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Document Classification: C2 – Internal Use Only of 23 Vodafone New Zealand Limited

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VCP16: Safe Access and Working at Height - Buildings

CHANGE CONTROL

Issue Date Details of Changes

1.0 August

2009 New Document implemented for Buildings.

2.0 January

2012 Reviewed document. Minor changes to align with revised Global Standards.

Process Owner: Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Contents VCP16: Safe Access and Working at Height - Buildings ................................................................... 1 1 Purpose ...................................................................................................................................... 2 2 Scope ......................................................................................................................................... 2 3 Safe Working Procedures .......................................................................................................... 3 4 Planning Work at height ............................................................................................................. 6 5 Access and Egress ................................................................................................................... 10 6 Roofs ........................................................................................................................................ 14 7 Personal Protective Equipment ................................................................................................ 16 8 Responsibilities ......................................................................................................................... 19 9 Related documents................................................................................................................... 22 10 Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................................... 23


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1 Purpose

The purpose of this document is to set out the Vodafone New Zealand policy and the minimum standards to be applied by employees, contractors, consultants and others carrying out work at height on buildings on behalf of Vodafone New Zealand. The document describes legal requirements and standards of good practice. References are given for further information.

It also deals with other hazards commonly associated with working at height, and details generic safe systems of work which address those hazards.

Local instructions and safe systems of work for specific activities at height, or for activities at specific sites, should be created using general guidance provided here.

Some general topics, such as competence or fitness for working at height, are addressed in greater detail in VCP15 - Safe Access and Working at Height – Structures Procedure and the two documents should be read together for a complete view of Vodafone New Zealand policy and guidance.

2 Scope

Work at Height is defined as:”work in any place, including a place below ground level, obtaining access or egress from such a place while at work except by staircase in a permanent workplace” where measures were not taken a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.

The requirements of this document apply to all work on Vodafone New Zealand rooftops sites, and also to Vodafone New Zealand employees, contractors and third parties working on rooftops controlled by others. Where other site providers have additional or stricter requirements than those covered in this document, those requirements must be observed. Vodafone New Zealand employees must satisfy themselves that all potential hazards have been considered and appropriate measures taken to deal with associated risks. Working at height is an integral part of many Vodafone New Zealand activities. Examples include the use of ladders (see Vodafone Safety Factsheet – Portable ladders, Step ladders and Step stools) to access cables or fixtures and fittings within buildings, the use of harness and tether systems whilst installing radio systems and the use of rope access systems for installations of cable or feeder management on the external faces of buildings.

There is a clear legal duty to arrange work activities so as to prevent personal injury resulting from falls or being struck by a falling object.

Vodafone New Zealand recognises the risks inherent in work at height and its legal duties in this activity area and is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone involved in, or affected by, such activities.


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3 Safe Working Procedures

3.1 Hierarchy of Risk Control

Work at height, if it is necessary, must be performed from a safe place of work, achieved by complying with certain safety criteria or by selecting suitable work equipment. A hierarchy of principles must be applied for avoiding and controlling risks from, and selection of work equipment for, work at height. So far as is reasonably practicable, work at height should be eliminated. If this is not reasonably practicable, fall prevention should be given priority over fall arrest. The planning of work at height should therefore follow the hierarchy:

Avoid work at height (if you don’t have to go up, then don’t)

Prevent falls (adopt the most suitable method of working in an existing place of work and select most suitable equipment); and then

Mitigate the consequences of a fall (fall arrest measures)

Collective protection measures should be given priority over personal protection measures. E.g. where reasonably practicable, guard rails take priority over personal protection systems and nets, which provide collective fall protection, take priority over individual fall arrest, such as lanyards. This hierarchy is a key part of the overall hazard / risk assessment that should be carried out before any work at height is performed. It aims to give flexibility in the choice of work equipment or other methods to protect against falls, or to mitigate the effects of a fall.

3.2 Training

All personnel who require to work at height on buildings must have attended an appropriate Rooftop training course, along with an appropriate RF Awareness course and be issued with a competency certificates. A record of this will be made within the Vodafone climber’s database. See Vodafone New Zealand “VCP15 - Safe Access and Work at Height – Structures”, for further information on climber authorisation, training and certification requirements, or contact the Health & Safety manager. Minimum required courses:

Rooftop Awareness* (1 day Fall Arrest course focusing on rooftop safety)

RF Awareness

* The Rooftop Awareness course is a bespoke course specifically for Vodafone New Zealand and is controlled by Vertical Horizons. A full 2 day Fall Arrest Course certificate will also be acceptable for contractors. Dependant o the activities being undertaken an awareness of the following subjects may also be required:

Asbestos

Manual handling

Cooling Towers

Hazard / risk assessment

Managers and supervisors must ensure that their employees are appropriately trained for their tasks being carried out on rooftops and buildings.


