Rothoblaas Catalogue 2019

RISKS

RISKS

RISK OF FALLING FROM HEIGHT It is possible to distinguish between the risks that may arise while working from height, based on the following classification:

RISK REDUCTION After analysing the risks, it is necessary to identify appropriate safety measures for access and positioning when work at height is done. During access, the most appropriate solution must be identified after considering frequency of circu lation, the drop and the duration of the task. Additionally, other fundamental aspects that must be considered to reduce these risks include: • the worker's psychological/physical fitness; • adequate worker training for the work to be done; • qualified worker preparation regarding operating, rescue and emergency techniques. The worker must always be aware of ad ditional residual risks that may be present, regardless of the adoption of the safety measures applied. RISK ANALYSIS Selection of the proper devices always depends upon careful risk analysis aimed at identifying the following aspects: • Is access possible with the worker bringing their own work equip ment? • Is there a genuine necessity to carry out the work at height? • Is it possible to adopt alternative solutions? • Is there a time limit? • Is it possible to change the condi tions of the area where the work will be done? Understanding these aspects is funda mental for properly selecting the precau tionary measures to be adopted.

PREDOMINANT Risk of fall from height

ENVIRONMENTAL Risks associated with the environment in which the work is done

CONCURRENT Minor concurrent risks

CONSEQUENTIAL RISKS: SUSPENSION OF THE BODY

Should a fall occur, suspension of the body in mid air is direct ly associated with consequential risks. In these cases, it is neces sary to manage a serious emergency situation over the short term. Suspension can occur as:

INERT The worker loses consciousness

CONSCIOUS The worker is able to move

PENDULUM EFFECT The "pendulum effect" refers to a lateral movement that occurs after a fall when the anchor is not located vertically with respect to the worker. This situation can be dangerous, as it can cause the worker to collide with an obstacle located along the fall trajectory.

The worker swings laterally

12 | RISKS | FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS