Lights and heights

[lofty84]

is there anything that says you cannot work above a certain height unless on a tower or scissor lift for example. The reason I ask is becasue im not that great with heights and unfortunately working at height is what the majority of my new job is. Im talkling 20ft plus up on a A frame ladder. To say I am ****ting myself is an understatment, I just hope I can get use to it lol. On occasions I will be expected to change 400w ballasts whilst at the top and these are pretty heavy, tewn spot lights are on the menu two which are even heavier and one is going to have to hold it up with one hand whilst screwing it in with another. basically I wont be holding on.

My next question if I may, whilst at the top of this a frame I am haveing to take down these lights that clip on to a light track system. The idea is to turn them of on there switch which has a 1 setting 2 setting 3 setting and off setting and then unclip them, take them back down the A frame and change the lamp inside them or take out the guts and put in new lighter ones because the heat destroys them, when i go back up with me new light and clip it in to the light rail and turn it onto settings 1,2,3 from the off position, there is enarf a scary arching noise happening. I know I should be messing about with this if I dont no what im doing but ive never had any exerience with commecial stuff and I just wanna reasure myself im not about to get electrocuted whilst clinging on to a metal A fram 20ft in the air.

 

[lofty84]

I accidentally did this as a double post but it looks like the one with all the replies and words of advise has gone. Was hoping to read a few more replies

 

[VoltzElectrical]

you really shoudn't be that high up on a ladder like that doing that kind of double handed work.

You should be doing a risk assessment and choosing the most appropriate elevated platform, in this case a tower scaffold probably. You'll really ought to have done the proper PASMA training to erect it within your company's insurance parameters.

Someone is opening themselves up to a whole world of pain here, and that someone will definitely include YOU>

20 foot up in the air on an a- frame ladder changing heavy light fittings double handed?

madness!

 

[mogga]

RISK Assesment an you have 3 points of contact at ALL times answer from your post would be NO so scaffold it would be A frames are ok but the bigger they are the more unstable they are and personaly I wouldnt fancy working from one without having a hand holding on

 

[VoltzElectrical]

who is 'expecting' you here? If you are employed, then you should have been briefed in the company's H&S policy (it's law to have one if 5 or more employed). However, you are still bound by the Health and Safety at work act to work safely, and stop others working unsafely.

What you are doing is unsafe, and possibly illegal.

 

[Andy78]

At this height you should definately be on a rig/scaffold. If this is your employer's main sort of work then he should invest in a movable platform.
Have a look at this http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf Working at height regs

Point 14 employer must do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent falls
Point 15 employer must select equipment to prevent falls when working at height

 

[telectrix]

agree with voltz. sheer madness. i have been on sites where H&S have insisted on mini towers to reach an 8' suspended ceiling. even my 4 tread steps were banned. 20' is stupid.

 

[Plonker 3]

Like what everyone else has said, if you don't feel comfortable don't do it. Ask to see the safe system of work for the job as that should cover everything that needs to be in place for that task.

 

[robsparky1975]

Why have they not put you down for a working at heights course,the thing that springs to mind is that ladders are for access,scaffolds/platforms are from working from,you need to be safe while working,so if you slip off the ladder and the worst happens,then both you and your employer are in the doodoo,but more so you,have a talk with your guvnor,it is not worth risking yourself to save someone a few quid on a job,years ago i used to work from the same type ladders and yes i came down on my shins,ouch lesson learned there(still have the scar)they should really price these access equiptment into there jobs.

 

[lofty84]

seriously appreciate all of the advise guys, I wont lie I absolutely brick it up there. Im ok on high steps that you see in sports shops but these A frames are seriously high. I am going to take a look at that link in a second. Does the responsibilty end from his part if I work for him on a self employeed basis, at the moment I am paid via the agency but I sure I will soon be paid direct by him but again as a self employed employee if that makes sense.


Does anyone have any comments on the second question. In future im going to insist on isolateing the racks that feed the RX7s becasue the noise is proper concerning. I think I will be told that I cant do that as the customer cannot see. what shall I say to that?

 

[Plonker 3]

Lofty if you are not happy doing what you are asked say so to who ever you are working for, Health and safety is every ones responsibility. At worse walk away as you can always get another job, or even contact H&S yourself for guidance.

 

[Strima]

Agency or not, he's your employer and is required by law to provide a safe working environment and equipment.

 

[Andy 7671]

Hmmm,

Under no pressure here, talking hypothetics...

Towers have to be dismantled to 4metres..12 feet, then moved from fitting to fitting..yuk.

Scissor lift or if space is limited boom, access company can advise. You can get protective boots if your scared of scuffing floor, youll need IPAF card.

Done similar, cliks and 600x600 modular off A frames in stairwells or where access equipment isnt practical.

I think your saving your boss a fortune and putting your own life at risk.

All lights are on one circuit and no emergency/essential/ managers route circuits,

Grid ceiling 20ft up...? What is this building.

Ive never done it but maybe a call to HSE to clarify your options might be in order.

Seriously I know we all want the work but if you dont get a safe system of work in place walk away....please.

 

[lofty84]

Im leaveing myself well open to getting the boot but it is for all the sports direct stores in the south, some of them in retial parks are mosterously high. From what I can gather sports direct will not pay for a scissor lift unless 40% of the lights are out, if one or two are out then we are expected to go up and fix em, if its a simple bulb change fair enough but even then its scary stuff when your not a monkey.

Im not sure about the lights all being on one circuit. how do i upload pics as i have taken some which might show how high things are

 

[trev]

Yet another reason to hate Mike Ashley hehe