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3.3 Manning Levels

Single manning levels may be acceptable where:

There is adequate edge protection against falls

The task does not require approach to the roof edge

Access is via a portable ladder not in excess of 3 meters from ground level

When access is made via a portable ladder between 3 and 5 meters long a second person must be present to foot the ladder. This second person may be an employee of the landlord or contractor, but a second Vodafone New Zealand employee should be present to foot the ladder if no one else is available. Where employees are working alone, particularly at night, an adequate system of ensuring their wellbeing should be in place. This should be based on the provision of suitable means of communication and regular contact schedule with a central reporting location. Single manning is not acceptable where:

Work to be undertaken is within 2 meters of the edge of an unprotected roof, or

Tether lines systems are being used

3.4 Permits to work

Certain activities on roofs at third party controlled premises, such as:

Work on roofs of unusual construction

Working on electrical systems or equipment

Power stations

Hot work

Work near lift machinery

Use of equipment (Cranes or MEWP’s)

Vodafone New Zealand employees may be required to follow a permit to work system. This will normally be issued by the occupier or the owner of the building and may impose restrictive conditions, such as specifying the time and duration of the task, or particularly safety requirements that must be followed. Vodafone New Zealand employees and contractors working on behalf of Vodafone New Zealand will comply with any reasonable safety rules or instructions imposed by a third party – but only if these instructions support safe systems of work that are at least equal of those operated by Vodafone New Zealand.


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3.5 Fall Protection

The standard control measures for the prevention of falls from roofs are listed in priority order below. These reflect the current industry best practice.

1. A permanent barrier or guard rail attached to the structure or building 2. A temporary barrier or guard rail attached to the structure of the building 3. A walkway with guard rails that prevents access to unprotected edges 4. Anchorage points to EN 795 fixed at convenient points for attachment of a full body

harness and either a tether line or fall arrest system 5. Full body harness attached to substantial fixing at the work position 6. Only fully trained, competent and equipped personnel allowed on rooftop

Control measures 4, 5 and 6 will require adequate training of employees and much greater supervision by managers and supervisors. It is Vodafone New Zealand policy that no person shall go nearer than 2 metres to the edge of an unprotected edge of a roof, or to any place where it is foreseeable that a fall would result in injury, unless suitable and sufficient protection against falling is provided. Hazard / risk assessment may show that the distance needs to be increased under such conditions as:

High winds

Heavy rain, sleet or snow

Fog or low cloud

Slippery surfaces

Lone working

Fall protection arrangements may be necessary, regardless of potential fall distance, if the hazard / risk assessment indicates a risk of significant injury. This might be the case for instance when working above pointed railings, bollards. Those visiting rooftops should undertake a simple hazard / risk assessment to identify, before accessing the roof, hazards such as:

Radio frequency radiation from antennas

Unguarded machinery, such as associated with window cleaning hoists or within lift motor rooms

Tools and equipment

Skylights or shafts

Surface conditions

Cooling towers

Where hazards exist, a suitable method of reducing the risks they present should be put in place before any person accesses the roof.


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4 Planning Work at Height

4.1 Planning process

All work at height is to be planned by persons who have experience and training in work at height and have a good knowledge of the relevant regulations. The planning must include supervision, monitoring, use of equipment, rescue and hazard/risk assessment.

The planning process must ensure that:

No work is done at height if it is safe and reasonably practicable to so it other than at height

The work is properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out in as safe a way as reasonably practicable

There is contingency plan for emergencies and rescue

A hazard / risk assessment is carried out and full account is taken of the risk control measures identified within it

When access is required to new rooftops a planner must undertake a survey and complete a hazard / risk assessment. The hazard / risk assessment should be approved by the Vodafone New Zealand project manager to confirm all hazards / risks have been considered. Once the project has been completed the hazard / risk assessment should be retained for further use. Adequate thought must be given by planners to ensuring that materials and equipment associated with the task in hand can be taken safely to the roof; in particular:

Lifting and lowering methods

Storage of equipment on roof

Prevention of falling equipment from the roof

Manual handling

Suitable and sufficient access and egress

Maintenance of equipment

Removal of equipment.


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4.2 Hazard/Risk Assessment

A hazard/risk assessment must be carried out for all activities that require work at height to be undertaken. This should be carried out at the planning stage of the work. The hazard/risk assessment should consider the following hazards as a minimum:

Height of roof

Access and egress

Type of roof

Presence of skylight, fragile surfaces

Exclusion zones

Plant rooms and equipment

Method of fall protection to be used

Manual handling

Fire

Security

Vermin / bird faeces

Exhaust fumes from ventilation systems

Electricity

RF / EME

Trip and slip hazards

Falling objects

Weather conditions

Communications systems

First aid and emergencies

A hazard/risk assessment enables managers, supervisors and others to make informed decisions leading to the development of a safe system of work and safe working environments. Managers and supervisors should ensure that employees carry out formal in informal hazard and risk assessments as they carry out their tasks

