Working at Height – Task Analysis

The attached form is designed to assist you in setting up safely for the work you are about to undertake. To assist in identifying the hazards associated with the work, and assess the most suitable and safest way of completing the work when working at height.
When working at a height that could cause harm if you were to fall, you should always Eliminate (E) the fall hazard if you can. Where this is not possible, you should Isolate (I) the fall hazard, and if you are unable to do either, you must Minimise (M) the hazard. There may be occasions where multiple controls are appropriate. Remember, “DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION”.
We recommend you use this checklist to decide the best option/s available to control the fall hazard for the work you are about to undertake. To brief everyone involved in completing the work and ensure the appropriate controls are in place. Once the above steps have been completed sign the form and keep onsite as part of your work documentation.
Please contact HazardCo on 0800 555 339 if you require any assistance to identify hazards or implement the required controls. / Company: / Hazard Construction
Contact: / Joe Hazard
Contact Cell Ph: / 0800 555 3339
Site Address/Ref: / 35 Queens Road
Date: / 21-9-2012
Task Description:
e.g. internal plastering / Building a new House
Task Steps:
e.g. plastering ceilings / Trussers , Roofing , Spouting. Plumbing

Pre Start Checklist – to be completed prior to commencing working

At Base / Yes / At Site / Yes
  1. HazardCo Team Pack is in vehicle
/ Yes /
  1. Park in a safe place
/ Yes
  1. Vehicle has a current WOF/COF, lights and tyres in working condition
/ Yes /
  1. Ensure you wear your PPE/PPC and it is in good condition and appropriate for the work to be undertaken i.e. overalls, boots, mask, gloves, eye, hearing and dust protection
/ Yes
  1. Minimum PPE/PPC available and in good condition
/ Yes /
  1. HazardCo Hazard Board set up in the vicinity of where work is being undertaken
/ Yes
  1. All emergency equipment and materials required for the work being undertaken loaded and load secure
/ Yes /
  1. Ensure you are inducted onto site - liaise with any Site Manager/Contractor/Client present to establish exactly what they are doing on site and any hazards associated with their work. Conduct your own induction if alone on site. Ensure the Hazard Board is updated
/ Yes
  1. All work documents for job in vehicle
/ Yes /
  1. Explain to Site Manager/Contractor/Client any hazards you are bringing to site or that may be present as a result of your work (use HazardCo Client Induction Cards where appropriate).
/ Yes

Issues for Consideration When Working at Height

Are You? / Yes / No / If yes, think about these controls
Working at height inside a building?
Working at height outside? / Yes / ❑ /
  • Regardless of height, where possible always Eliminate the hazard through design or by working on the ground (E).
  • Where possible use scaffolding (includes mobile), guarded work platforms, guardrail systems, edge protection, mechanical access plant such as elevated work platforms, safety mesh or barriers to restrict access (I).
  • Secure tools, materials and equipment from falling (I).
  • Fill in or cover all holes, trenches and openings i.e. stairwells (I).
  • Ensure work platforms are rated to 225kgs (M).
  • Use warning signs on openings (M).
  • If you are unable to Eliminate/Isolate the hazard, use work positioning, travel restraint systems, safety harnesses, industrial rope access systems, safety nets, air/bean bags and catch platforms (M).
  • Only use unguarded work platforms rated to 225kgs when there are no other options (M).
  • Do not use ladders as a working platform use for access only (I).

Yes / ❑
Working where high winds may increase the risk of a fall? / Yes / ❑ /
  • Postpone working at height (I).
  • Secure tools, materials and equipment (M).
  • Use appropriate fall protection and PPE.

Working in wet weather which may increase the risk of a fall? / Yes / ❑
Working near any overhead power lines that you could come in contact with? / ❑ / No /
  • Disconnect services (I).
  • Do not encroach within 4 metres of overhead lines (I).
  • Use an observer if using machinery such as cranes, booms, hiabs, cherry pickers and scissor lifts (M).

Working on sloping, uneven or cluttered ground? / ❑ / No /
  • Ensure fall protection chosen is stable and suitable for use on sloping or uneven ground (M).
  • Ensure the work is clear of debris (M).
  • Ensure platforms are level and rated to carry the intended load (M).

