AGT Region: AZSPU-HSSE-DOC-00065-2 Procedure For Working at Heights
AGT Region: AZSPU-HSSE-DOC-00065-2 Procedure For Working at Heights
AGT Region: AZSPU-HSSE-DOC-00065-2 Procedure For Working at Heights
AZSPU-HSSE-DOC-00065-2
Procedure for Working at Heights
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TABLE OF Contents
1 purpose / scope 3
2 DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS 3
3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 4
3.1 LEGISLATION & STANDARDS 4
3.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK ACTIVITIES INVOLVING WORKING AT HEIGHTS 4
3.3 COMPANY REQUIREMENTS 5
3.4 STOPPING UNSAFE WORK 5
3.5 DEVIATIONS 5
4 RESPONSIBILITIES 5
4.1 ONSHORE SITE MANAGER (OSM) / SITE CONTROLLER (SC) / OFFSHORE INSTALLATION
MANAGER (OIM) 5
4.2 AREA AUTHORITY (AA) 5
4.3 Performing authority (PA) 6
4.4 Employees 6
4.5 WORKING AT HEIGHT EQUIPMENT CONTROLLER 6
5 WORKING AT HEIGHTS 7
5.1 REQUIREMENTS TO WORK AT HEIGHT 7
5.1.1 Principles of Working at Heights and the Hierarchy of Risk Controls 7
5.1.2 Risk Assessment and Planning 9
5.1.3 Fragile Surfaces 11
5.2 WORK EQUIPMENT 11
5.2.1 Requirements for Working Platforms 11
5.2.2 Requirements for Collective Safeguards for Arresting Falls 12
5.2.3 Requirements for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms 12
5.2.4 Requirements for Scaffolds 13
5.2.5 Requirements for Ladders 13
5.2.6 Personal Fall Protection Systems 14
5.3 COMPONENTS OF FALL ARREST SYSTEMS 17
5.3.1 Lanyards and Energy Absorbers 17
5.3.2 Inertia Reels 18
5.3.3 Harnesses 19
5.3.4 Helmets 20
5.3.5 Anchor Points 20
5.3.6 Anchorage Slings / Strops 21
5.3.7 Ropes 21
5.3.8 Man Riding Winches 21
5.4 SIGNS AND BARRIERS 22
5.5 RESCUE 22
5.6 COMPETENCE, TRAINING & FAMILIARISATION 23
5.7 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT 24
5.7.1 Maintenance 25
5.7.2 Mobile Elevated Work Platforms 25
5.7.3 Ladders 25
5.8 CONTROL AND ISSUE OF EQUIPMENT 26
5.9 DROPPED OBJECTS 26
5.9.1 TRANSPORTING TOOLS / EQUIPMENT TO AND FROM WORK
PLATFORM 26
5.9.2 WORKING WITH TOOLS & EQUIPMENT AT HEIGHT 27
5.10 TOOLBOX TALKS 27
5.11 HOUSEKEEPING 27
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6 KEY DOCUMENTS / TOOLS / REFERENCES 28
7 APPENDICES 28
7.1 APPENDIX A: WORK AT HEIGHT AUDIT CHECKLIST 29
7.2 APPENDIX B: BARRICADE NOTIFICATION SIGN 30
7.3 APPENDIX C: APPLICABLE REGULATIONS 31
7.4 APPENDIX D: LINKS TO DROPPED CONSEQUENCE OBJECTS CALCULATOR FACILITY 31
7.5 APPENDIX E: TOOLS ALOFT REGISTER 31
7.6 APPENDIX F: MAN RIDING OPERATIONS PRE START CHECKLIST 32
7.7 Appendix G: WaH EQUIPMENT FAMILIARIZATION CHECKLIST 33
1 PURPOSE / SCOPE
The purpose of this document is to describe the procedures and precautions which
shall be implemented; to ensure that hazards and risks associated with all work
activities at height are either eliminated or mitigated; to ensure safe operations and
safety of personnel, plant and equipment.
The contents of this procedure are applicable to all BP owned and managed sites /
installations within the Azerbaijan Georgia Turkey Region. Contractors working on
BP owned or managed sites / installations are also responsible for alignment with this
procedure.
This document does not replace the procedures prepared and adopted by specialist
contractors. Neither does it supersede any national and local regulatory
requirements.
The scope covers defined activities of BP and Contractors at all BP AGT Region
sites and installations.
This procedure incorporates and will make obsolete AZSPU Offshore Performance
Unit Safe working Practice Dropped Object Prevention (AZSPU-HSSE-DOC-
00056-3.
The BP Golden Rule covering work at height currently still defines work at height as
2m or higher above the ground. This procedure is not intended to replace this golden
rule.
3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Operating Management System OMS Essentials 3.2.1 and 4.5.1
- BP Group Defined Practice for Control of Work GDP 4.5-0001(Appendix 1)
Where requirements conflict, legal advice has been obtained and a defendable
compliance position adopted.
The standards and practices contained in this procedure are consistent with those
internationally recognized within the petroleum industry.
Golden Rule
Working at heights of 2 metres (6 feet) or higher above the ground shall not proceed
unless:
a fixed platform is used with guard or hand rails, verified by a competent
person, or…
fall arrest equipment is used that has
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oa proper anchor, mounted preferably overhead
ofull body harness using double lanyard, double latch self-locking snap
hooks at each connection
o synthetic fibre lanyards
o shock absorber
fall arrest equipment will limit free fall to 2 metres (6 feet) or less
a visual inspection of the fall arrest equipment and system is completed and
any equipment that is damaged or has been activated is taken out of service
person(s) are competent to perform the work
3.5 DEVIATIONS
This procedure is written in sufficient detail that it should be able to be applied
consistently at all sites / installations. There may still be the requirement for some
local rules covering site / installation specific logistical/administrative arrangements
and local variations in responsibilities to reflect differences in organisational
arrangements. These local rules should not deviate from the core processes within
this document. Any form of deviation from this procedure, including but not limited to
local rules, shall be requested and authorised in accordance with AGTR Deviations
Procedure (Doc. No: AZSPU-HSSE-DOC-00011-2).
4 RESPONSIBILITIES
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4.2 AREA AUTHORITY (AA)
Area Authorities shall familiarise themselves with the procedures and other
arrangements in place to mitigate the risks involved in work at height. They are
responsible for:
Ensuring that the appropriate level of risk assessment has been carried
out and they liaise closely with the Performing Authorities to ensure all
appropriate hazards and controls have been identified for planned tasks
Ensuring that the appropriate level of risk assessment has been carried
out, and they liaise closely with Performing Authorities to ensure all
appropriate hazards and controls have been identified for the task
Liaising with the person with working at height expertise (i.e. Scaffold
Foreman, Services Team Leader and Equipment Controller) to ensure that all
personnel involved with working at height activity have the necessary
qualifications/training to implement the type of work being performed
Ensuring that work activities are planned in such a way that they do not
conflict with or have an adverse effect on other activities in the vicinity of the
work area
Ensuring worksite inspections are carried out before any activities are
performed at height
Identifying the need to utilise safety harnesses or other fall protection
4.4 Employees
All employees, whether working at height or exposed to other activities being
performed at height, are responsible for the following:
Follow relevant information/instruction/training provided by employer
adhering to safe working procedures
ensuring the safety of themselves and others
Stop any activity that they believe to be unsafe
Employers must be notified of any medical conditions which may affect working at
height safely.
The Working at Height Equipment Controller is “not” normally responsible for the
control issue and maintenance of rope access equipment unless they have been
deemed competent by the specialist contractor.
5 WORKING AT HEIGHTS
To determine if a place of work at height is safe, the criteria listed below must be
checked. If it meets these criteria, work may be carried out from the platform without
the need to use work equipment to make it safe:
Stable and of sufficient strength and rigidity for the purpose for
which it is intended to be or is being used
Resting on a stable, sufficiently strong surface
Of sufficient dimensions to permit the safe passage of
persons and the safe use of any equipment or materials requiring to be used,
and to provide a safe working area with regard to the work to be carried out
there
Provided with suitable and sufficient edge protection to
prevent risk to others
Devoid of openings through which any people, material or
object could fall and injure a person or through which a person could fall
Constructed, used and inspected, and maintained to prevent,
so far as reasonably practicable, the risk of slipping or tripping, or any person
being caught between it and any adjacent structure
Prevented by appropriate devices, where it has moving parts,
from moving inadvertently during work at height
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Fitted with suitable guardrail of sufficient height to prevent
person falling, where 1m height and maximum gap kept of 0.5m. between
guardrails
If these criteria’s cannot be met, then further precautions will
be required to protect personnel.
Local arrangements and support for emergency response and rescue may also need
to be evaluated.
The phrase ‘hierarchy of risk control’ is often used when discussing fall protection.
This can be considered as a scale of preference, based on risk and practicality,
where certain measures to prevent workers falling are deemed less risky and
therefore more desirable than others.
The top of the hierarchy of risk control is the installation of permanent fixed
access such as walkways and gantries. This is appropriate where a site must be
accessed on a regular basis for routine maintenance. Once measures have been
taken to avoid a fall (e.g. by providing a properly constructed scaffold with guardrails)
there is no need to take further action, i.e. by providing nets. However, if a guardrail
has been temporarily removed or if the area is being inspected for initial use (i.e.
walkways onboard a normally unmanned platform), this would need to be addressed.
Restraint devices or other suitable Personal Fall Protective Equipment (PFPE), and
additional supervision, may also be required.
Where neither of the above options is practical, then the use of personal
suspension equipment and work positioning techniques may be adopted.
Where neither are practical use work restraints. The main consideration is the
practicality of carrying out the required task from suspension equipment.
The least desirable in the hierarchy of risk is the use of fall arrest equipment to
catch a falling worker. It is often difficult to accurately predict the level of risk to the
worker during the operation, but it is important to remember that PFPE always ‘fails
to danger’. The implications of a fall are very much dependent on the location of the
fall, obstructions that may be hit during a fall, and the capabilities of other workers to
rescue a fallen and injured worker.