4.3 Radio Frequency / EME

Transmission structures carry significant risks from radiating antennas. Al employees must be familiar with and comply with the requirements of the Vodafone New Zealand RF Policy. Every working at Height activity must be planned following references from Radhaz report or Landlord Handbook if available for the structure, in order that exclusion zones can be established. All employees must be trained in RF awareness as a minimum and at least one member of the working at Height party must wear an approved Personnel RF Monitor on the body at all times. This is to arrange safe access and egress to the position of work for the working at Height party and routes must not be deviated from unless a check has been carried out. In the event of an unexpected alarm, the climber/s must withdraw to a point where the monitor does not sound and:

Rearrange the work so to avoid the area in which the alarm occurred, or

Arrange for identified problem antenna to be switched off and then re-test area, or

Cease work until a more detailed check with a survey instrument can be carried out


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4.4 Weather

The weather forecast should be checked before access t rooftops and the tasks rescheduled if the expected conditions may prevent safe access or working positions. This is particularly important where work is within 2 meters of an unprotected roof edge. The following weather conditions may rule out work at height activities on a rooftop.

Hail, sleet or snow

Electrical storms in the local vicinity / area

High gusting winds

Heavy rain

Mist or fog that affects visibility of the working position

4.5 Asbestos

Asbestos has been used as a building and insulation material in a wide range of applications. Asbestos is dangerous only when its fibres can be inhaled. The major use of asbestos content materials on roofs is asbestos cement corrugated sheets (a fragile material dealt with in section 6 of this document) although it is also used in flues, gutters and other rainwater fittings. Asbestos may also be found within buildings in areas such as:

Boiler cladding

Pipes and ductwork

Service risers

Fire walls

Acoustic panelling Identification of asbestos content materials is an important element of hazard / risk assessment for any work in, or access through, building premises. All employees must undertake training / briefings if their work takes them into areas that might contain asbestos content material. No work should proceed unless it is clear that there is no risk of asbestos fibres being produced either by poor condition or disturbance of asbestos content material. If materials are suspected to have asbestos content, they must not be disturbed until either:

Analysis confirms that they are asbestos free; or

The task has been allocated to a specialist contractor Vodafone employees must never disturb cut or drill materials known or suspected to contain asbestos.


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4.6 Plant Rooms

Plant rooms often provide the final exit route to rooftops. These rooms contain a range of hazards of their own, including:

Lift machinery

Electrical systems and boards

Water storage tanks

Distribution pipes

Boilers

Care must be taken when passing through lift motor rooms, as machinery can start up without warning. Lift machinery at customer and third party controlled sites may not always be properly guarded, even though this is a requirement. Routes that avoid such machinery should be used in such rooms, if they exist and reported to the relevant party and Vodafone site specific hazard register to be updated.

4.7 Falling objects

Where it is necessary to prevent injury, all reasonably practicable steps must be taken by those in control of the work to prevent anything falling or, where that cannot be achieved, to ensure that no-one is injured by anything falling. In particular nothing should be thrown, tipped from height or stored in such a way that its movement is likely to injure anyone. If the workplace contains an area in which there is a risk of someone being struck by a falling object or person, you must ensure that the area is clearly indicated and that (as far as reasonably practicable) unauthorised people are unable to reach it. Adequate warning notices must be positioned at ground level if there is a possibility of items falling from height. It may also be necessary to create a protection zone with solid barriers, ropes or warning tape at ground level. Access should be prevented in an area whose radius is half the height of the work position. All signs should be positioned so that they warn of the danger before a person enters the protection zone. Only properly constructed signs manufactured to the correct standard may be used. See Vodafone New Zealand “VCP15 - Safe Access and Work at Height – Structures”, for further information on signage and guarding. All persons and vehicles not involved in the operation should be excluded from the danger area. All reasonable care should be taken to ensure that materials and tools are handled carefully to avoid them being dropped accidently. Items should never be thrown from above.


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5 Access and Egress

5.1 Rope access systems

From time to time, there may be a need to access roofs or working positions using rope access systems. An example of this requirement might be the installation of a cable or feeder management system down the side of a building, but this will only be allowed if no other means of access is appropriate. Rope access allows access to difficult locations by the use of specialist equipment, descending devices and ropes. This work is inherently dangerous, and in the event of an accident, would almost certainly result in serious or fatal injuries. No person shall carry out rope access work for Vodafone New Zealand unless there is proof that they have the competency through training, to carry out this task. See Vodafone New Zealand “VCP15 - Safe Access and Work at Height – Structures”, for further information on rope access, or contact the Health & Safety Manager.

5.2 Trestles and Lightweight Staging

Trestles and light weight staging should not be used by Vodafone New Zealand employees. Alternatives, such as prefabricated scaffolding or the use of a cherry picker or other powered access device, should be considered.

5.3 Scaffolding

Every year many accidents occur when general access scaffolds collapse. The majority of these accidents occur as a direct result of poor construction, or because they have not been securely attached to the structure they are serving. All general access scaffolding used by Vodafone New Zealand must be erected by a specialised company or contractors. No scaffold may be erected, modified or dismantled except under the supervision of a competent person who has been properly trained. Areas to be detailed of working platforms within legislation are:

Condition of surfaces

Stability of supporting structure

Stability of working platforms

Loading

Vodafone New Zealand employees will mainly use the following types of scaffold:

Independent tied scaffold; a temporary scaffold independent of the structure it is built on, but tied in for stability.

