Working at height means working in any place where you could be injured by falling from it, even if it is at or below ground level.
Working at height regulations apply to work activities where there is a risk of falling and liable to cause personal injury. The regulations do not apply to a permanent staircase in a workplace.
The regulations do not specify a minimum work at height requirement, regardless of:
- work equipment used
- length of time working at height
- height at which the work is performed
Activities covered by working at height include:
- using a kick stool or stepladder to access overhead shelving
- hanging curtains in bays
- changing lamps or ceiling tiles
- using trestles and ladders to paint or clean
- order picking using a fork-lift truck with an integrated platform
- working on a ladder or scaffold
Your manager must carry out a risk assessment for working at height and put in place control measures for risks identified.
Working at height fact sheet (PDF, 364KB, 2 pages)
Kick stools
Kick stools are designed not to move when you apply weight to them.
Before using a kick stool you must:
- ensure the wheels are running freely
- ensure there is no debris on the wheels or steps
- check that it locks into position when you put weight on it
- check the rubber on the bottom of the stool is not damaged and is stuck down securely
- wear appropriate footwear to ensure your stability when using a kick stool
- avoid wearing clothes that you could catch your heel on when using the kick stool
Using a stepladder
| Do | Don't | |
|---|---|---|
| Do It is important to visually check the stepladder for any signs of damage before use. If there are any obvious issues, report them to your manager immediately. | Don't Don’t use a stepladder in an area where you could be knocked over. For example, behind a doorway or on a busy corridor. | |
| Do Ensure surrounding areas are free from clutter with clear access to the stepladder. | Don't Don’t twist your body to one side or stretch away from the ladder. | |
| Do The stepladder must rest firmly on the floor without the risk of it slipping or moving during the task. | Don't Don’t over-reach while on a stepladder. This will make your position on the stepladder unstable. | |
| Do Always maintain at least 3 points of contact with the ladder (2 feet and a hand or 2 feet and your body). | ||
| Do Always face forwards while using the stepladder. Adjust the positioning of the ladder as needed. | ||
| Do Make sure your waist and hips stay within the vertical uprights and keep both feet on the steps. | ||
| Do Contact your occupational health service with any concerns about your medical fitness to do a task. |
Visual check on stepladders
Before using a stepladder do a visual check on:
- Safety handrail - ensure it is secure and free from damage.
- Hinge - check that the hinge fully engages and is free from damage.
- Step lock - the step lock must be clean and free from damage so that it fully engages and locks into place.
- Feet rubber - rubber feet must be present and free from any damage that may cause the feet to slip when in use.
- Uprights - ensure it is free of damage.
- Steps (rungs) - ensure there is no damage and that the rungs are secure. The rubber mats must be firmly in place and secure.
- Stays - some stepladders have stays that are attached to the front and back uprights. Ensure they are locked fully into position before use.
- Labels - review the label for manufacturers’ notes about use and inspections.
Related documents
Use of kick stools and step ladders at low levels prompt sheet (Word, 30 KB, 2 pages)
Generic risk assessment form (Word, 33 KB, 2 pages)
Generic risk assessment fillable form template (Word, 132 KB, 2 pages)
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