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Work at Height Regulations 2005 — the hierarchy of control
Falls from height are still the single biggest cause of UK workplace fatalities. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 don't ban working at height — they require it to be planned, supervised and carried out by competent people, using the right equipment in the right order of preference.
The hierarchy of control
WAHR 2005 forces a specific order of decisions, every time:
- AVOID — don't work at height if you can do the job at ground level.
- PREVENT — if you must work at height, use equipment that prevents a fall (platforms with guard rails, scaffolds, MEWPs).
- MINIMISE — if a fall can't be prevented, use equipment that minimises distance and consequences (nets, airbags, then personal fall arrest).
Equipment selection
Default to collective protection (guard rails, working platforms) over personal protection (harness and lanyard). A scaffold with edge protection is almost always preferable to a harness on a rope. Personal fall arrest is the last line, not the first.
Harness inspection regime
Personal fall protection equipment requires layered inspection:
- Pre-use check by the wearer, before every use.
- Interim inspection (visual, recorded) — typically monthly.
- Detailed inspection by a competent person at least every 6 months (every 3 months in heavy use or harsh environments).
- Equipment immediately taken out of service after any fall arrest event.
Anchor points
Anchor points must be rated to EN 795 and certified for the load. Improvised anchors (handrails, pipes, ductwork) are not acceptable. Where an anchor system is installed, it should be inspected at least annually by a competent person.
Rescue planning
Rescue must be planned before work starts. 'Call the fire brigade' is not a rescue plan — suspension trauma can become life-threatening within minutes. A documented rescue plan, equipment on site and trained personnel are all required.