Working at Heights
DESCRIPTION
Unit Standard (SAQA Reg. No 229998)
Working at height means working in a place where a person could fall from one level to another. This can be above or below ground level. It does not include slipping, tripping or falling at the same level. Falls from working with ladders and scaffolding are the single biggest cause of workplace deaths, these falls can stop the working process which means loss of time and work production.The risks associated with working at height must be identified and controlled effectively, prior to any work at height starting. Too many falls from height are caused by a failure to plan and organise work properly.
This course will explain simple, practical measures to reduce the risk of workers falling while working at height and compliance with the OSH Act legal requirements.
Successful candidates credited with this unit standard are able to:
- Explain the use and limitations of a limited range of fall arrest equipment and fall arrest plan.
- Inspect, assembling and storing fall arrest equipment.
- Select suitable anchor points.
- Use fall arrest systems with a double lanyard.
- Use pre-installed vertical and horizontal life-lines.
COURSE DURATION: 1 Day
NQF LEVEL: 1
CREDITS: 2
Quality Assured Partner: Construction Education And Training Authority
Description
Learners wishing to acquire the competencies in this course will be, people working at height where there is a risk of injury from a fall. Learners will be involved in performing tasks at height. Qualifying learners are able to follow fall arrest principles to perform work at height safely, under supervision of a qualified supervisor. The area of focus of this course will be;
Programme Introduction
- Programme breakdown & Duration.
- Unit Standard Information.
- Legislative Requirements.
- Purpose of the Training.
Fall Arrest Equipment
- Fall arrest terms and definitions.
- Full body harnesses and work positioning system.
- Types of fall arrest devises.
- Fall protection plan.
Inspect, Assemble and store fall arrest equipment
- Fall arrest system inspection.
- Maintenance and storage of fall arrest system
- Fall protection system – assembly.
- Installing a fall arrest system.
- Typical assembly of a fall arrest system.
Anchor Points
- Anchor Points.
- Anchor point safety.
Using fall arrest & prevention system
- Using a fall arrest system.
- Tools and fall prevention / arrest.
Basic Rescue
- Emergency planning – introduction.
- Suspension Trauma.
Entry Level Requirements Into This Programme?
- Certified copy of his/her ID document
- Be medically fit and in possession of a medical certificate, declaring him/her free from a condition that may prevent him/her from working safely at heights.
Learning Assumed To Be In Place And Recognition Of Prior Learning:
- Communication at NQF Level 3 or equivalent
- Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3 or equivalent
Who Should Attend?
This CETA-accredited Working at Heights course is designed for people working at height where there is a risk of injury from a fall, who are involved in performing tasks at height. It is specifically recommended for:
- General workers — performing activities above two metres where there is a risk of falling from one level to another
- Construction workers — working on roofs, scaffolding, structures and elevated platforms where falls are the single biggest cause of workplace deaths
- Rope access professionals — requiring formal fall arrest certification to work legally and safely on structures, buildings and elevated surfaces
- Structure assemblers — erecting and dismantling steel, timber and prefabricated structures at height
- Maintenance and facilities workers — performing repairs, inspections and servicing on elevated equipment, roofs and building facades
- Painters, plasterers and finishing contractors — working from ladders, scaffolding and elevated platforms on construction and renovation sites
- Telecommunication and electrical technicians — installing and maintaining equipment on masts, towers, rooftops and elevated infrastructure
- Supervisors and team leaders — overseeing workers performing tasks at height and responsible for ensuring compliance with OHS Act legal requirements
- Managers and safety officers — requiring a working knowledge of fall arrest principles, equipment and legal obligations under Construction Regulation 10
