{"id":1336,"date":"2022-01-19T12:54:15","date_gmt":"2022-01-19T17:54:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/tradesaccesscommoncorelinea\/?post_type=chapter&p=1336"},"modified":"2022-02-01T17:53:42","modified_gmt":"2022-02-01T22:53:42","slug":"safety-precautions-when-working-at-elevations","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/tradesaccesscommoncorelinea\/chapter\/safety-precautions-when-working-at-elevations\/","title":{"raw":"Safety precautions when working at elevations","rendered":"Safety precautions when working at elevations"},"content":{"raw":"Falls from elevated areas are one of the leading causes of fatalities in the workplace. While the risk of falls is high, there is much you can do to safeguard yourself. Following proper safety procedures and staying alert at all times will help you stay safe when working at an elevation.\r\n

Wind<\/h2>\r\nIf your work area is exposed to the wind, a windbreak should be constructed from plywood, polyethylene sheets, or tarps. In high-rise construction it\u2019s common practice to provide a windbreak at each floor until the glazing has been completed. Remember, strong winds can cause your body to lose heat much faster than if the air is still, so it\u2019s important to wear windproof clothing.\r\n

Wall and floor openings<\/h2>\r\nAny opening in a wall or floor is a safety hazard. For protection, openings can be either covered or guarded. Cover any hole whenever possible. When it is not practical to cover a hole, use barricades or guards. The types of guards and barricades used will vary from job to job.\r\n\r\nThere are different rules and procedures related to covering and guarding wall and floor openings. You will use the WorkSafeBC regulations as a minimum guideline, but you will also need to become familiar with the policies on your job\u00a0site.\r\n

Guards and barriers<\/h2>\r\nExcept for work platforms (scaffolds) where fall protection is provided, guards are required whenever there is a drop of 1.22 m (4 ft.) or more. Guards and rails must be placed at stairways, openings in floors, and the edges of open floors. Guardrails consist of a top rail, a midrail, and a toe-board. The toe-board is to prevent tools and materials from dropping through the openings.\r\n

Ladders<\/h2>\r\nLadders are used to perform work in elevated locations. You may use ladders to do many jobs, and you must be familiar with the safe use of all types of ladders. Types of ladders and the proper use of each are covered in detail later in Competency C-4: Describe Ladders and Platforms.\r\n
Do not use metal ladders or wire-reinforced ladders near energized electrical equipment. Use fibreglass or un-reinforced wood ladders where there are electrical hazards. Equipment that might be dangerous if contacted by a metal ladder includes junction boxes, fuse panels, overhead lines, and cable trays.<\/strong><\/div>\r\nWhen climbing or working from a ladder, an important rule to protect yourself against a fall is to maintain three-point contact with the ladder at all times. This means that you either have two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand touching the ladder constantly.\r\n\r\nThe following precautions and procedures apply to all portable ladders:\r\n