The most comprehensive training material on \"work at heights\" as seen by an individual

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1. Overview: This manual is compiled to standardize the safety management of working at heights, ensure that employees correctly use safety belts, lanyards, and lifelines when working at heights of 2 meters or more or in confined spaces, prevent and reduce the occurrence of fall-from-height accidents, and provide relevant personnel with guidance on health, safety, and environmental protection when performing work at heights. This textbook consists of nine chapters, as follows: 2 Basic Concepts 2.1 Terms and Definitions Related to Work at Heights 2.1.1 Definition of work at heights (GB/T3608-2008 \"Classification of Work at Heights\"): Work carried out at a height of 2 meters or more above the reference level from which a fall could occur is considered work at heights. 2.5 Terms related to scaffolding (1) Scaffolding: A temporarily erected platform for workers to perform their tasks. It provides reliable support for the equipment and materials required during construction, facilitating workers’ access to the work site. (2) Step distance: The height difference between two layers of scaffolding. (3) Vertical distance: The distance between the two vertical poles. (4) Vertical pole: A support member in an upright position. (5) Top horizontal bar: A horizontally positioned support member used to connect the vertical bars laterally. (6) Small crossbar: Connects the large crossbar and is used to lay the pedals ； Or connect the inner and outer vertical poles to create a working platform. (8) Crossbeam: A tube that spans across the main bar to support the pedals that make up the working platform. (9) Pedestal: The plate used to construct the bottom slab of the platform. (10) Diagonal bracing rods: Components that maintain the lateral stability of the scaffold. (11) Diagonal brace: A structural element that connects two or more parallel components to maintain the overall stability of the scaffold. (12) Coupling fasteners: Components used to fix and connect pipe fittings. (13) Swivel fitting: Used to connect two pipe fittings that are not at a right angle. (14) Right-angle fastener: Used to connect two pipe clamps at a right angle. (15) Pad plate: a square iron plate used to be placed under the vertical pole. (16) Wires: Used to connect the scaffold to fixed structures. (17) Guardrail: On the working platform, it is connected between the vertical posts to prevent people from falling. (18) Footboard: A plate placed at the edge of the work platform to prevent people from slipping off the platform or materials from falling. 2.6 Safety protective equipment for work at heights: Safety helmets, safety belts, and safety nets are important measures for reducing and preventing accidents such as falls from heights and injuries caused by falling objects. As these three types of safety equipment are the most widely used and have a significant impact, they are often referred to as the “three essentials”. 2.6.1 Safety Helmets (1) Relevant Terms and Definitions: Safety helmet: A helmet that protects the human head from injuries caused by falling objects and other specific factors. It consists of a cap, a lining, a chin strap, and accessories. l Helmet shell: A component of the outer surface of a safety helmet. l Sweatband: The name for the interior component of a hat. l Chin strap: A strap that is tied around the chin to serve as an auxiliary fixing element. l Attachment: A device attached to the safety helmet. Including eye and face protection devices, ear protection devices, active cooling devices, electrical sensing devices, neck protection devices, lighting devices, warning signs, etc. (2) Precautions during use 　　　 l Whether the safety helmet is within its valid period. Before putting on the helmet, check whether the shell is damaged, whether there is a suitable lining, and whether the straps are complete; if any of these conditions are not met, replace the helmet immediately. 　　l Adjust the space between the hat linings to about 4–5 cm. 　l Adjust the headband properly. 　　l After putting on the hat, fasten the chin strap. 2.6.2 Safety belts (1) Relevant terms and definitions: Safety belt: An individual protective equipment used to prevent workers working at heights from falling, or to keep them safe in case they do fall. l Suspension strap: A body protection device designed to prevent falls, which keeps the wearer in an upward position in the event of a fall. l Rope: A rope that connects the sling to other devices used to link workers to structures or rescue ropes. l Shock absorber: A device used to minimize the force generated by a fall. l Ropes: There are two types of ropes: elastic type and low-tension type. Elastic ropes are used to absorb the forces generated during a fall ； The low-tension type is more suitable for rescue and rigging equipment. l Connector (steel ring/dual-lock connection): A device used to connect various components. (2) Precautions during use 　　　 l Choose a safety belt that has passed inspections by the relevant authorities, and ensure it is within its valid usage period. 　　