The ECA wants to hear from members who have come up against restrictions on the use of step ladders in order to find out the alternatives that exist. This request comes in the light of the new Work at Height Regulations, due out this year, that will place emphasis on finding alternatives to using ladders and steps as workstations.

Information gleaned from responses will be added to advice from the HSE, clients, trade bodies and manufacturers, before being disseminated throughout the Association for the benefit of all. A brief questionnaire has already been sent out but if you need another contact Paul Reeve at the ECA.

m The HSE has recently published MISC614: Preventing falls from boom-type mobile elevating work platforms (cherry pickers). The document is available free from HSE Books (call 01787 881165) or download it from www.hse.gov.uk/pubns.

It contains information on all aspects of cherry picker competence including the selection and use of personal fall protection equipment. For more information on the HSE falls from height priority programme go to the website – www.hse.gov.uk/falls.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor