Working at Height Policy

NuColour Ltd

1. Policy Statement

NuColour Ltd is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all employees, subcontractors, and anyone affected by our work activities. As part of this commitment, we recognise the significant risks associated with working at height and implement strict controls, training, and procedures to minimise those risks.

This policy applies to all tasks that involve working at height, including but not limited to spray painting, industrial coatings, building maintenance, and refurbishment projects.

We will comply with UK health and safety regulations, provide proper training and equipment, and ensure that all work at height is planned, supervised, and carried out safely.

2. Legal Compliance

NuColour Ltd ensures compliance with the following legislation:

✔ The Work at Height Regulations 2005
✔ The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
✔ The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
✔ The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulations 2018
✔ The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
✔ The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

All employees and subcontractors must follow these regulations and our internal safety procedures when working at height.

3. Definition of Working at Height

Working at height refers to any task where there is a risk of falling that could cause injury, including:

Using scaffolding, mobile towers, or cherry pickers
Working on ladders or step ladders
Spray painting at height on buildings or structures
Working on roofs, ledges, or exposed edges
Any work on elevated surfaces, including industrial units and high-rise properties

This policy does not apply to low-level work where there is no risk of falling.

4. Risk Assessment & Planning

Before starting any work at height, NuColour Ltd ensures:

✔ A detailed risk assessment is completed to identify hazards and implement control measures.
✔ The safest possible method is chosen – avoiding working at height where possible.
✔ Proper equipment is selected, such as scaffolding, mobile towers, harnesses, or fall arrest systems.
✔ Weather conditions are assessed, as wind, rain, and ice can increase risks.
✔ A rescue plan is in place in case of an emergency.

No work at height will proceed unless the risk assessment confirms it is safe to do so.

5. Control Measures for Safe Working at Height

To reduce the risk of falls and injuries, we follow strict control measures:

5.1. Selection & Use of Equipment

✔ Only approved access equipment (e.g., scaffolding, mobile towers, cherry pickers, MEWPs) is used.
✔ Ladders are only used when necessary and for short-duration tasks.
✔ All equipment is regularly inspected and maintained.

5.2. Fall Protection & Safety Equipment

✔ Harnesses, guardrails, and fall arrest systems are used where required.
✔ Edge protection is installed when working on roofs or open edges.
✔ Tool lanyards are used to prevent objects from falling.

5.3. Safe Working Practices

✔ Employees must always use three points of contact when using ladders.
✔ No overreaching or overloading of access platforms or scaffolding.
✔ Work at height is never carried out alone—a second worker must be present for safety.

5.4. Weather & Environmental Conditions

✔ Work at height is postponed in high winds, heavy rain, or icy conditions.
✔ Workers are required to take extra precautions during cold or extreme heat conditions.

6. Training & Competency

6.1. Employee Training

All employees and subcontractors required to work at height must receive appropriate training, including:
✔ Working at height safety awareness training.
✔ Proper use of harnesses, ladders, and access equipment.
✔ Emergency procedures and rescue plans.

6.2. Competency Checks

✔ Only trained and competent individuals are permitted to work at height.
✔ New employees must demonstrate competency before being assigned height-related tasks.

7. Inspection & Maintenance of Equipment

✔ All ladders, scaffolding, and fall protection equipment are inspected before each use.
✔ Regular weekly and monthly inspections are conducted for long-term projects.
✔ Any faulty or damaged equipment is immediately removed from service and replaced.

8. Emergency Procedures for Falls or Accidents

If a fall or accident occurs:

1. Stop all work immediately and secure the area.
2. Call emergency services if required.
3. Provide first aid and assess injuries.
4. Follow the site-specific rescue plan (for harness or suspended worker recovery).
5. Report the incident to management, ensuring a full investigation is carried out.

9. Responsibilities

9.1. Employer Responsibilities (NuColour Ltd)

✔ Provide safe access equipment and protective measures.
✔ Conduct risk assessments before work begins.
✔ Ensure all employees receive proper training.
✔ Monitor working conditions and stop unsafe work.

9.2. Employee Responsibilities

✔ Follow all safety rules and procedures for working at height.
✔ Wear required PPE and check equipment before use.
✔ Report any damaged equipment or unsafe conditions.
✔ Never bypass safety controls or take unnecessary risks.

10. Monitoring & Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever significant changes occur in regulations, operations, or work practices.

Last Reviewed: 16.03.2025
Next Review Date: 16.03.2026

For further information, please contact:

03301 333 420
sales@londonsprayers.co.uk