Working at Heights Courses

Course Title: 

Working at Heights

Description:

The training will provide the basic knowledge on working at heights with insight into the use and limitations of a limited range of fall arrest equipment as well as Inspecting, assembling and storing fall arrest equipment.

Duration: 

1 Day

Target Audience:

Employees, Supervisors, Safety Officers, Purchasers and Managers

Basic knowledge of the limitations of a limited range of fall arrest equipment and regulation.

• Differences between full-body harnesses and work positioning systems.
• Full range of the fall arrest equipment.
• Limitations and use of fall arrest equipment and full arrest connectors.
• Risks of using a non-energy absorbing lanyard.
• Uses of a fall arrester on rigid and flexible anchorage lines.
• The purpose of the fall arrest plan.

Inspecting, assembling and storing fall arrest equipment.

• Personal fall arrest equipment inspection.
• Assembling and fitting Personal fall arrest and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Differences between an activated energy absorbing lanyard and an intact lanyard.
• Certification and other requirements for personal fall arrest equipment.
• The safety impact of helmets with a chinstrap.
• Equipment storage.

Anchor points.

• Purpose of an anchor point.
• Differences between planned and self-identified anchor points.
• Safe loads and compatibility with personal equipment.

Using fall arrest systems with double lanyards.

• The safety practice of “minimum free space”.
• Ways to deal with limited “fall clearance and/or free space”.
• Switching over from a double lanyard system to an installed lifeline in line with safe practices.
• Using the retractable lifeline and a work positioning lanyard according to safe practices.
• Ways to reduce arrest distance.
• Ways to transport tools or equipment.

Using pre-installed vertical and horizontal lifelines.

• Purposes and uses of lifelines.
• Differences between vertical and horizontal lifelines.
• Correct attachment to lifelines.
• Teamwork in rescue situations.
• Minimising suspension trauma.
• Practical steps in reducing suspension trauma.

Course Notes

The learner will be capable to understand and explain fall arrest equipment and limitations, fall factors and shock loading as well as legislation governing work at height.

Course Title: 

Fall Protection Plan

Description:

The training will enable participants to develop fall protection plans for people
working at height, required by the Occupational Health and safety act (Act 85 of
1993). It is ideally suited for people responsible for the safety and protection of
people working at height where there is a risk of injury from a fall.

Duration: 

1 Day

Target Audience:

All Managers, Supervisors and employees working in potential asbestos environments should attend this course.

1. Performing a Risk Assessment.

• Hazard Identification.
• Hazard Analysis.
• Risk Assessor Requirements.
• Safe work procedures, monitoring and review plans.
• Ways to Protect and prevent falls of people, equipment and materials.
• Access and availability of risk assessments.
• Safety training in procedures and work hazards

2. Fall arrest rescue equipment and advanced fall arrest rescue techniques.

• Requirements and use of a comprehensive range of fall arrest and fall prevention equipment.
• Rescue equipment needed for various rescue situations.
• Various techniques – simple lowering techniques, hauling systems and cable.
• Definition of terms “shock load”, “fall factors” and “anchor loads “.
• Safe loading of an anchor point and its calculation per manufacturer’s instruction.
• Procedures for fall arrest equipment inspection, maintenance and testing.

3. Developing a fall protection plan and fall arrest plan.

• Requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Building Regulations.
• Maintenance and distribution of a fall protection plan.
• Simulation and real scenarios in preparation of the fall protection plan and fall arrest plan.
• Distinguishing between fall arrest plan and fall protection plan.

4. Managing the safety of personnel working at height.

• Medical and other risks associated with falls.
• Suspension trauma.
• Requirements for reporting a height safety incident.
• Teamwork and supervision during work at height.
• Health and training along with other factors to consider when choosing suitability for work at height.
• Maintenance of safety training records for personnel working at height.

Course Title: 

Erect, Use and Dismantle Assess Scaffolding

Description:

This course is designed to acquire the knowledge and skills required by the industry to function as a scaffold erector. Their functions will include leading a scaffolding team. This includes the ability to safely and efficiently deploy the required resources to erect and dismantle access scaffolding.

Duration: 

1 Day

Target Audience:

All

Interpret basic drawings and instructions for the erection of access scaffolding according to SANS 10085.