l Seat belts must not be knotted or joined together. 　　l During use, it must be securely hung in a sturdy location; it should be hung high and used at a lower height. Also, prevent any swinging, and keep it away from open flames and sharp objects. 　　For work at heights of 2m or more, a safety belt must be used. Where it is not possible to attach a safety belt directly, safety rails or similar devices should be installed for attaching safety belts. 2.6.3 Safety nets 　　　　(1) Relevant terms and definitions: Safety net: A net used to prevent people or objects from falling, or to avoid or reduce injuries caused by falls or impacts. 　　 　　l Safety flat net: A safety net whose installation surface is not perpendicular to the horizontal plane; it is used to prevent people or objects from falling, or to avoid or reduce injuries caused by falls or impacts, and is simply referred to as a flat net. l Safety vertical net: A net whose installation plane is perpendicular to the horizontal plane; it is used to prevent people and objects from falling, or to avoid or mitigate injuries caused by falls and impacts from falling objects. It is simply referred to as a vertical net. (2) Precautions for use: l Choose safety nets that come with a certificate of conformity. 　　l If the safety net is damaged or aged, it should be replaced in a timely manner. 　　The safety net should not be tied too tightly to the scaffolding; the tying points need to be distributed evenly along the edges and secured firmly. l Vertical nets shall not be used as the body of horizontal nets. For vertical nets, fine-mesh safety vertical nets should be given priority. 3 Identification of Hazard Sources and Risk Analysis at Heights Work Sites 3.1 Requirements for Permits for Work at Heights Work at heights is considered a hazardous activity; therefore, work must be approved in accordance with the requirements of the \"Work Permit Management\" system. Work can only proceed after approval, and a supervisor must be present on site to oversee the entire process. Before erecting, dismantling, or modifying scaffolding, an erection plan shall be developed based on the characteristics of the project and the construction methods, and the work shall be carried out strictly in accordance with this plan. The construction supervisor shall provide a detailed briefing in accordance with the requirements of the construction plan, taking into account the working conditions at the construction site and the availability of personnel. 4 Management Measures for Work at Heights and Related Requirements 4.1 Physical Factors 4.1.1 Management Measures and Related Requirements for Physical Dangers and Hazards 4.1.1.1 Management Measures for Scaffolding (1) Requirements for erection: The scaffolding must be erected in line with the construction progress, and the height of each erection phase should not exceed two pitches between adjacent vertical support members. l The top of the vertical pole should be 1.5m above the roof of the building. l Longitudinal and transverse ground rods must be installed at the bottom of the scaffold. The longitudinal ground sweep bar should be fixed to the vertical pole using right-angle fasteners at a distance of no more than 200 mm from the surface of the base pad, while the horizontal ground sweep bar should be fixed to the vertical pole directly below the longitudinal ground sweep bar using right-angle fasteners. The ends of the small horizontal bar should be fixed to the vertical pole using right-angle fasteners. When erecting the internal and external scaffolds, it is necessary to securely fasten them to the structure in a timely manner to ensure safety during the erection process; the verticality and horizontal alignment of the members should be adjusted as they are erected, and the fasteners should be tightened appropriately. The lateral bracing is installed within the same section, arranged in a zigzag pattern from bottom to top ； Apart from being installed at corners, transverse braces are placed every 6 spans in the middle. For the joints of the scissors brace, lap jointing may be used at the top layer, but butt fasteners must be used for all other joints. The scissor brace should be fixed to the extended end of the cross bar that intersects it or to the vertical pole, using swivel fasteners; the distance from the center line of these swivel fasteners to the main node should not exceed 150 mm. L scissor braces are two rods that cross each other in a cross shape on the outside of the scaffold. And at an angle of 45° to 60° to the ground. Its function is to connect the scaffolding together, thereby increasing its overall stability. The installation of the scissors braces and horizontal diagonal braces should be carried out simultaneously with the installation of the vertical poles, as well as the longitudinal and horizontal horizontal bars. (2) Demolition requirements: Before demolishing the scaffold, the following preparatory work must be carried out: a thorough inspection should be conducted to ensure that the fastening connections, wall