A SOLID AND STABLE WORK PLATFORM

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning plant are often located on rooftops yet need regular access for maintenance.

The safest way to access these systems is with the use of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) such as scissor, boom and vehicle-mounted machines which can help to prevent a fall from occurring when working at height.

A powered access platform is one of the safest means for temporary work at height, provided that a risk assessment is done, managers and operators are properly trained and safe use procedures are followed.

A site survey/assessment will need to be undertaken before work starts. GTAccess can help with specifying the correct access platform for the task and we offer free site surveys that will carefully consider site layout, access, egress, land use and terrain.

More information can be found on the Heating & Ventilating Contractors Association (HVCA) website and the Building Engineering Services Association website

RISK ASSESSMENT

Before any HVAC work operations at height commence, it is important to assess the following:

1. Is there adequate space available for the operation and/or machinery.
2. Are the ground conditions and topography suitable/stable.
3. Is there adequate safe working distances from overhead services.
4. Is the site access available/unrestricted
5. Are the wind speed, exposure and weather conditions suitable for use
6. Are the operatives adequately trained and proficient to undertake the tasks required

RISK ASSESSMENT AND METHOD STATEMENT