• Types of access scaffolding identified.
• Classes of platforms identified.
• Methods of stabilising access scaffolding.
• Basic drawings/sketches are read and interpreted.
• Instruction for an erection is interpreted according to organisational procedures.

Coordinate resources for the erection of access scaffolding.

• The basic action plan is compiled and activities prioritised with drawings/instructions.
• PPE and other safety equipment for erecting and dismantling are identified.
• Teams deployed according to the basic action plan,
• Scaffolding equipment/hand tools fit for use are picked.
• Resources are moved to the identified work as per the basic action plan.

Erection of access scaffolding.

• Hazard and risks at the worksite are identified.
• Equipment is based/set out according to drawings/instructions.
• Handling of equipment during erection is conducted according to safe lifting.
• Erecting sequence is organised and work activities controlled with safe working methods.
• Erected scaffold modified/altered according to instructions and safe working procedure.
• Excess materials removed from the site.

Dismantling of access scaffolding.

• Hazard and risks are identified.
• Visual pre-dismantling inspections are conducted.
• Dismantling sequence is organised and controlled.
• Dismantled scaffold equipment are stacked and stored in the demarcated area.
• Site procedures for the clearance of material, equipment and crew.

Course Notes.

OHSAct and the application to access scaffolding operations / SANS 10085 / Scaffold inspection policies and procedures / Resource coordination / Basic scaffold drawings.

Course Title: 

Supervise the erection and dismantling of Access Scaffolding

Description:

The participant will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to control and organise scaffold teams to set up, erect and dismantle all types of access scaffolding. This supervisor of access scaffolding operations will be able to read and interpret drawings, liaise with the client, plan all activities and co-ordinate all required resources.

Duration: 

1 Day

Target Audience:

SHE Representative & Supervisors

Different types of access scaffolding, applications and compliances.

• Roles and responsibilities of the access scaffold supervisor with regards to SANS10085 and OHS Act.
• Types of access scaffolding, including special scaffolding.
• Access scaffolding components and their safe working loads.
• Classification for Access Scaffolding platforms, including multi-level platforms, and their loading limitations.
• Stability requirements as per the regulatory framework with reference to ties and bracing.
• Relevant documentation, including Access Scaffolding Inspection Registers and Handover Certificates and the associated responsibilities of the Inspector.
• Completion of access scaffold documentation and signage.

Read and Interpret drawings, requirements and specifications.

• Details and dimensions of access scaffold design.
• Identifying and compiling access scaffolding equipment according to drawings, specifications and/or client requirements.
• Calculating safe working loads on platforms and total loading on uprights based on drawings.
• Analysing additional client requirements in relation to the practical application of any scaffolding as per SANS 10085.

Plan resources for erecting and modifying access scaffolding.

• Compiling Detailed Action Plans and activities prioritising in accordance with drawings or client requirements.
• Calculating from drawings or client requirements access scaffold equipment and other material quantities.
• Estimating human resource requirements in relation to the quantities calculated from drawings.
• Scheduling transportation, fit-for-purpose equipment, materials and crews and work activities in sequence according to program and safety legislation requirements.

Assess site risks and suitability.

• Compiling and implementing site risk assessment.
• Identifying safe work procedures.
• Determining site accessibility and assessing method for moving equipment onto the site.
• Procedures for improving site accessibility.
• Identifying and allocating lay down/staging areas for equipment.

Supervise the erection and modification of access scaffolding.

• Ensuring access scaffold equipment is supplied on-site in the right sequence, within the prescribed timeframe and fit-for-use.
• Monitoring setting out of access scaffolding.
• Organising the erection and modification sequence of access scaffolding as well as controlling work activities in accordance with safe and cost-effective working methods.
• Supervising the erection and modification of access scaffolding and platforms and ensuring they comply with drawings and/or client requirements and cross-referenced to relevant, safety legislation and SANS 10085.
• Removing excess equipment from the site in accordance with organisational procedures.

Supervise dismantling and site clearance procedures.

• Conducting site risks assessments and pre-dismantling inspections.
• Compiling Action Plans and prioritising activities in accordance with client requirements for the dismantling of access scaffolds.
• Sequencing dismantling of access scaffolding and work activities in a controlled safe and cost-effective method.
• Ensuring relevant specifications, legislation and standards are adhered to in dismantling access scaffolding.
• Identifying and allocating lay down/staging areas for materials.
• Scheduling transportation, materials and crew in accordance with program and safety legislation requirements.
• Adhering to site procedures for the clearance of materials, equipment and crews and completing activities within prescribed deadlines.