Working on a roof? / Yes / ❑ /
  • Carry out a Roofing Work Task Analysis and follow best practice guidelines.
  • If possible, always use edge protection (I); or
  • Use scaffold, guarded elevated or temporary work platforms (I).
  • Consider using multiple protection measures (M).

On short duration work (i.e. minutes rather than hours) or working at a low level height i.e. below 1.5m? / Yes / ❑ /
  • Appropriate fall prevention controls to Eliminate, Isolate or Minimise should be used regardless of work duration or height (E, I, M).
  • Use mobile access equipment that can provide both edge protection and a working platform (I).
  • Only use unguarded work platforms rated 225kgs when there is no other option (M).
  • Do not use ladders as a working platform (I).
  • Use ladders as a means of access or short duration, low risk maintenance work only (M).

Are You? / Yes / No / If yes, think about these controls
Working over 5 metres (i.e. notifiable work)? / ❑ / No /
  • You must notify the Department of Labour using the prescribed form 24 hours prior to the commencement of any work.

Trained and experienced in the work that you are undertaking (including your employees)? / Yes / ❑ /
  • Ensure all workers are trained in roof work or supervised by an experienced staff member if they are not (M).
  • Ensure all staff has been briefed on your chosen fall protection method, your expectations and the limitations of its use (M).
  • Ensure all staff has been trained in the correct use and maintenance of PPE (M).
  • Monitor fall protection method to ensure they remain adequate and in place throughout the job (M).

Fall Hazard Controls – What are you going to do?

Based on the work described above, choose the best fall hazard controls to Eliminate, Isolate and Minimise the fall hazard, in that order.

Note: Read the Fall Hazard Controls included in this form and remember “DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION”.

Options to ELIMINATE the fall hazard – most effective method of fall protection
Yes / No / Yes / No
Can you engineer out the hazard?
e.g. increase the number of batons on a roof to decrease the chance of falling through. / ❑ / No / Can the work be undertaken at ground level?
e.g. prefabrication / ❑ / No
Options to ISOLATE the fall hazard – effective method of fall protection
Yes / No / Yes / No
Can you use fully guarded permanent or temporary work platforms?
e.g. scaffold or mobile access equipment, guarded podiums and folded platforms. / Yes / ❑ / Can you use screens, barricades or solid barriers?
e.g. safety mesh, fencing, wooden panels across lift wells etc. / Yes / ❑
Can you use guardrails or edge protection systems? / Yes / ❑ / Can you use secure covers over floor opening?
e.g. manhole covers. / Yes / ❑
Can you use Mechanical Access Plant? e.g. elevated work platforms, scissor lifts, cherry pickers, boom lifts, travel towers, forklift platforms, crane lift platforms etc. / ❑ / No / Can you use total restraint systems?
e.g. harnesses that prevents you from getting near the edge. / ❑ / No
Options to MINIMISE the fall hazard – least effective method of fall protection
Yes / No / Yes / No
Can you use work positioning, industrial rope access systems? / ❑ / ❑ / Can you use fall arrest systems? / ❑ / ❑
Can you use catch platforms or safety nets? / ❑ / ❑ / Can you use an unguarded work platform?
i.e. folding and step up (trestle) platforms or timber constructed rated to 225kgs.
Note: unguarded work platforms are not a fall protection method and should only be used when there is no other practical fall protection available. / ❑ / ❑
Can you restrict ladder use for access only, or short duration work? / ❑ / ❑
Describe the Hazard Control you have chosen, equipment to be used and why.
Note: If you have not used an Elimination or Isolation method of control you must explain why.
e.g. “I’m going to use a mobile scaffold with a hand rail and mid rail to stop me falling as I’m working at approximately 1.5 metres inside the house”.
DOL Working at Height Expectations
New Build – Full scaffold of perimeter of single level dwellings, provides group protection whilst placing trusses and later roofing.
Workers need to consider fall through protection such as safety netting, working platforms or podium ladders on the inside whilst spacing or nailing of trusses.
It is unacceptable to stand on the top plate under any circumstances without some form of fall through protection.
Once trusses are in place purlins / batons to 500mm centers provide fall through protection for workers on the roof
Builder : I am using the perimeter scaffold to provide fall protection on the outside when placing trusses, and we will use a mobile working platform to move and nail off trusses internally. Fixing perlins at 375 centre’s, which will be nailed from the outside in to provide protection as we go, will provide fall through protection.
Roofer : I am using the perimeter scaffold provided by the building company to provide edge protection for all staff working on the roof. Fall through protection is provided by the perlins that are at 450mm centre’s.
Re Roof scenario: Full scaffold best option or then temp edge protection (must be employed) Must assess the nature of the roof, ie brittleness, and pitch, weather conditions etc and ensure there is fall through protection minimum of batons and perlins to 500 centre’s. Employ additional measures such as safety netting, harnesses to prevent fall through.Ladder access must tied of and secure
Roofer : I am providing secure access to the roof by using a ladder tied off at the top and bottom to prevent it moving. Edge protection will be installed on the perimeter to prevent a fall from the edge. We will also use a roof ladder and individual harness system in case of a trip onto the edge protection or a fall through the roof.
Plastering an internal ceiling : I am going to use a 1m high mobile scaffold, rated to 220kgs to isolate the risk of fall when working in the main rooms. For the hard to access areas such as toilets and hallways where it is not practical to use the mobile scaffold I will use a podium ladder to provide a stable work platform.
Painting a window surround : I am going to use a ladder to paint the window surrounds as the job is of short duration (approximately 40 minutes) and it is impractical to use portable scaffold or a working platform due to the uneven ground. I will ensure the ladder is stable and secure through correct set up of 1 in 4 and using a (pump jack) base mate
Safety Briefing – Discuss this Task Analysis with your team and have them sign off that they understand the task hazards and the preferred method of controlling these hazards.
Safety Briefing Completed By: / Date: / Signed:

