What Height is Considered Working at Height?

What Height is Considered Working at Height? A Guide for Scaffolding in the UK

In the scaffolding industry, safety is paramount, and understanding what constitutes “working at height” is essential for ensuring compliance and preventing accidents. In the UK, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 are the key framework governing work at height, and they apply to all sectors that involve such risks. But how do these regulations relate to scaffolding, ladders, and other height-related work?

What is “Working at Height”?

According to the Work at Height Regulations 2005, working at height refers to:

• Any work where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.
• This includes tasks carried out above ground level, near edges or openings, or even at ground level if there’s a risk of falling into pits or voids.

There’s no minimum height threshold—whether you’re working 1 metre or 30 metres above the ground, if there’s a risk of injury from falling, it’s classified as working at height.

Scaffolding and Working at Height

Scaffolding is a key area where working at height risks need to be carefully managed. Whether assembling, using, or dismantling scaffolding, the same safety precautions apply.

Common Examples of Scaffolding Work Considered Working at Height:

1. Assembly and Dismantling: Erecting scaffolding involves significant height risks, even at lower levels.
2. Scaffold Platforms: Working on a scaffold platform, even when guardrails are present, is considered working at height.
3. Scaffolding Near Open Edges: Scaffolds built near roofs, voids, or pits require additional precautions to prevent falls.

CISRS and SG4 Regulations

The UK scaffolding industry follows specific safety guidelines and training standards. The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) is the recognised training scheme for scaffolders. To be competent in working at height, scaffolders must complete CISRS training, which ensures they are fully aware of the risks and equipped with the knowledge to minimise them.

Another critical regulation is NASC SG4:22, also known as Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations, a set of guidelines designed to ensure scaffolding operations are carried out safely. SG4 focuses on:

• The use of collective protection measures like guardrails and toe boards.
• Personal fall protection systems, such as harnesses and lanyards, when collective protection is not feasible.

CISRS-trained scaffolders must comply with SG4 when working at height, ensuring they follow best practices for assembling, using, and dismantling scaffolding safely.

Using Ladders Safely in Scaffolding Work

Ladders are often used alongside scaffolding, whether for accessing scaffold platforms or carrying out work at lower heights. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 set specific guidelines for ladder use:

• Ladders should only be used for low-risk, short-duration tasks.
• They must be stable and positioned correctly to prevent slipping or tipping over.
• Workers using ladders should always maintain three points of contact (e.g., two hands and one foot) to reduce fall risk.

Even when working on ladders at lower heights, the same safety principles apply. Falls from ladders account for a significant number of workplace injuries, making it critical to treat ladder work with the same care as scaffolding.

Fall Protection for Scaffolding

When it comes to scaffolding work, UK law mandates specific fall protection measures to ensure safety at height:

• Guardrails and Toe Boards: All scaffolding platforms 2 meters or higher must have guardrails and toe boards installed to prevent falls.
• Harnesses and Fall Arrest Systems: When collective protection measures are insufficient, scaffolders must use personal fall protection, such as safety harnesses connected to a secure anchor point.
• Regular Inspections: Scaffolding must be inspected before first use, after any significant changes (such as alterations or extreme weather), and every seven days to ensure ongoing safety.

Best Practices for Scaffolding and Working at Height

To mitigate the risks associated with working at height on scaffolding, it’s essential to follow these best practices:

1. Thorough Risk Assessment: A risk assessment should be conducted before any work at height begins. This includes identifying potential fall hazards, determining suitable scaffolding configurations, and ensuring appropriate safety measures are in place.
2. Proper Use of Equipment: Scaffolders must use appropriate safety gear, including helmets, harnesses, and fall arrest systems. Any tools or materials should be secured to prevent them from falling.
3. Competency and Training: All scaffolders must undergo CISRS training to ensure they are qualified and competent to work at height. This includes familiarity with SG4 guidelines and understanding the safe use of ladders, harnesses, and scaffolding components.
4. Weather Considerations: Scaffolders should avoid working at height during hazardous weather conditions, such as high winds, rain, or snow, which can compromise both scaffold stability and worker safety.

Ladder Use in Scaffolding

While ladders are sometimes viewed as a simpler option, they still present significant risks. The UK regulations stress that ladders should only be used when necessary and for short-term, low-risk tasks. When working at height on ladders:

• Ladders must be fit for purpose, positioned securely, and inspected regularly.
• Workers should maintain three points of contact to prevent falls.
• Ladder safety training should be provided, as incorrect ladder use can lead to falls from height.

Conclusion: Stay Safe, Stay Compliant

Working at height is a common yet dangerous aspect of scaffolding and construction work in the UK. From ladder use to scaffolding assembly, it’s essential to follow the Work at Height Regulations 2005, CISRS standards, and SG4 guidelines to prevent falls and protect workers.

Whether you’re working 1 metre or 30 metres off the ground, safety is always the priority. Proper planning, the right training, and ongoing vigilance can ensure that all work at height is conducted as safely as possible. By adhering to the UK’s stringent regulations and industry best practices, employers and workers can minimise risks and create a safer working environment for everyone.

Find out more about our scaffold courses and refreshers and Working at height and rescue courses from our sister company MCL Height Safety to keep you knowledgable about working at height!