'Working at Height' is now more than simply a phrase - it is an area
of regulation covered by the Work at Height Regulations of 2005, and
anyone working at height or employing people to do so is covered by
these regulations. The text of the regulations can be seen at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050735.htm
Climbing Instruction
This created some concern in the world of climbing instruction, where
it became apparent that instructors would have to work in pairs, always
use two ropes, and strictly speaking even carry yellow plastic signs to
warn each other that they were working at height! Therefore in 2007
there was an Amendment, which in part says:
“Special provision in relation to caving and climbing
14A.—(1) Paragraph (2) applies in relation to the application of these
Regulations to work concerning the provision of instruction or
leadership to one or more persons in connection with their engagement in
caving or climbing by way of sport, recreation, team building or
similar activities.
(2) Where this paragraph applies, an employer, self-employed person or
other person shall be taken to have complied with the caving and
climbing requirements, if, by alternative means to any requirement of
those requirements, he maintains in relation to a person at such work as
is referred to in paragraph (1) a level of safety equivalent to that
required by those requirements.
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2), in determining whether an
equivalent level of safety is maintained, regard shall be had to —
(a) the nature of the activity;
(b) any publicly available and generally accepted procedures for the
activity; and
(c) any other relevant circumstances.
(4) In this regulation —
(a) “caving” includes the exploration of parts of mines which are no
longer worked;
(b) “climbing” means climbing, traversing, abseiling or scrambling over
natural terrain or man-made structures; and
(c) “the caving and climbing requirements” means regulation 8(d)(ii), so
far as it relates to paragraph 1 in Part 3 of Schedule 5, and that
paragraph.”.
Climbing instructors were therefore able to continue as they had beforehand.
Much very useful information regarding equipment can be found on the websites of each manufacturer - see our
'Manufacturer websites' page.
It is important to understand, particularly if purchasing for work, the
implications of your purchasing decisions - you are legally obliged to
provide appropriate work equipment (see
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998)
. It is imperative that equipment comply to the standards required for
different types of activity, and it cannot be assumed that every item is
automatically suitable. For example, the Petzl Vertex Vent helmet is a
great helmet for keeping your head cool, but the holes for ventilation
ensure that it does not comply with regulations regarding electrical
discharge and molten metal splash - so in this situation you'd need the
Petzl Vertex Best helmet, which has no ventilation holes and is tested to the appropriate standard.
Who and What is involved in the regulations?
These are generalised introductory notes and do not aim to
give anything but a simplified introduction to the regulations - please
see the full regulations as described above
When Do The Regulations Apply?
These rules are relevant to you if you employ people who will be at risk
of falling, from any height - even at ground level. They also apply to
the self employed - in fact anyone who is responsible for organising
work of any type at height. There are some special conditions for
emergency services and the like.
What Are Your Responsibilities?
In general terms:
Planning: As leader or employer, you are responsible for
planning, supervising and monitoring any work at height. This includes
checking equipment, and stopping work in poor weather. You must also
ensure that the person doing the work is
competent to do so, or is being trained by a competent supervisor.
Fall Prevention: The leader or employer is responsible for taking measures to prevent falls. This includes providing safety
equipment to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall.
Equipment Selection: Where it isn’t practical for work to be
carried out from a place or work, equipment must be selected to ensure
the employee is not put at risk. The choice of equipment will depend on
distance negotiated, duration and frequency of the work, and it should
also be chosen with emergency evacuation or rescue in mind. To fulfil
their duties, employers should be able to show that they have considered
all of the potential risks and made an informed decision. The
Regulations specify certain equipment or systems for different working
situations – check them for information about your particular area of
work.
Cordoning the Danger Areas: The employer is responsible for
identifying danger zones, such as the ground below and around tructure,
where anyone may be harmed by falling objects. The area should be
properly delimited and signed for anyone who might be injured (employees
or the public), and equipped appropriately.
Employee Reporting: If you are an employee or trip member, you
are responsible for using equipment correctly, and for reporting any
situation or equipment that you deem hazardous or have doubts about.
Regular Inspection: Employers are responsible for meeting the inspection
requirements laid out in the Working at Height
Regulations.
Equipment and sites must be regularly inspected, and checked before use.