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fALL aRREST
The Health & Safety Executive sets out the proper protocols and practices for working on a construction site. We have summarised what the HSE says about working at height in construction.
Working at height means work in any place where, if there were no precautions in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.
The other thing that HSE stress is that you should not work at height unless absolutely necessary. The adjacent slider explains this process.
Types of fall arrest available
Safety Nets
Safety nets are used a lot in in the construction industry. They work as you would imagine, if you fall, there is a net to catch you!
Pros
- These nets are great at catching tools and other debris
- Does not restrict movement on the ground
- Effective and recognised fall arrest
Cons
- Normally only suitable in a narrow range of situations
- Not normally suitable for domestic projects
- A longer term, on-site solution for the duration of a project.
aIR bAGS
Air bags are probably the most common form of fall arrest that we provide.
Pros
- Flexibility
- Easy to use and maintain
- Presents minimal/ no risk to new masonry
Cons
- Can be obstructive at ground level
SAFE DECKING / PLATFORM DECKING / CRASH DESK
This solution brings the ground to you, but is generally the most expensive option.
Pros
- Can be fitted to almost any area
- Provides a very safe working platform
- Can be used by following trades
Cons
- Requires a higher level of input on-site to install
- Restricts work and trades on the ground whilst in place
Learn More About when you need Fall Arrest
Below are some additional resources about fall arrest and working at heights that you might find useful.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf
https://www.unison.org.uk/get-help/knowledge/health-and-safety/working-at-height/
