OHS2601 Assignment 1
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1
2025 - DUE March 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, (i) Discuss the necessary safety measures for a person working in an elevated environment.
Working in an elevated environment, such as the 4th floor of a building, poses significant fall
risks. Several safety measures are necessary to protect workers like Disenke and Ditena:
1. Fall Protection Systems:
o Guardrails: Temporary or permanent guardrails should be installed along open
edges and around floor openings to prevent falls. These should be of adequate
height and strength to withstand foreseeable forces.
o Safety Nets: Where guardrails are impractical, safety nets can be installed below
the work area to catch falling workers. The nets must be properly installed,
inspected, and maintained.
o Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS): This includes a full-body harness, a
lanyard, and a secure anchorage point. Workers should be properly trained on
how to use, inspect, and maintain their PFAS. The system should be rigged to
limit the free fall distance and absorb the impact of a fall.
2. Safe Access and Egress:
o Scaffolding: If work is to be performed at height for an extended period, properly
erected and inspected scaffolding with guardrails, toe boards, and safe access
(e.g., ladders with rest platforms) should be provided.
o Ladders: Ladders used for access should be of the correct type and length, placed
on stable surfaces, and secured to prevent slipping. Workers should maintain three
points of contact when climbing or descending.
o Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs): If used, MEWPs must be
operated by trained personnel, inspected regularly, and used within their safe
operating limits.
3. Work Platform Safety:
o Structural Integrity: Work platforms, whether temporary or part of the building
structure, must be assessed to ensure they are structurally sound and capable of
supporting the intended load, including workers, materials, and equipment. This is
directly relevant to the scenario described, where the structure was not dry
enough.
o Inspection: Work platforms should be inspected before each use for any signs of
damage, instability, or overloading.
o Housekeeping: The work area should be kept clear of debris, tools, and materials
that could create trip hazards.
4. Training and Competency:
o Workers working at height must receive thorough training on the hazards
involved, the safe use of fall protection equipment, and emergency procedures.
o Competent persons should be designated to inspect fall protection equipment and
work platforms.
5. Weather Conditions:
o Work at height should be suspended during adverse weather conditions such as
high winds, heavy rain, or ice that could increase the risk of falls.
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1
2025 - DUE March 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, (i) Discuss the necessary safety measures for a person working in an elevated environment.
Working in an elevated environment, such as the 4th floor of a building, poses significant fall
risks. Several safety measures are necessary to protect workers like Disenke and Ditena:
1. Fall Protection Systems:
o Guardrails: Temporary or permanent guardrails should be installed along open
edges and around floor openings to prevent falls. These should be of adequate
height and strength to withstand foreseeable forces.
o Safety Nets: Where guardrails are impractical, safety nets can be installed below
the work area to catch falling workers. The nets must be properly installed,
inspected, and maintained.
o Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS): This includes a full-body harness, a
lanyard, and a secure anchorage point. Workers should be properly trained on
how to use, inspect, and maintain their PFAS. The system should be rigged to
limit the free fall distance and absorb the impact of a fall.
2. Safe Access and Egress:
o Scaffolding: If work is to be performed at height for an extended period, properly
erected and inspected scaffolding with guardrails, toe boards, and safe access
(e.g., ladders with rest platforms) should be provided.
o Ladders: Ladders used for access should be of the correct type and length, placed
on stable surfaces, and secured to prevent slipping. Workers should maintain three
points of contact when climbing or descending.
o Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs): If used, MEWPs must be
operated by trained personnel, inspected regularly, and used within their safe
operating limits.
3. Work Platform Safety:
o Structural Integrity: Work platforms, whether temporary or part of the building
structure, must be assessed to ensure they are structurally sound and capable of
supporting the intended load, including workers, materials, and equipment. This is
directly relevant to the scenario described, where the structure was not dry
enough.
o Inspection: Work platforms should be inspected before each use for any signs of
damage, instability, or overloading.
o Housekeeping: The work area should be kept clear of debris, tools, and materials
that could create trip hazards.
4. Training and Competency:
o Workers working at height must receive thorough training on the hazards
involved, the safe use of fall protection equipment, and emergency procedures.
o Competent persons should be designated to inspect fall protection equipment and
work platforms.
5. Weather Conditions:
o Work at height should be suspended during adverse weather conditions such as
high winds, heavy rain, or ice that could increase the risk of falls.
