Section 1

Working-At-Heights

18.2. Purposes and Objectives

Aim: This section aims to significantly reduce risks associated with working at heights by implementing systematic controls and operational guidelines.

• Establish minimum expectations for working at height through well-defined processes that can be consistently applied across all projects, preventing potential accidents and ensuring safety compliance.

• Clearly outline accountability among teams regarding health, safety, security, and environmental (HSSE) performance, especially for Category 1 projects which carry a higher degree of risk due to scope and complexity.

• Bridge existing CLP standards related to Working at Heights and Dropped Objects to ensure comprehensive coverage of safety measures across all relevant operations.

• Adopt a risk-based approach utilizing the Hierarchy of Controls (HoC) to effectively mitigate fall risks through planning, designing out hazards, and implementing suitable safety measures.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement in safety, encouraging all employees to actively participate in safety initiatives and reporting of near misses to enhance workplace safety further.

18.3. Definitions & Acronyms

Key Terms:

• 100% Tie-off: A safety principle ensuring continuous attachment to a fall arrest or restraint system, which is mandatory at all times when working at elevation exceeding two meters. This prevents instances of suspension trauma during fall events.

• Anchorage Point: A securely engineered connection point for fall protection systems, crucial for the effective operation of fall arrest equipment, ensuring it can withstand the forces of a potential fall.

• Full Body Harness (FBH): A safety apparatus that distributes fall forces across major body parts to minimize the likelihood of serious injury in the event of a fall. Regular inspections to ensure material integrity and function are required.

• Independent Lifeline: A dedicated safety line installed for movement between elevated areas, which must receive approval from safety officers for the specific applications in use. These must be inspected before use.

• Horizontal Lifeline: A fall protection system comprising a line secured at both ends, allowing workers movement with a safeguard against falls, commonly used in industrial settings.

• Management of Change (MOC): A structured process that evaluates and approves changes in established procedures to adapt to new circumstances while ensuring safety standards remain intact.

• Working at Heights (WAH): Refers to any activities that expose workers to the risk of falling from a height, beyond typical stairway or ladder use. Special precautions and training are mandatory for those engaged in such activities.

18.4. Application

This section is applicable to all CLP Power Project activities where there is a significant risk of falls that could lead to serious injury or fatality, ensuring uniform application across all project sites. It encompasses all forms of elevated work environments, including but not limited to, construction sites, maintenance activities, and utility work.

18.5. Pre-Requisites

• Strict compliance with local regulations governing work at heights, including consultations with regulatory bodies when necessary.

• All workers must have successfully completed training and be medically assessed to perform tasks without impairment from drugs or alcohol. Medical evaluations should ensure physical capability for hazardous tasks.

• Comprehensive planning must be documented and executed to reduce fall hazards to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). Risk assessments should be updated regularly or upon significant changes to project scope or conditions.

18.6. Roles & Responsibilities

18.6.1 Project Management Team (PMT)

• Ensure that a specific Working at Heights (WAH) program exists for each project and is effectively communicated to all team members through orientation and regular training updates.

• Conduct regular performance evaluations based on safety audits and incident reviews to ensure that safety measures are responsive to the dynamic nature of work at heights, adapting them as necessary to reflect best practices.

18.6.2 Contractor Group

• Design, implement, and maintain project-specific WAH programs that are compliant with this standard, providing adequately trained personnel managing elevated work.

• Conduct thorough assessments to identify and minimize Working at Heights activities, routinely monitoring compliance with established safety measures, and addressing any identified deficiencies immediately.

18.6.3 Engineering Teams

• Actively engage in safety assessments during the design phase of projects to ensure that all necessary safety features are integrated into project designs, collaborating with safety officers to conduct design reviews to minimize risks associated with elevated work.

18.7. Planning, Processes and Systems

18.7.1 Risk Management

• Employ a proactive and systematic approach to eliminate or mitigate fall risks in all project phases, employing engineered solutions, administrative controls, and training to protect workers effectively.

18.7.2 Design Considerations

• Ensure that project designs incorporate appropriate safety features such as guardrails, scaffolds, and safety nets while also considering structural modifications that facilitate safe access and minimize potential fall hazards.

18.8. Training

18.8.1 Training Requirements

• All personnel involved in Working at Heights must complete training necessary to inform them of specific hazards and the correct use of fall protection equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchors.

• Training programs must include practical hands-on instruction on fall protection system components, emergency procedures, and regular refreshers highlighting updates or changes to safety practices.

18.9. Emergency Response

18.9.1 Principles

• All emergency responses are expected to comply with established standards for emergency preparedness, emphasizing protocols for responding to suspension trauma and immediate rescue operations among employees who may experience suspension after a fall, including regular drills and supplies of necessary rescue equipment.

18.10. Performance Measurement

Key Metrics:

• The responsibility for collecting and analyzing data related to safety performance must be formally assigned to designated team members to ensure accountability, continuous monitoring, and foster an environment of improvement relative to safety standards.

• Key performance indicators (KPIs) should include but not be limited to frequency of incidents, response times, and training completion rates.

18.11. Management of Change

• Procedures surrounding the approval and implementation of changes in working at heights tasks should involve formal processes that include safety reviews and communication with affected personnel to ensure continuity and adherence to safety standards.