Be committed to safety stay safe!
August 1st 2007 The most recent Work at Height regulations brought together all existing work at height regulations, setting out the minimum requirements for the use of equipment. Whereas previous regulations applied primarily to work over two metres, the new regulations apply to work at any height - even standing on the bottom rung of a small step ladder! All employers have a duty of care to ensure that all work at height is properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner. Self-employed and all persons controlling the work of others, including site managers, contract managers and contractors, are also equally responsible for safe working practices. Even a building owner contracting out work is responsible and should therefore stay fully up to date with the legislation. The most common reasons for falls from height are inadequate information and/or instruction, lack of planning, training, or supervision. Employers should not take for granted that everyone has the requisite knowledge to complete a job. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that the employee has been trained, not the other way round. With a strong commitment to safe working practice, AFI-Uplift has a well earned reputation for training users of powered access, alloy towers and ladders, offering an extensive range of courses with globally recognised accreditation. Our IPAF Operator and Demonstrator courses have long been amongst the most popular with users of powered access equipment, along with the Prefabricated Access Suppliers' and Manufacturers' Association (PASMA) courses, for those people working with aluminium towers. Working closely with these recognised institutions, AFI has recognised the need to provide additional courses to cover the diverse range of working roles now affected by the new Work at Height legislation. Managers and purchasers of rental powered access equipment can now benefit from the comprehensive IPAF MEWPs for Managers Course, which offers the ideal training and knowledge required for their roles, whilst the PASMA Supervisor's Access Tower Inspection Course, the latest from PASMA, enables delegates to know and understand current safety legislation, how to inspect erected towers for faults, accurately check components against the manufacturer's instruction manual and be more aware of potential risks and hazards. For those working at lower heights AFI has also introduced a half day PASMA Low Level Access Course covering access products with platform heights of 2.5 metres or below, such as podium steps, folding room scaffolds and wide area low level access towers. It is easy to dismiss the hazards of working at lower levels, or indeed the use of ladders and step ladders. However, an understanding of the Work at Height legislation, product standards, classifications and hazards is now required. At AFI our instructors have found that many delegates are surprised by the considerable benefit gained, and how much they did not know, before they attended our one-day User Course On Ladders And Stepladders, accredited by the Ladder Manufacturers' Association (LMA). The wide reaching effects of the Work at Height regulations should not be ignored by anyone involved with working at height, however low and seemingly harmless. Sound training, giving empowering knowledge, not only reduces the risk of injury, but can increase productivity, and can ultimately save lives! More articles from AFI-Uplift Limited: | 