In order to be practical adopt a risk based approach to ensure that the measures
taken are proportionate to the risk involved. Within this framework, the employer
must:
Assess the risks to identify and address hazards before the work
commences.
Follow the hierarchy for safe work at heights – avoid, prevent,
mitigate – and give priority to collective measures over personal protection
measures.
Make use of appropriate work equipment, taking account of the
following:
o The working conditions and the risks to the safety of persons at the
place where the work equipment is to be used
o In the case of work equipment for access and egress, the distance to
be negotiated
o The distance and consequences of a potential fall.
o The duration and frequency of use.
o The need for easy and timely evacuation and rescue in an emergency.
o Any additional risk posed by the use, installation or removal of that
work equipment or by evacuation and rescue from it.
Plan and organise work properly taking account of weather
conditions and the possibility of emergencies.
Make sure those working at height are competent.
Manage the risks from working on or around fragile surfaces
and from falling objects
Inspect and maintain the work equipment to be used and
inspect the place where the work will be carried out.
It must be ensured that any surface from which work at height is to be carried out is
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sufficiently strong and stable to support foreseeable loads. Risk assessments need to
consider that, while the surface may support a person’s weight, it may prove fragile
once the weight of the load or any additional falling force is taken into account. If the
work requires regular or occasional access where there is a fragile surface, then
permanent fencing, guards or other measures to prevent falls should be in place.
All work at height will be risk assessed prior to any work commencing as per the
flowchart below; and equipment shall be selected as appropriate.
All SIMOPs are to be carried out under the control of the Permit to Work.
Persons involved in SIMOPs shall be duly informed about the activities and
adhere to the prioritization of actions according to the accepted Tasks Risk
Assessment. Barriers and entry controls shall be clearly established and only
relevant persons permitted.
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If you are working above ground level or close to an exposed edge in which you could fall, then you will need to make the
following assessment:
IS THERE A RISK
OF A PERSON FALLING
CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY?
YES NO
PERFORM THE TASK
IN A SAFE MANNER
IS IT REASONABLY
PRACTICABLE TO
SAFELY CARRY OUT NO
WORK OTHER THAN AT
HEIGHT?
No person at work should pass across or near a fragile surface. Nor should they
work on, from or near a fragile surface where it is reasonably practicable to carry out
work safely by other means. If it is not practicable, the following precautions must be
taken:
A safeguard shall:
In the case of a safeguard which is designed to be attached,
be securely attached to all the required anchors, and the anchors and the
means off attachment thereto shall be suitable and of sufficient strength and
stability for the purposes of safely supporting the foreseeable loading in
arresting any fall and during the subsequent rescue
In the case of an airbag, landing mat or similar safeguard, be
stable.
In the case of a safeguard that distorts (such as a net) in
arresting a fall, afford sufficient clearance.
When applying any safeguard, steps should be taken to ensure, so far as reasonably
practicable, that in the event of a fall, the safeguard itself does not cause injury.
Forklift trucks are not specifically designed to carry people, so the use of a working
platform on a forklift truck is restricted to exceptional use only. Only trucks fitted with
integrated working platforms, which have been designed to carry people, may be
used for routine access to work at height.
A ladder should only be used for access when putting in a permanent staircase is not
reasonably practicable. It will be long enough to protrude sufficiently (normal practice
is either 1m or 3 rungs above the upper landing) above the place of landing to which
it provides access, unless other measures have been taken to ensure a firm
handhold. The maximum recommended vertical distance of any ladder run is 6m
(BS5395-3 code for fixed vertical ladders) to 9m (BS EN 12811-1:2003). If it requires
going higher, where reasonably practicable, suitable rest platforms must be built.
The feet of portable ladders should be prevented from slipping during use by:
Tying them effectively to an existing structure (securing them
at the top is the best method)
Using an appropriate ladder stabiliser or anti-slip devices
Having another worker ‘foot’ the ladder or stand against the
bottom rung (this is only suitable when it is not practicable to secure the
ladder any other way)
The ladder should be faced at all times, and contact should be maintained with both
feet and at least one hand when climbing or dismounting (three-point contact).
Any equipment used for work at height is required to meet relevant European
Standards (i.e. it is CE marked and tested to relevant European norms (EN) and all
new PFPE should be traceable to a certificate of conformity. The equipment should
also be marked with a unique identification number so that it can be traced back to its
point of origin and any test certificates and examination reports and register of all fall
protection equipment at a particular facility shall be kept.
Work Restraint
Work restraint is a technique that makes use of PFPE to prevent a person from
entering an area where a risk of fall from height exists. The user is tethered by an
anchor-point and line in such a way that he is prevented from reaching an exposed
edge from which a fall can occur (Derrick-man racking stands from the Monkey-
board). Work restraint techniques are often used to prevent users on open decks,
roofs or platforms from falling and are an effective technique that will provide an
extremely high level of safety.
Work Positioning
Work positioning is a technique for supporting a person while working by means of a
work positioning system to prevent a fall (e.g. welder working at height cutting
pipework). Work positioning systems are recognised as a safe and efficient method
of accessing and completing a wide range of industrial tasks. Correct use of work
positioning techniques and equipment should mean that the individual is physically
unable to fall. When a work positioning system is providing the primary support, then
there must be a secondary backup system in place. This back-up must be selected
using the hierarchy of risk control, but it is quite common for fall arrest techniques to
be chosen. The obvious advantage with work positioning is that the user is free to
use his hands. This equipment is designed to cope with static loads on a regular
basis, but not for dynamic loads such as those imposed by fall arrest equipment.
Work positioning systems should be adjustable. Any suitable holding device may be
used, however, positioning belts are not recommended.
Rope Access
Rope access techniques allow access to structures or equipment that are otherwise
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inaccessible, unsafe or impractical to access using conventional techniques. Rope
access is recognised as a safe and efficient method of accessing and completing a
wide range of industrial tasks. Tasks involving rope access will be carried out by
specialists using industrial rope access techniques. These specialists are trained and
assessed to Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) Guidelines on the
use of rope access methods for industrial purposes and IRATA general requirements
for certification of personnel engaged in industrial rope access. Competent Persons
will supervise tasks involving rope access and at least one Level 3 technician should
be present on the rope access team.
Guidance on rope access is contained in BS 7985: 2009 ‘Code of Practice for the
Use of Rope Access Methods for Industrial Purpose’ and the IRATA Guidelines.
Note: The advice on protection against edges in this document equally applies to
protection against abrasive edges and hot surfaces.
People involved in rope access activity must be provided with, and use, a harness
that conforms to an appropriate standard, e.g. BS EN 361 for full body harnesses
and BS EN 813 for seat harnesses. The harness should be attached to both the
working and safety lines.
Fall Arrest
Fall arrest is the most common form of personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) as
it is relatively simple to operate and requires minimal equipment and limited training.
Fall arrest is a technique that makes use of PFPE to stop a falling person under safe
conditions. High attachment points are designed into a fall arrest harness, as the
individual must be retained in an upright position in the harness after a fall, even if
they are unconscious.
A fall arrest system must incorporate a suitable shock absorber to limit the force
applied to the user’s body. This could be either a shock absorber lanyard or inertia
reel, but NEVER both.
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convert to work positioning to carry out the task, or a user could be relying on a work
positioning lanyard for primary support, but still have a fall arrest system attached for
backup. When using work positioning equipment for support, the user can rely on the
attachment to prevent him losing balance or falling.
Note: If a shock absorber were not used, the force generated would be
approximately 2.2 tonnes.
Note: Some suppliers of the equipment can supply energy absorbing lanyards
shorter than the 2m discussed here where clearance heights are an issue.
The actual amount that an energy absorber pays out is dependent on a number
of factors ranging from the quality of manufacture, how it is used and the
weight and height from which an individual falls. At BP sites, the worst case is
assumed, i.e. 1.75m.
When adjusted correctly a harness will have some ‘slack’ for body movement. This
‘slack’ will often add to the overall height of a fall when the harness straps tighten
under load. This additional height from feet to harness attachment point is often
missed in estimates of clearance beneath the user. In some applications, it may be
advisable to consider floor mats.
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5.3.1.1 Lanyard Connectors
Karabiners are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and locking mechanisms to suit
the work application. They provide the most convenient type of connector as they are
easily attached and detached during operations. Industrial karabiners must be self-
closing and self or manual locking. They need to be capable of being opened only by
at least two consecutive, deliberate manual actions.
Although they come in steel or alloy, steel is preferred in the petroleum industry as it
is strong, reliable, and less prone to unseen cracking and has a lower spark potential
when struck against steel.
Inertia reels and SRLs offer one of the simplest forms of fall arrest protection; it limits
the impact forces by ensuring the body is caught before it can accelerate and gain
energy. They incorporate connection elements, energy absorption and lanyards in
one unit. Both the inertia reels and SRLs should be used in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions.
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The most common type of inertia reel features a 6mm wire rope lanyard, supplied in
a variety of lengths, with or without a retrieval handle. To avoid damage, the lines
should be retracted into the case when not in use.
Inertia reels and Self-Retracting Lines (SRL) are suitable where they can be attached
above the person and the horizontal movement not greater than 40°. If used correctly
they will limit the fall potential such that physical injury is unlikely.
.
5.3.3 Harnesses
The safety harness forms an ergonomic link or interface between the human body
and the attachment system. As such, the harness is probably the most important item
of a worker’s PPE.
Poor choice of harness can lead to the harness hampering, rather than assisting, the
worker in his task and he may, as a result, be tempted not to use it. Harnesses
should be selected to ensure they are suitable for intended use. A well selected
harness should have the following features:
Comfortable to wear when not ‘in tension’, e.g. walking about
site
Provide adequate levels of support for working in
Be able to catch a fall without injuring the wearer
Should not be overly complex to put on or adjust
Selection
There is a wide range of possibilities when selecting a harness. The principal
consideration is whether the harness is required for work restraint, work positioning
or fall arrest. Depending on the nature of the task, careful consideration should be
given to the position of the attachment points; front or rear.
Types of harness:
1 – Single point fall arrest (EN 361)
2 – Twin point fall arrest (EN 361)
3 – Sit harness/chest harness combination (EN 358, EN 813)
4 – Multipurpose harness (EN 361, EN 358, EN 813)
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Sit / Chest Harness Combination
The sit harness incorporating a work positioning belt can be used by itself for work
restraint and work positioning. It can also be combined with an appropriate chest
harness to make it suitable for fall arrest. This combination is particularly suitable for
rope access. It is also the best combination for falling and hanging in.
5.3.4 Helmets
A helmet is an important piece of safety equipment, and the type of helmet used
while working at height must be considered as part of the risk assessment as a
minimum. Due to an improved chinstrap and side impact loading (over a ‘V-Guard’
type helmet), an industrial climbing helmet complying with EN 397 and EN 12492
could be used with rope access equipment.
Chin strap use should be considered when WaH.
Other potential anchor points commonly encountered in industry require more careful
consideration, particularly scaffolding, handrails or pipe work. When anchoring to
scaffolding, advice should be sought from a Competent Person before use.
Handrails are designed to retain personnel within a walkway and should not be used
as an anchor point. Handrails can only be used as an anchor point if an assessment
has been made and permission granted by the appropriate Structural Technical
Authority or BP Structural Engineer.
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5.3.6 Anchorage Slings / Strops
Attachment to an anchor point can be made by utilising appropriate reinforced slings
(‘girder strops’ but NOT flat webbing slings) or wire strops. The sling or strop requires
to be fitted to the anchor point by being clipped in to the connector on the lanyard,
passed around the anchor, then clipped back onto the connector. The sling should
never be passed around the anchor point, then back through itself (‘choke hitch’ or
‘larks foot’), unless it is specifically rated for this use.
Users need to inspect slings or strops for damage before use and avoid
placing them around sharp edges or abrasive or hot anchor points (although
the sling or strop could be protected by additional padding or a protective
sleeve).
Galvanised steel cables dedicated for use in a fall arrest systems will be tested to BS
EN 795 standards. When used, protection must be provided to guard against chafing
when in contact with edges that may damage the cable.
5.3.7 Ropes
A wide range of rope construction is used in PPE. The most versatile and user-
friendly construction is known as ‘kernmantle’. The kern is the core that carries about
80% of the rope strength. The mantle is the sheath and protects the core. Ropes
usually manufactured from nylon as natural fibres such as hemp are unsuitable.
The main dangers to rope are sharp edges, heat and chemicals. Careful checking of
the worksite and correct rigging is essential. Ropes should be stored hung up, dry
and clean, away from contaminants or direct sunlight.
Man riding hand signals and radios should be used to ensure good communications
and the Winch Operator should keep the man rider in view at all times. A second
banksman shall be required on some offshore installations for the man riding
operations above the monkey board level within the drilling derrick with all moving
equipment isolated.
During erection and dismantling of scaffolds, suitable and sufficient physical barriers
shall be erected to prevent access of personnel into “drop zones” where there exists
a serious potential for dropped objects.
Adequate warning signs shall be posted to instruct personnel of the inherent dangers
in the area.
5.5 RESCUE
Each AGTR site where people are exposed to work at height where there exists the
possibility of the person(s) becoming suspended must have a rescue plan. This plan
must be entered into the AGTR WaH Rescue Plan template (Appendix 7.8) and this
must form an integral part of the emergency control procedures.
Plans will deal with the rescue of a person left suspended in either fall arrest, work
Control Tier: 2
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positioning or rope access equipment. For the latter, the specialist contractor will
already have a plan, equipment and personnel as part of their standard procedures.
In the case of fall arrest or work positioning equipment, a separate plan should be
developed as follows:
When considering Fall Protection Systems, suspension trauma
must be considered
Identify the equipment required. This may include:
o Fall arrestor with retrieval handle
o Specialist rescue equipment such as the GOTCHA System
o Crane and crane basket
o MEWP
o Man-riding winch and basket
o Forklift with personnel basket
o Scaffolds and ladders
Identify personnel to carry out the rescue
Note: Most service providers will supply rescue equipment and competent personnel
to perform this work. Where this is not case the worksite shall have trained and
competent personnel with suitable rescue equipment available on site at all times
during the completion of tasks at height.
All personnel required to work at heights shall be fully trained in appropriate, safe
work practices, including the wearing and care of associated safety equipment and
the safe use of all elevated work equipment.
All personnel involved in work at height shall be competent, trained and supervised
by a competent person. This includes involvement in organisation, planning,
supervision and the supply and maintenance of equipment.
Personnel working at height shall be trained in how to avoid falling from height and
how to avoid or minimize injury to themselves should they fall.
Note: Those who may have to work at height as part of their job function at BP
as minimum are required pass 0020221WP Atlas: Working at Heights Computer
Based training (CBT). The aim of the training is to provide a basic
understanding of the hazards associated with working at heights and how to
follow effective safety controls. Specialist Work at Height contractors e.g. rope
Control Tier: 2
Revision Date: 12/15/2012
Document Number: AZSPU-HSSE-DOC-00065-2
Print Date: 2/18/2021
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access personnel, riggers and scaffolders, may have other industry specific
training and if so would be exempt from the need to conduct the CBT.
OFFSHORE
Familiarisation shall be provided for persons using WaH equipment. This
familiarisation is carried out by the Lifting Focal Point / Deck foreman (or authorized
WaH equipment controller) as issuing authorities. When the issuing authority has
confirmed that the person is familiar with the equipment that is being issued, both the
person receiving the familiarisation and the person giving the familiarization will sign
the WaH Equipment Familiarisation Checklist. This checklist will be inserted into the
Harness Familiarisation Register which will be kept in the Rigging Loft with the WaH
equipment for easy reference prior to issue.
Equipment shall not be passed on to other individuals without the completion of
familiarisation by the issuing authority.
Refer to appendix G for the Familiarisation checklist.
Each item of equipment should also be marked with a unique identification number
so that it can be traced back to its point of origin. Test certificates and examination
reports must be available for audit at site or central control point (onshore database).
While it is intended that the working at height Equipment Controllers will provide
inspection and maintenance duties for the most frequently used type of equipment
(fall arrest), competency requirements specify that specialist equipment (rope
access) requires the services of the specialist company’s competent person.
The inspection regime recommended for control of lanyards and harnesses falls into
three categories:
Pre-use checks
Detailed inspection
Interim inspections
For frequent used lanyards the suggested frequency is at least 3-monthly inspection,
particularly where equipment is used in arduous environments (e.g. demolition, steel
erection, scaffolding, steel skeletal masts/towers with edges and protrusions).
To mitigate the risk of damage to lanyards and shock absorbers due to grit blasting
operations, all lanyards and shock absorbers must be kept away from grit blasting
work.
The lifetime of fall arrest system depends on the precise use. If it is abused, or used
in poor conditions, its life could be no more than one use. Items of PPE must not be
proof-loaded, and detailed inspection by a Competent Person may not reveal hidden
damage (i.e. chemical contamination). Any inspection process is, to some degree,
subjective, but inspection by a Competent Person familiar with site conditions should
determine product condition.
5.7.1 Maintenance
The information gained in the maintenance process, inspection and more technical
examinations should be complementary. If a maintenance log exists, it should be
kept up-to-date and accessible for persons inspecting the equipment or conducting a
more thorough examination.
Where temporary equipment is used, it is important for the site to establish how
safety-related inspection and maintenance will be undertaken with the hire company.
This is particularly important for equipment on long-term hire and any agreement
should be documented and communicated to the site.
All sites / installations are required to ensure that all ladders are suitable for the local
conditions and should maintain a register of ladders including type and known
condition. A written record should be kept of all inspections, defects and repairs.
MEWPs and other mobile personnel lifting devices can only be issued to certified
personnel, and inspection and maintenance requirements need to be validated
before use against the temporary equipment register.
Work restraint, work positioning and fall arrest equipment need to be controlled by an
equipment controller. At most sites, this person will be employed by the service
provider.
Equipment found at any other location needs to be returned to the storage area to
ensure necessary inspection and maintenance issues are verified.
Note: There may be more than one equipment controller at each site (e.g.
Operations contractor and Drilling contractor reps).
All materials stored at height should be secured such that any unintended movement
does not dislodge them and cause the object and cause injury.
If hand tools are to be lifted, they must be contained within a fully closed tool bag
suitable for the task. The lifting handles on the tool bad must be inspected prior to
lifting and must be damage free and in good condition. When lifting air tools such as
air saws, drills, etc., they must be lifted where appropriate in certified lifting bags
without the blades, drill bits, portable batteries, etc. being fitted. If lifting the tool
without a certified bag the tie-in point for lifting will be on the body of the tool, NOT
the hose.
Under no circumstances must the hose be used for lifting the tool.
In all cases of lifting and lowering, the immediate drop zone area must be barriered
off. Once the equipment has been secured, the person below must withdraw to
outside the barrier prior to lifting / lowering operations. Only tools required for the task
should be carried / hoisted to the worksite and all tools are accounted for at the
completion of the task.
Tools aloft register should be used for work-scopes, especially with a lot of
equipment/personnel involved (e.g. Crane rope change out etc.). Small work-scopes
should record equipment on permit and check off when complete.
Grated areas should be covered with drop prevention matting or similar to ensure no
objects such as nuts and bolts can be dropped. Tools should be secured when
working out-with a handrail, tool straps are available from stores or department
heads and should be attached to wrist or structure to prevent accidental loss and
potential dropped object. A complete sweep of area on completion of a task is
required to ensure no objects are left at height.
General Precautions:
Ensure that nothing is stored on the top of containers
Check staircases / steps for loose fittings and make sure that no tools are left
there
Check handrail fittings / meshes and similar regularly for security and
potential for dropped objects
Scaffolders are to ensure toe-boards are fitted to scaffolding structures and
that loose scaffolding materials are secured or removed
Control Tier: 2
Revision Date: 12/15/2012
Document Number: AZSPU-HSSE-DOC-00065-2
Print Date: 2/18/2021
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The work team shall register their awareness of the risk assessment and work permit
instructions discussed in the tool box talk by signing the toolbox talk attendance
sheet.
5.11 HOUSEKEEPING
For all work at elevation, housekeeping must be maintained to a high standard in
order to limit or prevent occurrences such as dropped objects, slips, trips and falls.
Personnel shall maintain satisfactory control of tools and loose equipment to prevent
them falling and creating a hazard to personnel and assets. This can be achieved by
implementing preventive measures such as toe-boards, or binding and lashing of
loose equipment.
Good housekeeping practices shall be implemented to limit the accumulation
of debris, and to stop debris falling to grade.
This procedure shall, where appropriate, be used in conjunction with this suite of
AzSPU Procedures referenced below:
BS 795 - Protection against falls from a height - Anchor devices - Requirements and
testing
BS 795 PROT
AGAINST FALLS FROM HEIGHT.pdf
BS 7985:2009 - Code of practice for the use of rope access methods for industrial
purposes
BS7985-ROPE
ACCESS.pdf
Control Tier: 2
Revision Date: 12/15/2012
Document Number: AZSPU-HSSE-DOC-00065-2
Print Date: 2/18/2021
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PFAS BS 363.pdf
7 APPENDICES
Appendix A: Work at Height Audit Checklist
Appendix B: Barrier Notification Sign
Appendix C: References
Appendix D: Links to Dropped Object Calculator facility
Appendix E: Tools aloft register
Appendix F: Man Riding Operations PRE START CHECKLIST
APPENDIX G: WAH EQUIPMENT FAMILIARIZATION CHECKLIST
Control Tier: 2
Revision Date: 12/15/2012
Document Number: AZSPU-HSSE-DOC-00065-2
Print Date: 2/18/2021
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12 Are inertia reels tested every 6 months and
certified?
13 Are records available of all tests and inspections
on Fall protection devices inertia reels etc.?
14 Is there a rescue team trained to rescue persons
from height with correct medical aids?
Notes:
Control Tier: 2
Revision Date: 12/15/2012
Document Number: AZSPU-HSSE-DOC-00065-2
Print Date: 2/18/2021
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7.2 APPENDIX B: BARRICADE NOTIFICATION SIGN
Barriered Area
Ongoing work:______________________
Responsible:_____________________________
Phone no.:___________
1. Work at Height Regulations 2005 SI 2005/735, as amended by the Work at Height (amendment)
Regulations 2007 SI 2007/114
http://docs.bpweb.bp.com/dkAzSPU:/content/hse/spu/records/AZSPU-HSSE-REC-01188-2
http://docs.bpweb.bp.com/dkAzSPU:/content/hse/spu/records/AZSPU-HSSE-REC-01189-2
Due to Specific requirements for man-ridding operations, the suitability of cranes and winches must
be assessed for each and every operation. It is mandatory for this check sheet to be filled in and
accompanied with the work permit and TRA before any man-ridding operations commence.
If the answer to any of the questions is ‘No’ then permission must be granted by the Site Manager /
Site Controller / Offshore Installation Manager.
CHECKLIST Yes No
1
Has it been established that no other viable option of carrying out the work is available.
2
Is the work basket, or riding belt fit for propose and to the specification laid out in this document?
3
Has the crane, winch or forklift and associated equipment be thoroughly examined by a suitable trained
and competent person within the last 6 months? And are the records / certificates available.
4 In the event of complete power failure, will the crane, winch or forklift maintain or hold the load. (e.g.
will the brakes be automatically applied)
5
In the event of a primary brake or transmission failure will the load be prevented from free falling (is
there a secondary braking system or a transmission / hydraulic retardation system to prevent this)
6 In the event of a complete power or brake failure can the load be lowered to a position where the
personnel can be recovered safely?
7
Can the crane, winch or forklift brakes be applied progressively to avoid shock or snatch loading
Are all safety features and systems working correctly (e.g. load indicators, over hoist limiters,
8
tensioning devices etc)
Is the crane, winch or forklift fitted with an RED emergency stop button next to the operators control
9
leavers?
10
Are the operators hand controls clearly marked (UP, Down, Raise, lower or similar)
Signed:………………………………………………….. Date:……………………….
Signed:…………………………………………………… Date:……………………
Where an individual may have to move work location whilst still at risk of falling they shall utilize either a
double lanyard system or have the ability to move from one inertia reel to another without being
unattached.
Only trained persons are allowed to use safety harnesses.
Before donning the harness, make a visual inspection for signs of wear, deterioration or damage.
Ensure all buckles and fasteners are secure and all straps are correctly adjusted and tensioned.
Before deciding on an anchorage point, check the surrounding area for possible hazards and
obstructions i.e. live cables, instrumentation or sharp edges.
The anchorage point chosen should be as high as possible above the user.
Ensure that the anchorage point is capable of sustaining a shock load in the event of a fall.
Where practicable, use a tested loop (wire or webbing sling) to pass around a large structural member
to provide a suitable anchorage. Pipework is only to be used if there is no suitable anchor point
available and only after a risk assessment is carried out.