Prefabricated tower scaffold; normally used for indoor work and consisting of pre-formed scaffold sections that slot into each other to forma working platform.


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5.4 Independent Tied Scaffolding

Only fully trained and competent persons may erect, modify and dismantle this type of scaffold and, where Vodafone New Zealand is responsible for the scaffold, adequate checks must be made to verify such competence. A completion certificate for the scaffolding must be issued after erection and before a Vodafone New Zealand employee uses it. All platforms must have adequate guard rails, toe boards and intermediate rails where required. Ladders must project at least 1.05 metres above working platforms unless handrails are provided. The scaffolding must be inspected every 7

th day after construction of the scaffold. Records of

all inspections must be kept and readily available. Vodafone New Zealand employees are not permitted to make alterations to scaffolds.

5.5 Working on Independent Tied Scaffolding

Vodafone New Zealand employees required to carry out work on scaffolds must be aware of the hazards they may be exposed to while accessing and working on scaffolding. Completion certificates, inspection records must be inspected before use of a scaffold Scaffolds that have not been erected specifically on behalf of Vodafone New Zealand must not be used by Vodafone New Zealand employees or contractors until authorisation from the user or erector of the scaffold has been gained. The scaffold may then be used, but only after completion certificates and associated inspection records have been checked.

5.6 Prefabricated Scaffold Towers

Prefabricated tower scaffolding, made from aluminium alloy or steel tube and generally known as zip-up or birdcage, is more commonly used than the independently tied scaffolding. This is because:

Less expensive to hire or purchase

Easier and quicker to erect and dismantle

More easily transportable

This type of scaffold also requires less training and competency of users. Most accidents involving prefabricated scaffolding occur due to the tower not being erected, used or dismantled in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Only fully trained and competent persons are allowed to erect, modify and dismantle any prefabricated tower scaffold.


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5.7 Working on Scaffold Towers

Vodafone New Zealand employees may work from a scaffold tower that has been erected by a trained and competent person. Before using a scaffold tower, check that:

Castors are locked

The equipment is in good condition, and free from defects; if it is hired, check the inspection register to ensure that it is in good order

It has adequate guard rails, toe boards, handrails and intermediate rails to ensure a safe system of work

There is a safe means of access on the narrowest side of tower; the ladder must be attached internally and never externally. It is not acceptable to climb the tower by using methods other than a ladder.

There are trap doors on the access apertures through the working platforms

During use of the scaffold tower, you must:

Close all trap doors on the access apertures through the working platforms

Not attempt to move a mobile scaffold tower while people are still on the platform as this is a significant cause of accidents

Not place ladders on the top platform to gain extra height for working

Hoist heavy tools and equipment to the working platform rather than carrying them up to the work position

When towers are used for such jobs as drilling into walls or the sides of roof members, considerable horizontal force may be applied. Under these circumstances, the tower should be secured to ensure that it is not overturned.

5.8 Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP’s)

Otherwise known as “cherry pickers”, these are often used as a quick alternative to scaffolds and ladders. They are highly manoeuvrable and ideal for short duration tasks where a good working platform is required. A variety of types are available; suppliers will provide guidance in the selection of appropriate types for particular tasks. Work platforms may be towable units, lorry or trailer mounted, or self propelled. If a machine is hired with a driver, checks should be made to ensure that the driver has been adequately trained. If the machine is to be hired without a driver, then it may only be operated by a suitably trained and competent person. Untrained personnel can work inside the platform or bucket provided that they do not operate it. No Vodafone New Zealand employee is to operate a mobile working platform unless those have been specifically trained in its operation and classified as a competent person. Particular attention must be paid to antennas in the vicinity and care must be taken to ensure that anyone is not put into an exclusion zone of antennas. Vodafone New Zealand policy is that all employees working in the bucket or platform must wear a safety helmet. It may be necessary for employees to be tethered to the bucket or work platform by use of a full body harness and shock absorbing lanyard, when:

Lifting or lowering equipment

Using electrical equipment that requires both hands to operate

A hazard / risk assessment has indicated the use of harnesses


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5.9 Scissor Lifts

These are vertical lift only, and they can be fitted with outriggers depending on size and height of lift required. They are also often self propelled, so they can be driven between working positions.

5.10 Hydraulic Expanding Boom

These give vertical height and outreach. The platforms may also be manoeuvrable.

5.11 Articulated, Telescopic or Multi Boom Platforms

Usually vehicle mounted, these give a wide range of reach and height. These machines are nearly always fitted with outriggers. All machines used by Vodafone New Zealand must have been constructed and tested by a member of the “International Powered Access Federation” The machine should be fitted with suitable and sufficient hydraulic lock valves to prevent uncontrolled movement of the platform during a single component failure.