Course Notes.

• Demonstrating an understanding of different types of access scaffolding, applications and compliance.
• Reading and interpreting drawings, requirements and specifications.
• Planning resources for erecting, using and dismantling access scaffolding.
• Assessing site risks and accessibility.
• Supervising the erection and modification of access scaffolding.
• Supervising dismantling and site clearance procedures

Course Title: 

Inspect Assess Scaffolding

Description:

This course is designed to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to inspect access scaffolding for compliance with the South African National Standards (SANS) 10085.

Duration: 

1 Day

Target Audience:

All

Demonstrate an understanding of different types of access scaffolding, applications, limitations, design and compliance:

• Described in terms of their characteristics and applications.
• Described in terms of their limitations according to SANS 10085.
• Components are identified and explained in terms of their safe working loads and applications as per SANS 10085.
• Classification for platforms and loading limitations for scaffolding with multi-level platforms as per SANS 10085.
• Stability requirements as per the regulatory framework with particular.

Explain the role and responsibilities of the inspector.

• Analyse the role of the inspector in relation to the SANS 10085.
• Responsibilities identified and explained related to SANS 10085.
• Documentation, signage and workplace procedures explained.

Read and interpret drawings, client requirements and other specifications.

• Details and dimensions are interpreted in relation to drawings, specifications and client requirements.
• Equipment is identified and applied according to requirements.
• Safe working loads on platforms and total loading on uprights are calculated.

Inspect and handover access scaffolding.

• Scaffolding inspected for compliance with drawings, specifications or requirements.
• Modified access scaffolding are re-inspected in accordance with safety regulations.
• Access scaffolding register and handover certificate are completed.
• Engineer’s certificate/reports are obtained when required for special design.

Course Notes.

• OHSAct and the application of the Act in relation to access scaffolding operations.
• SANS 10085
• Scaffold inspection policies and procedures

Course Title: 

Manila rope and full-body harness inspections

Description:

The training will enable participants to inspect products, keep records and
provide feedback on the conformance of the product to specifications as well as
participate in safe work practice development for harness based work at heights.
It aims to make participants responsible for the performing rope and harness-
based work at height.

Duration: 

1 Day

Target Audience:

All

1. The legal framework and definitions.

• Occupational Health and Safety Act overview.
• Construction Regulations overview.
• General Safety Regulations overview.
• Definitions.

2. Fall Protection Systems.

• Personal Fall Arrest System.
• Positioning Device System.
• Control over work at heights.
• General Requirements.
• Risk Assessments.

3. Fall Protection programs.

• Issues to consider when selecting appropriate fall protection programs.
• Rescue and retrieval procedures.
• Fall Protection Plan.
• Training
• Review, Monitoring and Evaluation.

4. Inspection and maintenance.

• Cleaning procedures.
• Harness and lanyard inspections.

5.Manila Rope.

• Rope inspection and retirement.
• Usage.

Course Notes.

• Identify and safely use a pre-engineered rope rescue kit for emergency recoveries.
• Correctly fit a full-body harness and buddy checks.
• Perform numerous industry-specific rescue activities.
• Company storage locations and procedures.
• Application of rigging equipment, slinging methods and hand signals.
• Interpretation of equipment defects and unsafe rigging practices.
   

Course Title: 

Basic rescue from the fall arrest system

Description:

The training will enable participants to take responsibility for the inspection and installation of fall arrest systems and for implementing fall protection plans and rescues.

Duration: 

2 Days

Target Audience:

Employees, Supervisors, SHE Representatives, Appointed Rescue Personnel

Range of fall arrest equipment and knowledge of applicable regulations.

• Fall body harness and a work positioning system.
• Identification of a full range of fall arrest equipment.
• Limitations and use of fall arrest equipment and fall arrest connectors.
• The risks of using a non-energy absorbing lanyard.
• Use of a fall arrest system on a rigid and flexible anchorage line.
• Rescue equipment.

Basic rope knots.