bracing elements, and support systems of the scaffold meet the required construction standards ； Remove debris from the scaffolding and obstacles on the ground. l Demolition work must be carried out layer by layer from top to bottom; simultaneous work at different levels is strictly prohibited. The wall connectors must be removed layer by layer as the scaffolding is taken down; it is strictly prohibited to remove all the wall connectors for a whole floor or several floors before removing the scaffolding ； The height difference between sections removed should not exceed two steps; if it exceeds two steps, additional diaphragm walls should be installed for reinforcement. l When the scaffold is dismantled down to the height of the lowest long vertical pole (approximately 6.5 m), temporary bracing should be installed in appropriate locations for reinforcement first, before removing the tie members. l When unloading, it is strictly prohibited to throw any components or parts to the ground ； Components and parts delivered to the ground should be promptly inspected, repaired, and maintained, and stored in stacks according to their type and specification at all times. 4.1.1.2 Management measures for ladders (1) Portable ladders should be placed on a solid surface or flat ground, or on some other fixed surface; they must never be placed on unstable or slippery surfaces such as boxes or crates. The distance between the ladder feet should be approximately one-quarter of the ladder’s height. (2) When climbing a ladder, both hands must firmly grip both sides of the ladder. The tool is placed in a pocket or hung up with a rope. (3) When climbing up or down the ladder, one should face the ladder and hold onto both sides of it with both hands. If possible, all ladders should be secured or tied firmly when in use. (For example: The movement of the ship’s hull may cause workers to lose their balance.) (4) When using a ladder, there should be someone below to supervise. (5) Effective insulated ladders must be used for electrical work. (6) The surface of the ladder should be painted or treated in a similar way to prevent damage caused by frequent use and weather conditions. (7) All fixed ladders higher than 6m (from the ground to the top of the ladder) must be equipped with a guard cage or climbing device. The climbing device should be inspected and tested before each use, and it must be very strong and reliable. (8) All fixed ladders exceeding 10m in height must have platforms at intervals of every 10m for resting. Fencing and climbing devices should also be installed around the platform. When the connection to a previous section of the ladder is interrupted, the climbing device should be designed to allow connection to a new section. 4.1.1.3 Management measures for safety belts, lanyards, and life ropes (1) Safety belts must be equipped with two lanyards, the free ends of which shall be securely fixed. When working at heights, the safety belt must always be fastened to a suspension support device, following the principle of anchoring it high and using it at a lower level. (2) When working outside the ship or at a height of 2 m or more above the ground or deck (such as on scaffolds, work platforms, etc.), a safety belt must be worn. For work at heights, a full-body fall arrest harness should be used, and when entering confined spaces, a harness with an anchor rope must be worn. (3) Connect the life rope extension line. The free hanging length of the extended cable shall not exceed 6 feet (2m). (4) Ropes and lifeline ropes must not come into contact with sharp objects, acidic or corrosive substances, and solvents. (5) The safety load capacity of the suspension support for the fall prevention device shall be greater than 2.5 tons; the automatic retraction lifeline and lifting chains are used to protect the suspension support device, and only one safety belt can be attached to the automatic retraction lifeline at a time. (6) Delaying the rescue of persons hanging on a fall prevention device may cause them severe injury. (7) Safety belts, rigging ropes, and life ropes shall not be used for purposes other than protecting the safety of personnel. (8) Seat belts, rigging ropes, and life ropes that have reached the end of their service life must be discarded immediately. (9) Seat belts, rigging ropes, and life ropes must be stored in a dry and clean environment. After use, return it to the designated storage area for cleaning by the custodian. 