A new British standard provides key guidance for architects and others involved in design and the CDM process for minimising and controlling residual risk for work at height.

Working at height remains the biggest killer in the UK workplace and for that reason anything which helps to address the risks and remove them at the design stage must be a positive step worth supporting.

If you have the opportunity to attend we are involved in organising an event focusing on controlling work at height risk through our relationship with the WWT (Working Well Together campaign) our MD, Roger Hart is Treasurer of the South West WWT, book your place here; Work at height event, 3rd July 2013

Whilst its true to say that the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 already require that work at height risks are designed out at the planning stage, it cannot be said to have always worked in practice.

Although we accept that the demands of clients and aesthetics must be met, further measures are justified and we hope that the publication of a new British Standard will help; BS 8560:2012 Code of Practice for the Design of Buildings Incorporating Safe Work at Height.

The Code of Practice addresses the basic hierarchies of design ideas, ranked from most to least desirable, plus summary information about the constraints and limitations of various practical solutions such as a lamp requiring replacement.  In this case, access by Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (scissor or booms) is addressed with reminders to design in adequate access routes for the equipment and ensure the installed flooring can withstand their considerable weight.

Using the guide designers must consider; “the extent, nature, duration and frequency of work to be done at height, so that appropriate equipment and techniques for use in construction, cleaning, maintenance and repair can be identified”. This must also be done at an early stage enabling conflicts between proposed equipment or work methods and other factors are more easily resolved.

Design teams are encouraged to seek input from the client’s facilities manager and others such as the construction contractor at the planning stage. Something which was always present within the CDM Regulations and which a good CDM Coordinator should try to ensure but an element which is still missing from too many projects.

If you need help or advice on health and safety please contact us or request a call back – or call and speak to a friendly expert on 01453 800100.