• Knots required for fall arrest – figure 8 stopper, double figure 8, figure 8 on a bight, klemheist.
• Equipment like rope grabs, pulleys, fall arrest winch, rigging plates, ropes, edge protectors.
• Tying off a klemheist knot.

Install and use fall arrest systems.

• Demonstrations of installations of horizontal and vertical lifelines according to manufacturer’s recommendations, the number of people and the suitability of anchor points.
• Safe use of anchors – cross-loading connectors, selecting anchors and safe angles of attachment for slings.
• Meeting minimum free space clearance requirements or the use of retractable lifelines.
• The switchover to a lifeline from a double lanyard.
• Requirements of a permanent fall arrest system.
• Ways to reduce the fall distance.

Inspecting and assembling fall arrest equipment and systems.

• Personal fall arrest equipment and Personal Protective Equipment assembling and inspection.
• Standard worksite procedures in reporting suspect fall arrest equipment.
• Legal and safety reasons barring repairing of equipment without the manufacturer’s approval.
• Need for use of certified and identified fall arrest equipment.
• Differences between an activated energy absorbing lanyard and an intact lanyard.
• Equipment storage and inspection records.

Interpreting and implementing a fall protection plan.

• The purpose and components of a fall protection plan.
• Duties of a person supervising a team.
• Possible hazards associated with work at height and worksites – clearance, minimum free space, falling objects, moving objects, heat, fumes, and weather-conditions.
• The safety effect of weather and physical conditions.
• The need for updating and adapting a fall protection plan.

Performing basic fall arrest rescues to bring a casualty down to safety.

• Anchoring Rope rescue system securely to safe anchor points, correct tying and use of all the basic knots.
• Descending of rope using a double locking action-descending device.
• Assisted rope rescue of a conscious casualty.
• Unassisted rope rescue of an unconscious casualty suspended in space as well as alternatives to rope rescues.
• Ways and reasons for maintaining communication with a casualty.
• Causes and risks of suspension.
• Applying First Aid and immediately calling for medical back-up and issues pertaining to potential injury and locations.

Course Notes.

• Use of a range of fall arrest equipment and knowledge of applicable regulations.
• Use of basic rope knots.
• Installing and use of fall arrest systems.
• Interpreting and implementing a fall protection plan.
• Performing basic fall arrest rescues to bring a casualty down to safety.
• Inspecting and assembling fall arrest equipment and systems.

Course Title: 

Felling of Trees using Chainsaws

Description:

This training skill is designed for people who fell trees with a chainsaw using specialised techniques. Participants should be able to fell trees using specialised techniques if wedges are not required or when they are required.

Duration: 

1 Day

Target Audience:

Supervisors, SHE Representatives and employees

1. Fell trees using specialised techniques if wedges are not required.

• Situations requiring specialised techniques without using wedges as described in terms of section 10.11.2 of the Handbook.
• Felling trees with the tree diameter more than the guide bar length complying with section 10.11.2.1 regarding technique, section 10.5 regarding safety and section 10.8 regarding quality.
• Felling trees with the tree diameter double or more the guide bar length complying with section 10.11.2.2 regarding technique, section 10.5 regarding safety and section 10.8 regarding quality.
• Trees are felled that lean at a sharp angle with the felling direction complying with section 10.11.2.4 regarding technique, section 10.5 regarding safety and section 10.8 regarding quality.
• Felling of trees that lean away from the felling direction complying with section 10.11.2.5 regarding technique, section 10.5 regarding safety and section 10.8 regarding quality.
• Reducing butt wastage.
• Trees are felled that lean away from the felling direction complying with section 10.11.2.5 regarding technique, section 10.5 regarding safety and section 10.8 regarding quality.

2. Felling trees using specialised techniques if wedges are required.

• Situations requiring specialised techniques using wedges in terms of section 10.11.3 of the Handbook.
• Wedges in terms of section 10.6.3 of the Handbook.
• Felling large trees with no or slight lean complying with section 10.11.3.1 regarding technique, section 10.5 regarding safety and section 10.8 regarding quality.
• Felling trees with a variety of natural lean complying with section 10.11.3.2 regarding technique, section 10.5 regarding safety and section 10.8 regarding quality. 
• Felling trees that lean back complying with section 10.11.3.3 regarding technique, section 10.5 regarding safety and section 10.8 regarding quality.