fall Arrest (System). A system or device that stops a fall becoming worse after it has begun.

Fall Factor. Abbreviated “FF”. The fall factor associated with a fall on fall arrest equipment isrelated to the height of the attachment point of the system on the person relative to theattachment point on which the fall load will be placed. If the attachment point on the person isbelow the attachment point of the load, the Fall Factor will be less than one. If the attachmentpoint of the person is above the load point the fall factor will be greater than one. Generally thegoal in employing fall arrest systems is to always attempt to minimise the fall factor, i.e., keep theperson’s attachment point as far below the load attachment point as possible.

Fall Restraint. A means of attachment that prevents a fall occurring.

Fall Protection system. A fall prevention, work restraint, work positioning, fall arrest or rescuesystem other than a system in which the only safeguards are collective safeguards. (This is thedefinition in the WAH Regulations).

Flat Roof. A roof where there is no significant pitch or slope in any direction greater than tendegrees which is load bearing and able to accept the weight of an installer plus any equipmentthey are likely to take onto that roof. See also Pitched Roof.

Footing a Ladder. Traditionally it is accepted that a second person standing at the foot of aladder can help stabilise and secure the ladder by placing his or her weight on the ladder, eitherby holding onto the stiles or by standing on the bottom rung. HSE research suggests that“footing” may not be a completely safe method of assuring ladder safety and it is not advocatedas being a suitable method under any circumstances in this Standard document. Footing bydefinition implies that a task requires at least two persons.

Harness. A harness is a system of webbing straps, buckles and attachments that when wornprovides a means of safely and comfortably suspending a person from a suitable rope or line, andcan also absorb and distribute loads during normal activities and during a fall situation such thatthe person wearing it is not subjected to loads or other forces that will lead to harm, and thatperson is protected from the consequences of the fall.

A full body harness to EN361 with a centre front (dorsal) D-ring to allow attachment to a rope/ropegrab via the front of the harness is the minimum required.

Karabiner. A connector, formed from an elliptical loop, with a spring-loaded entry gate oftensafeguarded in the closed position by a screwed sleeve or a spring-loaded locking device. EN362

See also Scaffold Karabiner.

Ladder – Ladders of appropriate industrial standard – i.e. minimum of EN131 made of eitheraluminium or fibreglass or other suitable composite material. Wooden ladders are not consideredappropriate for use with fall arrest or restraint systems.

Ladder Restraint System. A system that secures a ladder to a vertical surface, or other securepoint in a vertical plane, in conjunction with stabilisation of the ladder at top and bottom, thatenables the ladder to be deemed safe to work from and as a means of attaching a fall arrest or fallrestraint system.

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Lanyard. Also known as a “cow’s tail”. A lanyard of minimum length with a means of connectingthe installer to an anchor point or attachment point of sufficient strength to take the likely loadsimposed should the installer fall from the ladder. Although it may work under static or dynamicload situations, the lanyard is primarily designed to take static and not dynamic loads.

A lanyard, correctly utilised, can be considered to be a suitable “third point of contact” (seedefinition below) while working on a ladder. (HSE have indicated that they accept the cow’s tailas a 3rd point of contact).

The suggested length for a lanyard is the combined length of a scaffold karabiner or equivalent(approximately 230mm) the webbing lanyard (250mm) and a small karabiner (or equivalent)(100mm) for a total length from top to bottom of 580mm. This length is critical in mitigating falls.

A lanyard of any greater length should not be relied on as a third point of contact.

Line. The correct technical term for “rope” See Rope.

Lone Working. A situation where an individual is considered to be working in isolation, remotefrom colleagues and support, where particular precautions need to be taken, and particularprovisions in place, to allow the work to continue safely. A system of communications with asource of assistance is integral to any lone working system. Installers working at occupieddomestic premises may not necessarily be “lone workers” providing information has been passedto the occupiers to allow them to monitor the activity of the installer (where occupier agrees andis a suitable person to provide minimal monitoring).

Method Statement. A procedure (usually recorded in writing) that clearly details how a task is tobe completed from start to finish, such that any person suitably trained could follow theinstructions given and complete the task required correctly and efficiently. See also “Safe Systemof Work”.

Pitched Roof. Any roof with a pitch or slope of ten degrees or greater. See also Flat Roof.

Pendulum Effect. That effect observed when a person or object on a fall arrest rope falls and thelength of rope available allows the person or object to travel in an arc relative to the attachmentpoint. This effect can exacerbate the effects of a fall on fall arrest equipment and must be takeninto account when planning fall protection systems.

Rescue. – see also Self Rescue.

Restraint Device. A device that holds the user in a working position such that a fall cannot occur.

Risk Assessment. An assessment of the hazards likely to be encountered during a task combinedwith an evaluation of the likelihood and severity of the outcomes where harm may be done to aperson or persons involved in that task. The risk assessment should describe the control measuresrequired to control the risks to acceptable levels so that the task may be carried out safely.

Roof Ladder – see also Cat Ladder and Ladder.