5.12 Use of Working Platform Machines

Whenever work is being carried out from a mobile working platform, ensure that:

The competency of the operator and serviceability of the machine are checked before work starts

There are operator controls located at the platform in case of emergency situations

There is a levelling device fitted to the chassis

Outriggers, where provided, are fully extended on firm level ground

No materials or people are transferred while the platform is in the raised position

Scissor lift mechanisms have adequate fixed guards

People only work within the bucket or platform. Standing on platform hand rails to gain extra height is strictly forbidden

Adequate signing and guarding is provided on the public highway to ensure that the platform is clearly seen by other highway users

Safe working loads are permitted numbers of persons on the platform are not exceeded

No part of the boom approaches any over head electrical cables

Care is taken, when working on any highway, to ensure that the boom does not pose a hazard to any large or high vehicle that may be passing

Mobile powered work platforms are not used as cranes, hoists or lifting devices, unless such use is specifically permitted by the manufacturer


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6 Roofs

6.1 Statement

Vodafone New Zealand has a legal duty to provide a safe means of access and egress and a safe place of work for persons working on roofs at all sites over which it has control. At third party controlled sites, the responsibility is joint. If a third party rooftop site is not up to an acceptable standard, Vodafone New Zealand should request that the landlord make the necessary improvements. If the landlord does not bring the roof to the required standard, the duty to provide safe access and egress and a safe place of work for Vodafone New Zealand activities will rest with Vodafone New Zealand and a suitable safe system of work must be implemented.

6.2 Flat roofs

Definition: a roof having a pitch of less than 10 degrees. “Suitable and sufficient” measures must be taken to prevent persons falling through or from any roof, regardless of height, whenever there is a foreseeable risk of injury. “Suitable and sufficient” would include the use of:

Permanent edge protection such as guard rails or parapets

Temporary guard rails erected by a competent person

Where these are impractical, harnesses and anchor points may be used as long as the persons using them have been suitably trained in their correct use.

6.3 Sloping roofs

On roofs having a pitch greater than 10 degrees, falls from the edge can be caused by:

High winds

Work at or near an unprotected edge

Work where a person can slip down the roof towards an unprotected edge

In the last case, the degree of risk will depend on the pitch of the roof, the nature of the roof surface and weather conditions. Smooth surfaces can be made slippery by moisture, snow, ice or the growth of moss, grass, etc. If work is to take place on a sloping roof, a hazard / risk assessment should be produced which details an appropriate safe system of work. The use of scaffolding should be considered where access is required to areas such as chimney breasts, etc, rather that the use of roof ladders or crawling boards. It will be necessary to use roof ladders or crawling boards to traverse the pitched faces of almost all sloping roofs. Safety harness/s may be used, but only when appropriate anchor point/s are available. See Vodafone New Zealand “VCP15 - Safe Access and Work at Height – Structures”, for further information Only suitably trained personnel or specialists contractors would be expected to work on sloping roofs, unless totally protected walkways and workplaces have been installed.


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6.4 Sloping roof edge protection

There are a number of scaffold based solutions for the provision of barriers and platforms at unprotected edged of sloping roofs.

These may only be installed by suitably trained personnel or specialist contractors. Any protection provided must be strong enough and high enough to stop any person who is rolling or sliding down the roof.

6.5 Fragile roofs

Duty holders (those in control of the work) must ensure that working on or near fragile surfaces is avoided if it would reasonably practicable to carry out the task in some other way, for example by approaching the surface from below. Working on fragile roofs is only permissible if the following conditions are followed. No one working must go onto or near fragile surfaces unless that is the only reasonably practicable way to carry out the work safely, having regard to the demands of the task, equipment, or working environment. If anyone does work on or near a fragile surface, the duty holder must do all that is reasonably practicable to:

Ensure that suitable platforms, covering, guardrails, and the like are provided (and used) to minimise the risk.

Minimise the distance and effect of a fall, if any risk of a fall remains

Make the personnel aware of the danger, preferably by prominent warning notices fixed at the approaches to the danger zones.

People can easily fall through roof materials that are not strong enough to take their weight. Before any roof is traversed, it is therefore essential to identify any areas that may be weak or fragile. The appearance of some roof coverings can give a false sense of security to those who are working on, or passing across them. Such roof coverings may be capable of carrying some distributed load and may give an impression of a surface that is solid enough to bear a person’s weight. The may not, however be able to withstand a concentrated load, such as that created when a person stumbles or falls, or even by the heel of a shoe or boot. Asbestos cement sheeting (or asbestos substitute sheeting) is an example of such a material. It is liable to fracture without warning when bearing a person’s weight and becomes more brittle with age. Other examples of materials that have collapsed under a person’s weight include plastic sheeting, corrugated steel sheeting which has been substantially reduced in strength by rust, and glass, including Georgian wired glass. Problems can also arise as a result of asbestos substitute sheeting being used to repair a corrugated sheet, or existing sheet sections being painted over or covered in roofing felt, whereby they are hidden from view. Plastic roof lights discolour over time, giving them the appearance of solid materials – they can also be painted over, making identification even more difficult. A common, but mistaken belief is that it is safe to walk along the line of roof bolts above the roof purlins. In reality this is akin to walking a tightrope and should never be attempted


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6.6 Skylights and hatches

Skylights and hatches can also serve as the final exit route to rooftops. Great care is required in opening and climbing through them, from either fixed or temporary ladders. Skylights and hatches can be set into either sloping or flat roofs and may not always be easily identified from the roof. No one should approach any closer than 2 meters to a skylight unless adequate protection against falls has been provided.

