Equipment for Work at Height

Work at height can be an extremely dangerous job. Falls from height are one of the biggest killers in the workplace in the UK, representing c. 40 deaths per year. Source

In this article we will talk about the various equipment options for your work at height project, whether it be inspection and survey at height, painting at height or other work at height projects.

What are the main types of equipment for work at height?

In this article we will explore some of the options for working at height: 

1. Fixed Scaffolding
2. Tower scaffolds
3. Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWPs)
4. Ladders and stepladders
5. Swing stage scaffolding/ cradles
6. Rope access
7. Robotics

What is Work at Height?

Work at height is defined by the UK HSE as ‘Any work where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.’

There is a set of UK Legislation that you can read more about here, but as a quick summary, to undertake a work at height project, one must ensure:

• All work at height is properly planned and organised
• Those involved in work at height are competent
• The risks from work at height are assessed, and appropriate work equipment is selected and used
• The risks of working on or near fragile surfaces are properly managed
• The equipment used for work at height is properly inspected and maintained

HausBots Robotics Solution

At HausBots, we use technology to protect and maintain the built environment. 

Another solution that you may wish to consider in a work at height project is novel wall climbing robot technologies. This helps you comply with step 1 of the HSE work at height procedure: reduce time spent at height as much as possible!

HausBots have developed a series of attachments for the patent pending system.

The use cases we specialise in are: 

• Exterior protective paints for residential, such as Stormdry
• Commercial and warehouse painting
• Commercial exterior painting 
• External building works 
• Inspection of buildings
• Inspection of industrial assets, silos, power plants
• Cleaning (solar panels, windows) 
• Monitoring large structures (bridges,
  concrete dams,)

We service all clients including:

1. Housing association and councils 
2. Block managers and property managers
3. Homeowners
4. Subcontract to professional painting contractors
5. Infrastructure owners
6. Engineering surveyors and consultants
7. Insurance surveys

How to Decide the Type of Equipment for Work at Height?

In short, all equipment is ok to use if a risk assessment has been carried out to show this. 

Some of the factors you should consider when choosing the type of equipment for work at height. 

1. Reduce the time spent at height as much as possible
2. Ensure equipment is suitable, stable and regular checked and maintained. 
3. Don’t overload equipment such as ladders or scaffolding
4. Check the stability and material of the floor
5. Don’t overreach
6. Don’t use a ladder for more than 30 minutes at a time (HSE)

Conclusion

To conclude, when assessing your options for a working at height project, consider involving a professional firm who can risk assess the situation properly and offer solutions. 

Please do get in touch with photos of your project to see if HausBots can use robotics in your next working at height project to info@hausbots.com