Staff Present During Safety Briefing:

Name: / Joe Hazard / Name:
Bill Hazard

This completed Task Analysis must be available on site at all times and form part of your work documentation.

Fall Hazard Controls
General Work at Height and Overhead Work /
  • Ensure that staff is trained to work at heights.
  • Be aware of slippery surfaces.
  • Wear correct footwear.
  • Any work at height or scaffold over 5 metres must be notified to the Department of Labour 24 hours prior to commencing work.
  • Secure tools from falling.
  • Keep visitors clear.
  • Fence off under work areas.
  • Use catchment methods such as netting.
  • Warn other contractors during site induction.
/ Holes, Trenches and Openings /
  • Make safe immediately after formed.
  • Fill in all holes and trenches as soon as possible.
  • Guard holes and openings in floors with steel mesh or material strong enough to prevent a person falling through.
  • Do not use imbedded steel mesh over openings as a working platform.
  • Guard partially completed stairwells.
  • All covers should be secure and marked clearly with “Danger – Hole Beneath”.

Edge Protection
(Isolation Method) /
  • Group Control (e.g. protects multiple people)
  • Use to protect perimeters and openings in floors, roofs, excavations and stairs.
  • Made up of material to form a barrier to prevent falling.
  • Use Task Analysis to identify suitable Fall Protection during set up.
  • Erected, used and maintained as per design information.
  • Regularly inspected by a competent person.
  • Inspected after a storm or other event that could affect its integrity.
  • Rectify defects immediately.
/ Certified Scaffold
(Isolation Method) /
  • Group Control (e.g. protects multiple people)
  • Scaffold over 5 metres must be installed by a certified person and is notified to the Department of Labour 24 hours prior to commencing work.
  • Must be installed to SARNZ Best Practice Guidelines.
  • Must be supplied with a Handover Certificate.
  • Must be tagged as fit to use.
  • Must be regularly checked and maintained.
  • If unsafe, must have the tag removed until reinstated by a certified person.

Fixed & Mobile Scaffold below 5 metres
(Isolation Method) /
  • Group Control (e.g. protects multiple people)
  • Must be installed correctly with all components in place.
  • Guard rails, mid rails & toe boards must be in place.
  • There must be a safe means of access.
  • It must be capable of supporting people and materials.
  • Must be set up on level ground and plumb at all times.
  • Must be 4 metres clear of power lines.
  • Mobile Scaffold must never be accessed unless castors are locked to prevent movement and never moved whilst someone is on it.
/ Guard Rails
(Isolation Method) /
  • Group Control (e.g. protects multiple people)
  • Use to provide protection on perimeters of roofs, skylights and fragile roof material, openings in roof structures floors and walls.
  • Should have toe boards or mesh infill or no-go zone below.
  • Additional mid rail to ensure gaps do not exceed 450mm.
  • A third rail or infill panel if distance between the work surface and the mid rail exceeds 250mm.
  • Designed to withstand loads as per AS/NZS 1657.
  • Should contain fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders.