7 Personal Protective Equipment

7.1 Fall Arrest Personal protective Equipment

Wherever there is a foreseeable risk of injury through falling, persons climbing or working at heights should be secured by a lanyard attached directly to the structure, or to a fall arrest system, such as Latchway. The legal (and also industry best practice) requirements for fall arrest equipment are that it is:

Suitable and of sufficient strength to safely arrest a fall

Securely attached and that the attachment is of adequate strength and stability to support a fall

Designed so as not to cause injury in the event of a fall

Any employee who has to use fall arrest equipment for work purposes, must have attended training in its correct use and care. Details of appropriate courses are shown in section 3.2 of this document.

7.2 Ordering Working at Height personal Protective Equipment

The Process for ordering WAH climbing equipment is as follows:

Climber completes requisition form and forwards onto Health and Safety manager of Technology. Note: form must have Line management approval and PO number attached.

Health and Safety manager confirms requestor is on the Vodafone New Zealand approved employees list and arranges for issue of equipment.

Health and Safety manager arranges update of the climbing equipment register with relevant information, including serial number, date of manufacture, date of issue, etc.

Health and Safety manager arranges for equipment to be placed within the Vodafone Inspection regime.

The working at Height equipment that is approved for use by Vodafone New Zealand employees is as follows:

Helmet – Petzl Best

Harness – P+P Britannia Super, or

Harness – Petzl Navaho Bodfast

Work positioning device – P+P 2M rope rat lanyard

Shock absorbing fall arrest lanyard – P+P 1.5M 2 tails chunkie lanyard


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Latchway Fall arrest trolley (vertical and/or Horizontal)

P+P Manujust system – restraining line that is adjustable to suitable length

All working at Height equipment must comply with AS/NZS and EN standards and must be:

Light and not bulky so as to minimise encumbrances during working at Height.

Well fitted to give full movement during working at Height.

Tough enough to prevent splitting or tearing when snagged.

Used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.

After a fall or other event where integrity of PPE may be adversely affected, the equipment must no longer be used and must be returned to the Health and Safety manager of technology for use in any investigation or for disposal.

7.3 Head Protection

Head protection approved to EN397 must be worn when working at heights or where there is a risk of injury from falling objects. Authorised employees when climbing or working on or below a structure must wear approved working at Height helmets. Chin straps must be worn whilst climbing/working at height.

7.4 Protective Footwear

Employees must wear steel toe capped safety footwear when climbing structures or where there is a foreseeable risk to foot injury. Footwear must have a positive instep and laces, be secure and give maximum comfort, grip and ankle support. Rigger boots must not be worn for working at Height.

7.5 Wet & Cold weather Clothing

Weatherproof clothing, ventilated or breathable to prevent sweating during physical activities, should be provided to suit anticipated conditions.

7.6 Harnesses & Safety lines

Only full body safety harnesses shall be worn when working at height. These must conform to EN361 and have a front (sternal), rear (dorsal) and side rings. Safety belts or upper body harnesses are prohibited. Safety harnesses should always be fitted with lanyards for the purpose of securing the climber. Whenever possible, the lanyard should be attached above the climber, so that the “fall factor” is minimised in the event of a fall. Harnesses and lanyards must be properly stored in a cool dry place away from solvents and sharp objects and not in direct sunlight.

7.7 Fall Arrest Equipment

Any fall arrest equipment such as lanyards, robe grabbers, inertia reels, etc, used by employees must be properly designed, constructed, tested to the relevant EN standard and be uniquely identifiable. All equipment must be included at least in a six monthly formal inspection regime. All employees must be competent in the use of any fall arrest equipment issued to them. Where a fixed fall arrest system i.e. Latchway is not fitted to the structure then the double hooking technique or restraint system shall be adopted. Note: Railock MUST not be used.


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7.8 Respiratory Protection

Dust and particles generated by cutting or drilling of structural steelwork etc can be harmful if inhaled or ingested. Where such activities are taken respiratory protection (facemasks) of a suitable specification must be worn.

7.9 Hand Protection

Gloves should be worn to give protection when undertaking manual handling, especially of working with sharp and abrasive surfaces and to provide warmth during cold weather.

7.10 Hearing protection

Some structures may be located within noisy environments or support siren systems which emit high noise levels in the event of an emergency i.e. near chemical works, government systems. Where noise levels are in excess of 80 dBA TWA, hearing protection will be provided on request. Regardless of whether it is requested or not, the company will provide hearing protection when noise levels are in excess of 85 dBA TWA. All hearing protection must comply with EN 352-2.