A roof ladder is one with a fixed hook arrangement at one end that allows it to be placed on apitched roof and be held in position by the hooks, sufficiently to allow a person to walk on thatladder. Spreader bars are a recommendation, i.e. so that the weight of the ladder and individualare distributed over the roof surface such that the roof surface is protected. Wheels on one sideto allow the ladder to be rolled safely up and down the roof are a requirement.

Roof ladders should only be used on Pitched Roofs (see definition) – i.e. roofs with a pitch angle of10 degrees or greater.

Roof ladders or aluminium construction are preferred but those made of composite material (e.g.fibreglass) may be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification.

Roof ladders should be long enough for the roof being accessed such that sufficient length isavailable that the user can step from an upright ladder onto a rung on the roof ladder, and to allowthe roof ladder to be firmly attached to the upright ladder.

Kits are available to allow standard upright ladders to be converted to roof ladders. These kits mayprovide acceptable roof ladder equivalents but their use should be thoroughly assessed on anindividual basis.

Roof Ladders may be used for access on pitched roofs in accordance with the manufacturer’srecommendations – an assessment of each should be made to determine the maximumacceptable pitch angle.

Rope. Also known as “Line”. A Semi-static Kernmantle rope to EN 1891 is the minimum standardrequired when used as part of the fall protection systems advocated in this standard.

Rope Grab. A device designed to react to a dynamic load and arrest a fall within a specifieddistance.

There are several types of rope grabs – those that rely on the attack angle of the rope through thedevice; those that use a hammer action, and those that use a cam action. All may be suitable forworking on ladders providing they will act quickly and effectively to arrest a fall when the personis attached via the device to a rope.

Safe Means of Access. Any means of access to and from a place of work that has been assessed,designed and tested to show that it is free from risks to health and safety.

Safe System of Work. A deliberately planned procedure (e.g. a Method Statement) for carryingout a task or range of tasks that is documented, and incorporates the findings of a suitable andsufficient risk assessment for that task or task.

Scaffold Karabiner. A specific type of Connector that has a wide enough opening to allow it tobe connected to a scaffold pole or other large object and has a self-closing, locking opening..

Securing a ladder. A system of attaching a ladder to a vertical surface or other point in a verticalplane, that, in conjunction with other elements, enables the ladder to be deemed safe to workfrom and as a means of attaching a fall arrest or fall restraint system. Single or multiple eyeboltsand straps may be used.

Self Rescue – the ability of an installer to recover themselves safely from a hanging position aftera fall on a ladder whilst using fall arrest equipment, or to rescue from some other position at heightafter an accident or loss of the means of access.

Shock or Energy Absorbing Element. That part of a fall arrest system that absorbs some or all ofthe loads imposed on the system when a fall has occurred such that the person falling has the riskassociated with the shock loadings minimised. A rope or line suitably terminated with a nyloneyelet may confer sufficient protection in a semi-static line.

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Sling. A fabric or webbing strap made to EN795B, capable of taking a static and/or dynamicloading appropriate to it’s design.

Stabilising a Ladder. A means of increasing the stability of a ladder at the bottom or top byincreasing the friction between the ladder stiles and the resting surface and/or increasing thenumber of points of contact with the resting surface and/or increasing the bearing surface of theladder resting on the resting surface.

In addition, additional securing of the ladder at the top or bottom by means of additional securing(see Securing a Ladder) can also be considered as a substitute for stabilisation.

Equipment such as ladder “spurs” or outriggers, Laddermates, etc, may be suitable methods ofstabilisation.

Stand-off. A device that attaches to the top of a ladder and increases the distance between theladder and the resting surface. The stand-off may increase the stability of a ladder if the width ofthe stand-off is greater than the width of the widest section of ladder that it is fitted to, and if itincreases the friction between the ladder and the resting surface over the level of frictionaccorded by the ladder itself.

Step Ladder. A device consisting of a folding arrangement of a ladder (of variable number ofrungs) and integral supporting stand that folds out to allow the ladder to be free-standing.

Three Points of Contact. The recognised safe system for using a ladder – either two hands andone foot or two feet and one hand should be in contact with the ladder at all times such that theclimber’s body can be supported safely on the ladder. An artificial means of providing a thirdpoint of contact can be used, e.g. a lanyard (see above), freeing up a hand that can be used forwork activity.

Tying a Ladder. Traditionally the concept of tying a ladder means tying a rope or similar itemaround some part of the top of a ladder such that it is attached to the structure against which it isresting. The principles of securing given in this Standard document are superior to “tying” andtying is not advocated as per the traditional definition in this Standard.

Work Restraint – Techniques using PPE which prevent a person reaching a zone where a fall ispossible.

Work at Height – As per the definition in the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Work in any placeincluding above or below ground level , and obtaining access or egress to or egress from such aplace while at work, except by a staircase in a permanent workplace, where if the measuresrequired by the regulations were not taken a person could fall a distance liable to cause personalinjury.

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Confederation of Aerial Industries LtdCommunications House41a Market StreetWatfordHertfordshireWD 18 0PN

Tel: 01923 803030 Fax: 01923 803203Email: office@cai.org.uk Website: www.cai.org.uk