Changing Light Bulbs Safety

QUESTION: I want to change light bulbs/clean lights in our warehouse. I need to access about 7.0m in height. There are no obstructions under the lights and the floor is solid ANSWER: Your duty is to eliminate working at height where you can, and if this is not reasonably practicable, to take suitable and sufficient measures to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any person working at height falling a distance liable to cause a personal injury. You will need to undertake a site specific risk assessment to identify all the risks and draw up a safe working system which can justify the system and work equipment you choose. The height of the lights is certainly a problem. 5 steps to risk assessment [80KB In addition to using long life bulbs to decrease frequency of replacement, there are specialised lighting systems on the market which allow replacement from ground level using pole devices. There is also the possibility of having lighting systems which can be lowered to ground level for maintenance. Although this is initially an expense, it would dispense with the need to work at height in the future for replacing light bulbs. Reeltech Remote Control Lighting System Tower scaffolds are widely used and can provide an effective and safe means of access to change light bulbs and clean. However, poorly erected and misused tower scaffolds are the cause of numerous accidents each year. Our 3T compliant Industrial Towers have a unique ladder frame construction Remember, towers should only be erected by trained and competent people who are following a safe method of work. HSE Information Sheet on Scaffold Towers Mobile elevating work platforms can provide excellent safe access to high-level work and can be easily moved from one location to another. Remember, powered access equipment requires the operator to hold a certificate or licence to prove that they are trained and competent. www.dlhonline.co.uk has a variety of equipment to give you some idea of what is on the market. This will provide you with the most suitable, secure and safe working solution from which to work on the lights. A powered access platform will also have anchorage for a work restraint harness, these are also available online Genie Personnel Lifts Mast Work Platforms, Scissors Work Platforms and Articulating Telescopic Booms Ladders and stepladders are the most commonly used pieces of access equipment for a wide range of tasks and perhaps the most misused, so it is essential that those who use ladders are trained and competent to do so. Ladders should be your last considered option. They should only be considered for light work of short duration and where the use of other more suitable work equipment is not appropriate. If ladders are to be used at this height then I would advise using an industrial class ladder as the minimum standard. HSE Guide Safe use of ladders and step ladders As electricity is involved, it would be best to consider using a GRP ladder rather than aluminium. But this may not be necessary if your risk assessment can determine that the electrical power has been completely removed. GRP Trade Extension Ladders A combination ladder which is self supporting could be used, but if a free standing ladder is considered, you will need to have a resting surface at the top of the ladder but this must be suitably robust and of suitable dimensions to allow a secure resting position. GRP Combination Ladders If it is secure then it should be possible to fit suitable anchors. However consideration could be given to tying in the ladder with suitable guy lines which are secured to the top of the ladder and then taken down to suitably robust and secure anchor points at a lower level. In this case, the base of the ladder must also be secured. When working from aladder you should

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