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News Release from: BSI British Standards | Subject: Work at Height Regulations 2005
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 April 2005
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Details of the new Work at Height Regulations 2005 which came into force in April 2005.
Details of the new Work at Height Regulations 2005 which came into force in April 2005 The Regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 9 Mar 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Regulations bring together all existing work at height regulation and state the minimum health and safety requirements for the use of equipment for work at height.
Employers have a duty to ensure that work at a height is properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a manner that is safe.
Elizabeth Gibby, Head of the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Injuries Reduction Programme, said recently: "In 2003-04, 67 falls from a height accounted for 67 fatal accidents at work and nearly 4,000 major injuries".
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"They remain the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the biggest causes of major injury." All industry sectors are exposed to the risks presented by this hazard although the level of incidence varies considerably.
With this in mind, it is essential for employers, the self-employed, and any person that controls the work of others (for example facilities managers or building owners who may contract others to work at height) to be fully up-to-date with the new legislation.
David Thomas, Principal Specialist Inspector with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Project Group Convener, said: "Those who work at height should never forget that gravity is no respecter of persons".
"It affects everyone; too many times with disastrous consequences resulting in serious, permanent injuries or death".
To support the new regulations, BSI has published a new British Standard: NEW BS 8437:2005 Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace.
This new standard should assist those seeking to comply with the Work at Height Regulations.
It brings together personal fall protection best practice from a range of sources including HSE representatives, manufacturers, research studies and training organizations.
BS 8437 was written with expert input from HSE representatives and gives recommendations and guidance with illustrative examples on the following key areas of working at height: * Competent working, planning and organization.
* Selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems.
* Systems and equipment suitable for use in rescue.
* Control of risks from fragile surfaces.
* Rescue of persons in the event of an accident 'Risk assessment.
* The training of users of the equipment.
Who should use BS 8437? It is intended for: Users of personal fall protection systems and equipment, including employers, employees and the self-employed.
Designers of safe access routes on buildings and structures, including architects and structural engineers.
Commissioners of work at a height, e.g building owners and contractors.
Trainers and site managers involved in training persons for work at a height.
ISBN 0 580 45817 2 Price GBP 178*, GBP 89 BSI Subscribing Members.
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