7.11 Eye protection

Eye protection must be used by employees wherever there is a risk of injury to the eye, such as when drilling or using substances. Eye protection must be suitable for the specific activity and comply with EN166

7.12 Life Span of PPE

Users and inspectors of PPE must take heed of manufacturers recommended limits on shelf life and time in use (working life) as well as visually checking the condition. Individual serial numbers of WAH PPE must remain legible to ensure traceability.

7.13 Working at Height Safety Equipment Register

A register of all working at Height safety equipment is held by the Health and Safety manager of Technology responsible for statutory inspections. The register as a minimum must contain the following information;

Description of each item of equipment

Unique identification, serial number

Location

Name of individual equipment is issued to

Date of manufacture

Date of first issue

Inspection date /

Working life expiry date Note: If an item of working at Height safety equipment is not detailed within the register or has lapsed on its inspections then it is not to be used by a Vodafone employee and returned to the Health and Safety Manager of Technology.


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7.14 Inspection & Disposal of Safety Equipment

All safety equipment used for work at height must be inspected as detailed in Table 1. After a fall or other incident that may affect the integrity of PPE, all equipment must be returned to the Health and Safety Manager for use in any investigation. Table 1: Inspection of working at Height safety equipment

*These inspections must be recorded. Equipment awaiting disposal or inspection must be quarantined i.e. locked away to prevent further use. The competent person has the authority to dispose of any failed equipment. Such failed equipment should be rendered unusable by cutting or removing vital parts. Hard hats must have the internal supports frame removed and clearly marked stating not to be used. ** The independent competent person for Vodafone New Zealand will be the Health and Safety Manager of Technology who is required to be trained in formal inspections regimes. *** Contracted Companies must ensure that they have a suitable and sufficient regime in place to complete formal inspections for WAH PPE equipment. Vodafone New Zealand reserves the right to inspect the system and equipment to ensure compliance.

8 Responsibilities

8.1 Guidance for Managers and Supervisors Vodafone New Zealand requires Managers and Supervisors, as the persons in control of the work (duty holders), to ensure that:

All work at height is properly planned and organised

All work at height takes into account of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety

Those involved in work at height are suitably trained and competent

The place where work at height is done is safe

Equipment for work at height is appropriately inspected

The risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled

The risk from falling objects are properly controlled

This document describes the hazards associated with work at height in and around buildings and on rooftops. It provides guidance on appropriate controls and safe systems of work reflecting legal requirements, good practice and Vodafone New Zealand standards to be applied by Vodafone New Zealand employees and contractors whilst working in or on buildings. Managers and supervisors must ensure that their people follow the controls and safe systems of work detailed within the document.

Frequency of Inspections To be inspected by whom

Before each use By the user

Every six months* By an independent competent person** (***)


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8.2 Responsibilities of Individuals

Individual personnel are responsible for:

Using safety equipment provided and adhering to the Vodafone New Zealand Safe Access and Working at Height – Buildings policy.

Ensuring their training is kept up to date.

Not deviating from the method statement and hazard/risk assessment without notifying Manager or Supervisor.

Keeping alert for, and immediately notifying working at Height Manager or Supervisor of unforeseen hazards.

Keeping outside antenna exclusion zones.

Preventing falls of tools, equipment and objects.

Using only equipment that has been provided by or authorised for use by Vodafone New Zealand.

Knowing their personal limits and refusing to undertake high risk activities in or on buildings where they do not feel able to do so.

8.3 Fitness to work at height

No person may be required to work at height if he/she is unwilling to do so. This personal right is essential part of Vodafone New Zealand’s management of work at height risks and recognises that individuals risk may depend on many factors known only to that individual. It must be absolutely respected and no pressure applied even when the decision of an individual affects or cancels the work for the whole team.

8.4 Temporary ill-Health or Injury

It is the responsibility of the employee to report any changes in their medical or physical condition to their Line Manager. The development of certain diseases (e.g. diabetes) or injury to a limb will need to be considered and may necessitate restrictions on work at height. The manager must inform the Health and safety manager of Vodafone New Zealand Technology division of any serious illness or injury affecting a climber’s performance. Working at height performance and safety can be adversely affected by drowsiness and reduced reaction times caused by taking recreational or prescribed drugs, alone or in combination with alcohol. Employees must therefore check with a pharmacist that anything being taken, whether prescribed, bought over the counter or borrowed, will not produce these effects. Employees should be interviewed by line managers following any absence from work caused by significant ill health or injury. An appropriate period should be greed for a return to full duties. Where appropriate, guidance on this may need to be sought from the climber’s GP, or from the OH provider appointed by Vodafone New Zealand. No employee working at height is to consume or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during any working at Height activities. Employees who need to take prescribed or over the counter medicines that may affect their ability to work at height safely must contact a Vodafone Health and Safety Manager, who may refer to the company OH provider.