Fall Hazard Controls
Safety Mesh
(Isolation Method) /
  • Group Control (e.g. protects multiple people)
  • Complies with AS 4389.
  • Securely connected to the structure.
  • Overlap between adjacent sections.
  • Use scaffold or elevating work platforms to install.
  • Formally inspect after installation to ensure conforms to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Use an appropriate install method such as mesh run over the roof using a continuous rope system.
  • Installers should not walk across open purlins to draw mesh.
/ Mechanical Access Plant
Including elevated work platforms, cherry pickers, scissor lifts, boom lifts and travel towers
(Isolation Method) /
  • Individual Control (e.g. protects single person)
  • Choose the correct equipment for the work being undertaken.
  • Set up on solid level surface unless designed for rough terrain.
  • Clearly marked with safe working load limits.
  • Current Test Service Certificate displayed.
  • Operated by a trained and competent person.
  • Travel towers and boom type platforms must have a fall arrest safety harness system set up correctly.
  • Inspected and tested 6 monthly.
  • Use in appropriate weather conditions.
  • Ensure clear of overhead lines.
  • Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for use.

Total Restraint Systems
(Isolation Method) /
  • Individual Control (e.g. protects single person)
  • Prevents the user from approaching an unprotected edge.
  • Consists of a full body harness, lanyard and suitable anchor point.
  • Checked and used by a competent person.
  • All equipment tagged and recertified annually and remains compliant with AS/NZS 1891.4.
/ Work Positioning Systems and Industrial Rope Access (Minimisation Method) /
  • Individual Control (e.g. protects single person)
  • Used for gaining access or working at a workface at height usually by suspended ropes.
  • Requires a high level of competency and users must be trained to appropriate unit standard.

Individual Fall Arrest Systems
Including harnesses, lanyards, inertia reels etc.
(Minimisation Method) /
  • Individual Control (e.g. protects single person)
  • Intended to stop a worker falling an uncontrolled distance.
  • Used only when no other fall protection is practical.
  • All users trained to NZQA unit standard 21969 “Demonstrate knowledge of and prepare to use a basic safety harness system on construction sites”.
  • All installers and supervisors of fall arrest equipment must be trained to NZQA unit standard 15757 “Use, Install and disestablish fall arrest systems when working at height”.
  • Use only if suitable anchorage available.
  • Ensure activation distance is shorter than the height above the ground.
  • Ensure you have a rescue plan in place.
  • Set up to avoid pendulum effect.
  • All equipment tagged and recertified annually and remains compliant with AS/NZS 1891.4.
/ Catch Platforms
(Minimisation Method) /
  • Usually a structure attached to a scaffold to contain falling debris or a temporary platform located below a work area to catch a falling worker.
  • Platform should be no more than 1 metre below the work area.
  • Extend at least 2 metres beyond all edges.
  • Always used with an adequate form of edge protection for the roof perimeter.

Fall Hazard Controls
Temporary Work Platforms
Including podium, step platforms, trestle scaffold and step platforms
(not a fall protection method) /
  • Podium and step up platforms are intended for short term interior use.
  • Platforms should have guard rail protection.
  • Platforms must be rated to 225kgs and not overloaded.
  • Unguarded platforms can only be used when there are no other practical option and the fall risk and height is low.
  • Platform should be sufficient in area to prevent a person falling from it.
  • Must be used on firm level ground.
/ Ladders
(not a fall protection method) /
  • Use only for short duration (minutes not hours), maintenance work or access to working platforms.
  • Only commercial grade ladders in good condition to be used.
  • Secured at the top and bottom.
  • Sandbagged or stable base.
  • 4 up 1 out set up.
  • Extend 1 metre above the access level.
  • Maintain 3 points of contact.
  • Only one person at a time on a ladder.
  • Regular maintenance checks.
  • Not used as a working platform.

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