4.1.1.4 Other management measures: (1) For work at heights, a reliable ladder should be provided; workers must use this ladder to go up and down, and must not climb along the vertical poles or railings. (2) Safety warning signs, communication signals, or communication devices should be installed above and below the work area at heights, and a designated person should be assigned to oversee them. (3) The protective shelters, safety facilities installed under the working at height equipment, as well as the designated warning areas, are to be supervised by designated personnel; it is strictly prohibited to remove or alter them without permission. (4) Before carrying out work at heights, the working unit must organize relevant departments to inspect the safety protection facilities; work may only commence after the inspection confirms that they are satisfactory. If it is necessary to temporarily remove or modify safety facilities, it must be approved and signed by the person in charge of the operation, and the relevant departments shall be organized for inspection; work may only proceed after approval and signing following the inspection. (5) Vertical transportation equipment capable of carrying people should be provided when working at heights. A maintenance and inspection system should be established for equipment and tools used in work at heights. 4.1.1.5 Inspection of safety belts, slings, life ropes, and ladders before use (1) Inspection of safety belts, slings, and life ropes before use: Check whether the surface of the sling is damaged; turn the main part of the sling toward yourself, bend it into a “U” shape at the starting end, and place your hand about 2–2.5 meters from the starting end. l Pay attention to worn edges, damaged fibers, torn sutures, cuts or chemical damage, burns, wear or loose threads, solar radiation damage, saltwater corrosion, dye damage, etc. A tuft of hair is usually visible at the damaged area. l Looseness, deformation, and damage of the metal clasp. l Straps to prevent deformation or the formation of sharp edges. The outer and middle tooth ridges should be vertical. Carefully inspect the seams at corners and other areas; the straps should be overlapped when sewn, and they must be able to slide freely back and forth to fit over the loops. The pulley can rotate freely. Are the rivets fixed in place and maintain a smooth consistency with the surrounding edges? Ensure that the rivets do not deform or bend. l Inspect rivets for dents, cracks, and chemical corrosion. Check for any deformation or breakage of the hooks and spiral eyelets that may occur. The clasp can be inserted directly into the clasp hole without deformation or obstruction. The spring force of the clip is sufficient. Check the rope from start to finish for any fraying, wear, or broken fibers. If the diameters of the ropes differ significantly, they should be replaced promptly. (2) Inspection of the ladder before use: check for any damage. l Are the size and length appropriate? l Whether the material of the ladder is suitable for this task. l Check the locking devices of the relevant component side panels, crossbars, extendable ladders, as well as the protective covers on the ladder corners. 4.1.2 Management measures and relevant requirements for chemical hazards and harmful factors 4.1.2.1 High-altitude work is strictly prohibited in areas adjacent to sites where toxic and harmful gases and dust are emitted at concentrations exceeding the allowed limits. If it is within the allowable concentration range, effective protective measures should be taken. 4.2 Human factors 4.2.1 Management measures and relevant requirements for psychological, physiological hazards and harmful factors 4.2.1.1 Persons engaged in work at heights must be in good health and undergo regular medical examinations. Persons with contraindications such as hypertension, heart disease, anemia, epilepsy, or those under the age of eighteen shall not engage in work at heights. 4.2.1.2 The task unit shall ensure that the workers on site are in good mental condition, and at the same time prevent them from overworking. 4.2.2 Management measures and relevant requirements for behavioral hazards and harmful factors 4.2.2.1 All personnel engaged in work at heights must receive education on safety knowledge related to such work as well as instructions on safety techniques. 4.2.2.2 The supervisor shall be responsible for overseeing the work at heights; they must not leave the site during the operation or engage in activities unrelated to supervision ； When an accident is detected, operations must be stopped immediately, first aid measures taken right away, and the police called. 4.2.2.3 Workers have the right to refuse to carry out work in cases of forced assignment that violates these standards or where safety measures are not implemented. 4.2.2.4 Workers performing work at heights should undergo a medical examination before starting work, and may only take up their duties if they pass the examination. 4.2.2.5 It is strictly prohibited to throw tools, materials, and debris up or down from heights during work at elevated positions; the materials used must be stacked steadily. When vertical cross-work is indeed necessary, isolation barriers must be installed in between. Vertical cross-work at heights is strictly prohibited; if work must be carried out in layers, isolation and protective measures must be in place. 4.2.2.6 It is prohibited to operate while standing on a trolley or an unstable object, and it is not allowed to rest at heights. 4.2.2.7 When using a ladder, do not straddle it, do not stand on the crossbars, and do not stand on the top of the ladder. 