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8.5 Rules for contractors and Site Sharers working at Height Vodafone New Zealand

Any contactor or site sharer climbing or working on a Vodafone New Zealand structure or on behalf of Vodafone New Zealand must be authorised by Vodafone New Zealand. Contractors or site sharers must no sub contract climbing work without prior approval from Vodafone New Zealand. Vodafone New Zealand reserves the right to supervise climbers or site sharers working on a Vodafone New Zealand structures. The contractor or site sharer will be responsible for ensuring that safety equipment, personal protective equipment and lifting equipment is made available to their climbers. Vodafone New Zealand may inspect equipment to ensure it complies with relevant standards. Contractors must formulate hazard/risk assessments and method statements in all cases and have them at the point of work on site. All accidents, incidents and significant near misses must be reported immediately to Vodafone New Zealand.


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9 Related documents

9.1 Internal

Vodafone Group Standard : 9.4 – Risk Management: Working at Height

VCP015 - Safe Working at Heights – Structures

RF Policy

9.2 Acts and Regulations

Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 or the Health and Safety in Employment Amendment Act 2002

Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995

Building Act 2004

Electricity Act 1992

Electricity Regulations 1997

9.3 Standards

NZS 5233:1986 Specification for portable ladders (other than timber)

NZS 3609:1978 Specification for timber ladders

NZS 3620:1985 Specification for scaffold planks

AS/NZS 4576:1995 Guidelines for scaffolding

AS/NZS 1657:1992 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders. Design, construction and installation

AS/NZS 1892.1:1996 Portable ladders: Metal

AS/NZS 1892.2:1996 Portable ladders: Timber

AS/NZS 1892.3:1996 Portable ladders: Reinforced plastic

AS/NZS 4387:1996 Safety mesh

AS/NZS 1891.1:1995 Safety belts and harnesses

AS/NZS 1891.3:1992 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices

AS/NZS 4488:1997 Industrial rope access systems

AS/NZS 4576:1995 Guidelines for scaffolding o Part 1: Specifications o Part 2 : Selection, use and maintenance

AS/NZS 1801:1997 Occupational protective helmets

AS 4142.3 Static rescue life lines

BS 3913:1982 Industrial safety nets

EN 1891 PPE against falls from heights: Low stretch kernmantel ropes

EN 358 PPE against falls from heights: Work positioning systems

EN 361 PPE against falls from heights: Full body harness

EN 362 PPE against falls from heights: Connectors

EN 354 PPE against falls from heights: Lanyards

EN 355 PPE against falls from heights: Energy absorbers

EN 341 PPE against falls from heights: Descender devices

EN 795 PPE against falls from heights: Anchor devices - Requirements and testing

EN 813 PPE against falls from heights: Sit harnesses for rope access work

9.4 Guidance Notes / ACOP’s


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10 Glossary of Terms

10.1

Term Description

Working at Height

Work activities / tasks where there is potential for serious injury or damaged associated with falling persons or equipment or objects. This is classified as over 2 meters in height above or below ground.

Competent Person

For the purpose of this procedure, a competent person means a Vodafone employee or contractor who has undertaken appropriate WAH training, has suitable experience and knowledge to perform the tasks safely.

Exclusion or Drop Zone

An area. Normally radial, out from the base of the structure, within which there is a significant risk of being hit by falling objects. Exclusion zones must be defined by fencing, signage, etc and unauthorised persons must be prevented from entering.

Fixed Fall Arrest System

A wire or rail system that is permanently installed on a structure to which the climber will attach their harness, via a travelling fall arrest device i.e. Latchway, Railock, etc. in the event of a fall the climber will be arrested by the system.

Free Climbing Any climbing or working at height where the individual is not attached to the structure via a fall arrest device, i.e. latchway system, fall arrest lanyard, retractable line, etc.

RadHaz

A RadHaz report lists Vodafone antennas on a particular Rooftop or structure along with their classification (level of risk). Information on these reports must be used to assess risk and plan safe working methods. These are can also be named Landlords Handbooks.

Fall Arrest Lanyards

An item of fall arrest equipment worn in conjunction with a full body harness and used to attach to the structure whilst climbing / working at height. Lanyards incorporate an absorption device to limit the impact on the climber’s body in the event of a fall.

Work Positioning

Device – Pole Strap

Rope or webbing strap that is use in conjunction with a harness to secure a climber in a working position and allow both hands to be used in activities. Work Positioning Devices are not classified as a fall arrest device

Safe System of Work

A safe method of carrying out works that has been derived following assessment of the hazards / risks associated with the activities being undertaken. Safe systems are normally formalised in the form of Method Statements, permits to work systems, etc.

Hoped Ladders

Fixed ladders incorporating intermittent steep straps of cages so as to enclose the path a worker when climbing a ladder.

Anchorage

Point

A secure point of attachment that has been tested and certified as per legislative requirements on a building to which a fall arrest device, fall arrest lanyard or rescue equipment may be secured.

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