Background

Working at height remains one of the commonest causes of fatalities and serious injuries in the UK.  This page outlines the key standards and guidance documents available at QMUL.

There are three simple rules for work at height:

• AVOID work at height if you can - If you don't need to go up there, don't!!
• If work at height cannot be avoided- PREVENT falls by selecting and using the right access equipment.  
• If you cannot prevent falls- MINIMISE the impact of any fall. Where you cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other means to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, should one occur.
• Steps and ladders can be used when the above methods not appropriate.
• Always check for fragile roofing materials, these must be protected.

Who can use access equipment on QMUL premises

Type of equipment	General use	Authorised QM staff e.g. engineers	Specialist contractors	Typical controls
Library stools	√	√	√
Library steps	√	√	√
A-frame steps	√	√	√
Ladders		√	√
Tower scaffolds and MEWPs		√	√	PASMA or IPAF qualification
Scaffolds		Access only	√
Lanyard and Harnesses		√	√	Fixing points and running lines must be certified

QMUL Documents 

• working at height office guide [PPT 1,056KB]  
  
• working at height lab guide.pptx [PPT 651KB]  
  
• EMAP 08 Working at Height [PDF 1,657KB]
• Kick Stool Guidance 

References

Health and Safety Executive - Work at Height

For Advice and Assistance at QMUL, contact the H&S Manager / Advisor for your Faculty / PS or the subject lead at http://www.hsd.qmul.ac.uk/contact-us/

All H&S staff can be contacted via the help desk at hs-helpdesk@qmul.ac.uk