4.3 Environmental Factors 4.3.1 Management measures and relevant requirements for hazards and harmful factors caused by an unfavorable working environment 4.3.1.1 Anti-slip measures must be taken when working in rain or snow; outdoor high-altitude work is prohibited when the wind force reaches level 6, or in conditions such as thunderstorms, heavy rain, or dense fog. When maintenance is required due to failures, disasters, etc., reliable safety measures must be taken. 4.3.1.2 In the event of various adverse weather conditions, it is necessary to inspect, adjust, and maintain all types of safety facilities before they can be used again. 4.3.1.3 When lighting is required for night-time work at heights, lighting facilities that meet the requirements for safe operation shall be installed, with the hanging height of the lighting fixtures being no lower than that of the working surface. When working near or in contact with live electrical components, the power supply must be turned off; if this is not possible, safety measures to prevent electric shock must be taken. 4.3.1.4 When there are significant changes in the on-site working conditions, high-altitude work must be halted, and a new high-altitude work permit must be applied for. 4.4 Management Factors 4.4.1 The responsibilities of relevant departments should be clearly defined. 4.4.1.1 The Health, Safety, and Environment department is responsible for developing the relevant operational documents and overseeing the implementation of these documents by all affiliated units. 4.4.1.2 The task unit is responsible for ensuring safety management during the erection and dismantling of scaffolding by the specialized scaffolding construction team; any potential hazards identified must be addressed promptly through supervision ； Responsible for applying for and obtaining safety permits for the erection and dismantling of scaffolding ； Responsible for inspecting, supervising, and managing the erected scaffolding and ladders ； Responsible for providing training to the personnel involved in setup work in accordance with regulatory requirements, ensuring that they work with the necessary certifications ； Responsible for the regular maintenance of the scaffolding and ladders in use, to ensure their stability. (1) The supervisor shall carefully inspect the implementation of safety measures in high-altitude work; if it is found that the measures established are inappropriate or not properly implemented, the work must be stopped immediately. ü Be responsible for supervising the work at heights; do not leave the site without permission or engage in activities unrelated to supervision during the work ； When an accident is detected, operations must be stopped immediately, first aid measures taken right away, and the police called. ü The supervisor must inspect and confirm the safety conditions at the site; only with the approval of the person in charge of the operation can they leave the site. (2) The approver shall go to the site to inspect the area where the work at height is to be carried out as well as the surrounding environment, and verify whether all the information provided in the application for work at height meets the requirements. Sign off on working at heights only after confirming its accuracy. (3) The task supervisor is responsible for submitting the work permit applications in accordance with the company’s ‘Work Permit Management’ regulations. Responsible for assigning on-site supervisors for the work. ü Take full responsibility for the risk analysis of work at heights as well as the implementation of countermeasures. ü Responsible for formulating and implementing safety measures for work at heights at all levels, informing workers of their tasks and safety precautions, and taking overall responsibility for the safety at such work sites. ü Responsible for reviewing the qualifications of the workers. ü Check the implementation of safety measures and correct any violations promptly. The person in charge of the task shall inspect and verify the safety conditions at the site, and any issues found must be addressed promptly. (4) Operators must strictly carry out work at heights in accordance with these standards and the measures for addressing work-related risks. ü Before carrying out the task, one should fully understand its content, location, time, and requirements, as well as be aware of the potential hazards and safety measures involved. ü Safety precautions for working at heights must be implemented and verified, and approval from the supervisor must be obtained before proceeding with such work. ü There is the right to refuse to carry out work in cases of forced operation in violation of these standards or failure to implement safety measures. ü One must follow the instructions of the work supervisor; it is prohibited to bring items other than those necessary for the work when performing tasks at heights. ü If any abnormalities occur during the task or if you feel unwell, you should stop working and inform your supervisor. ü After completing the task, the workers collect all the tools and protective equipment that were used, and at the same time dismantle any temporary installations and store them safely.