Page 546 - The City and Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1 for the Level 3 Apprenticeship (9189), Level 2 Technical Certificate (8202) and Level 2 Diploma (6035)

The City & Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1

a ladder is not a safe working platform and extreme care should be taken when
working from a ladder. Here are some points to remember:

l Always assess the work before any working at height is performed. A risk
assessment should be performed.
l Never attempt the job alone. PVCu gutter is very light but it can catch the
wind.
l There is no height threshold but if you are high enough to become injured
from a fall, you must adhere to the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
l Always select the most appropriate equipment for the task, such as mobile
scaffold towers or elevated working platforms. If working from a ladder is
unavoidable, a ladder stand-off should be used, especially when performing
gutter maintenance tasks.
p Figure 8.12 Using a ladder l Ensure that you are properly trained in the use of ladders and mobile
stand-off
scaffolds.
l Always check ladders to ensure that they are in good order and free from
HEALTH AND SAFETY defects.

A ladder is not a safe l Always use the appropriate fall restraints and harnesses when working at
working platform. Take height.
extreme care and have l Always be aware of what or who is below you when working at height. Never
proper supervision at all drop tools, equipment or materials.
times. l Always make sure that the ladder is secure before attempting the work. If
Be safe when working at securing the ladder is not possible, then a second person should ‘foot’ the
height – don’t take risks! ladder.
More information about
working at height can Protecting the customer’s property
be found in Chapter 1,
Health and safety In previous chapters, we have seen how we should protect the customer’s
practices and systems, property when working inside the dwelling. The same care and attention should
and on the Heath and extend to outside the property.
Safety Executive website
at: www.hse.gov.uk It is important that the outside of the property is checked for any existing
damage before work begins and this should be pointed out to the customer.

VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS

Precautions that can be taken to protect the customer’s property are:
l when using a ladder, a ladder stand-off should be fitted to prevent the
scraping damage that can be caused by ladders to brickwork or masonry
l if a ladder is to be erected on a lawn, first cover the lawn with a plywood
sheet to prevent damage to grass and flower beds
l lawns should have walk boards placed on them to prevent lawn damage
l take care where vehicles are parked on the customer’s drive; to prevent
possible damage, ask the customer to move them
l take care not to erect ladders on soft ground as they could sink,
causing slippage; if this is unavoidable, ensure the ground is supported
beforehand
l place barriers around where work is being carried out, to prevent people
from being injured when walking near by.

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