Page 243 - The City and Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1 for the Level 3 Apprenticeship (9189), Level 2 Technical Certificate (8202) and Level 2 Diploma (6035)

Chapter 4 Planning and supervision

There is also a fire risk because of the use of naked flames from using a blowtorch
in a confined area with combustible materials in the vicinity. The removal of the
galvanised CWSC may require the use of a power tool to cut it into sections if
the access to the loft space is too small to allow it to be removed in one piece.
Finally, because the house was built in 1960 there is a possibility of the presence
of asbestos in the building fabric, such as the fascia boards or even loft insulation.

There are several risks and by taking them one at a time, a picture of what is
required to reduce them can be compiled. If access to the work area is looked
at, then an assessment of the likelihood and the consequences can be made.

The likelihood of an accident from a fall or slip on a freestanding portable ladder
could be 3 and the consequences could be 4. By multiplying these figures, 3 × 4,
we get a figure of 12, therefore the outcome is significant (according to the
formula in Table 4.4).

Task
Accessing loft space with ladder

Equipment
Portable ladder

Hazards
Slipping and falling

Likelihood Consequence Risk factor
3 4 12

Risk exposure
Employees
Control measures:
■ Ensure basic training is carried out for apprentices.

■ Inspect ladder for condition and correct grade.
■ Secure ladder at top and at base.
■ Ensure ladder extends sufficiently into loft space to enable
safe descent.

■ Provide safe floor area in loft space to manoeuvre.
■ Provide lighting.
■ Use correct PPE for task.

p Figure 4.18 Example of a basic risk assessment form for a typical task in a customer’s home
ACTIVITY
A reduction of this risk is required. A possible solution could be the use of a Assess and rank the risk of
secured ladder, with a protected area at the base or providing another trained soldering a 15 mm copper
person to stand at the base. Ascending a ladder can be easier than descending, so pipe above a classroom
a clear, secure area at the top of the ladder is also required, in addition to adequate doorway in a primary
lighting. An exposed floor with only joists for foot support in the loft at the top of school. What actions would
you put in place to reduce
the ladder could be made safer with robust boards that cover the area of joists and the level of risks identified?
make it safe to stand without the risk of a plumber falling through the ceiling.
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