Working at height equipment includes any product that has been specifically designed to enable a person to safely work at height.
Worksites will utilise access apparatus such as scaffolding, ladders and mobile elevated working platforms (MEWPs). In order to work from these spaces safely, workers will need special equipment to keep them safe in the event of a fall. These include:
What is working at height?
Working at height refers to any situations where there is a substantial risk of a fall if the proper precautions are not taken.
This includes:
- Working above ground level
- Working on a fragile surface or near an opening/hole
In order for a fall to be categorised as a ‘fall from height,’ a person must have fallen from one level to a lower level. Anything else is considered a trip or slip.
Types of working at height equipment
Here are 5 of the most common types of working at height equipment.
Safety harnesses
Safety harnesses are used to prevent accidental falls when working at height. There are lots of different types of harnesses, but the most common are full body harnesses, quick-release harnesses, and harnesses with 1-5 attachment points.
When in use, a safety harness is attached to a solid anchor using a safety lanyard. If a worker falls, this equipment is designed to keep the user suspended in the air, preventing them from falling to the ground, preventing serious injury.
Safety lanyards
Safety lanyards are vital components in keeping the user safe when working at height. These tools are what prevent workers from falling all the way to the ground in the event of a fall.
Types of safety lanyards include fall restraint/fall arrest lanyards, adjustable lanyards and rope lanyards.
Safety lanyards are attached to safety harnesses on one end and a sturdy anchor point on the other.
Fall arrest blocks
Fall arrest blocks/fall arresters are important working from height equipment. These tools are designed to automatically lower a person at a safe, controlled speed in order to rescue a worker that has fallen from height.
Anchoring products
As we’ve mentioned, another key element of a successful fall arrest system is a solid anchor point. These need to be incredibly strong and reliable pieces of equipment, so a worker can confidently work at height. Anchoring points are secured to a structure or building on one end and the users safety lanyard on the other.
Other anchoring products include anchorage webbing slings, beam anchors and lifeline kits.
PPE
PPE (personal protective equipment) includes a wide range of safety accessories, including kit bags, restraint belts, safety helmets and tool lanyards.
This safety gear is used to keep workers safe and comfortable while working at height. On top of the obvious products such as harnesses and lanyards, workers will also need to protect their head, eyes and hands, and secure the tools they use to prevent them from falling and potentially injuring workers below.
Working at height equipment at Safety Harness Direct
Here at Safety Harness Direct, we supply a huge range of working at height equipment from trusted manufacturers to bring you the best equipment on the market.
If you require any guidance when shopping for height safety gear, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team. We can advise you on the best products to suit your needs.
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