Do not allow the lanyard to pass beneath your arms or legs when moving about or working.
During over side work, or where recovery would be difficult, retrievable type inertia reels must be used
and a rescue plan will be in place.
To avoid damage to the inertia reel line, retract the line into the case when not in use if practicable.
In the event of a fall, the harness and associated equipment must be returned to the rigging loft and be
quarantined until investigations are complete.
Signature: …………………………………………
Signature: …………………………………………
12. Identify Potential For Fall And Where Likely To Be Left Suspended:
15.List Additional Hazards Which Rescue Team Must Know In Order To Perform Safe Effective Rescue:
Revision/Review Log
Appendices.
5 appendices included to the document as follows:
Appendix A: Work at Height Audit Checklist
Appendix B: Barrier Notification Sign
Appendix C: References
Appendix D: Procedure Summary
Appendix E: Feedback & Improvement
Suggestions
16 March 2010 Yuliy Zaytsev, Kamran Aliyev, Section 3 General Requirements additional line
Safety & Compliance HSE added, which refers to relevant group standards
Systems Manager Systems/CoW
Advisor Paragraph 3.2 added double lanyard into second
bullet point
26 April 2010 Yuliy Zaytsev, Kamran Aliyev, Paragraph 5.6 Competence and Training bold
Safety & Compliance Safety section has been updated in line with current
Systems Manager Systems/CoW AzSPU Training policy. This ad hoc revision is
Specialist result of incident outcome took place in ACG field.
03 August 2011 Yuliy Zaytsev (Director Elman This is ad-hoc revision of the procedure triggered
of Health & Safety Shikhkerimov
AGT Region Ops & (CoW/Safety by IRATA Safety Notice 22
Wells) Systems Lead) Sub-paragraph 5.2.7.3 Rope access and
Positioning systems has been updated with key
learning from relevant industry incidents as a
result of HSSE & Integrity Alert bulletin dated July
2011
01 Dec. 2011 Yuliy Zaytsev (Director Elman Due to need for additional research, request made
Control Tier: <<2>> Revision Date: 30Nov2012
Document Number: << AZSPU-HSSE-DOC-00065-2>> Print Date: 2/18/2021
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of Health & Safety Shikhkerimov to extend next review date. This will support the
AGT Region Ops & CoW/Safety document to undergo thorough review process
Wells) Systems Lead
19May12 Yuliy Zaytsev (Director Elman Request made to extend review date to 31Aug12
of Health & Safety Shikhkerimov so in-depth review can be carried out with
AGT Region Ops & CoW/Safety technical review from third party.
Wells) Systems Lead
15Aug12 Yuliy Zaytsev (Director Elman Re-work procedure to delete redundant verbiage
of Health & Safety Shikhkerimov and re-arranged sections to allow for better flow
AGT Region Ops & CoW/Safety and ease of reading for the end-user.
Wells) Systems Lead Section 2 – Added ACG & SD, added onshore to
site manager
3.1 – added SD
3.3 – reworded company requirements to be more
specific about RA
3.5 – reworded Deviations procedure name
4.1 – added onshore to site manager
4.2 – added bullets points to be more specific
about responsibilities
4.5 – Offshore reference to lifting focal point / deck
foreman
5.1 – Re-worded to allow for easier understanding
5.1.4 – Cable runs/trays/conduit and HVAC
ductwork added to fragile surfaces
5.2 – original paragraph deleted (means of access
or egress at height) due to redundancy –
information found throughout the procedure
5.2.4 – Reference to scaffolding procedure added
5.2.6.1 – retitled “work restraints” to better fit the
paragraph substance
5.3 – example stating clearance of 7.25m deleted
so no confusion exists due to different numbers
from different sources existing
5.3.2 – added Self Retracting Lifelines (SLRs)
5.3.3.3 – original paragraph (Attachment of the
lanyard) deleted – redundant
5.3.8 – section expanded to be more specific with
current practices
5.6 – Offshore section added for competence and
training
5.7 – Added responsibility of the pre-use check
belongs to the user
5.7.1 – Clearly stated that maintenance of working
at heights equipment is not performed offshore
5.9 – new section covering dropped objects
6 – PDF’s of referenced materials added
7 – added:
Appendix F: Man Riding Operations PRE
START CHECKLIST
APPENDIX G: WAH EQUIPMENT
FAMILIARIZATION CHECKLIST
7.5 – deleted original “feedback and suggestions”
form and replaced with “tools aloft register”
24Sep12 Yuliy Zaytsev (Director Elman Request made to extend review date to 30Nov12
of Health & Safety Shikhkerimov so lessons learned from a recent dropped objects
AGT Region Ops & CoW/Safety event can be incorporated.
Wells) Systems Lead
15 Dec12 Yuliy Zaytsev (Director Elman WaH Rescue Plan template added, minor wording
of Health & Safety Shikhkerimov changes in the Rescue section
AGT Region Ops & CoW/Safety
Control Tier: <<2>> Revision Date: 30Nov2012
Document Number: << AZSPU-HSSE-DOC-00065-2>> Print Date: 2/18/2021
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Wells) Systems Lead