Book Review – Working at Height Handbook

Review by Herbert Mulligan

The latest title from Mallow-based Health & Safety Publishers, Working at Height Handbook, is not just a training aid, but a concise reference guide to the law, standards and practicalities of working at height.

Set out in ten units or chapters, the handbook covers the law, risk assessment, ladders, low level access equipment, fall protection equipment, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), scaffolding, safety nets, roof work and weather conditions. The handbook concludes with a proficiency test.

The handbook opens with sobering figures for the number of deaths from falls from height. Continuing, the law is set out in clear simple terms, followed by the chapter on risk assessment, which includes a template risk assessment for gutter replacement. The handbook then moves on to the practical chapters. These are well illustrated and incf ude a number of references to IS EN or BS standards. Readers are alerted to the fact that the standards for ladders are changing and are advisedt·o buy ladderst hat meet the IS EN 131 standard.

The illustrations in the chapter on personal fall protection equipment exemplify how well-illustrated the handbook is. The illustrations on how to put on a safety harness should be carefully read by anyone working at height in the early stages of their career and regu,larly by experienced workers. Readers are remined of the obligation to inspect equipment and keep inspection re,cords. There is a usefu.l safety net checklist template. The chapter on weather conditions illustrates wind conditions measured using the Beaufort scale. There are 12 questions in the short proficiency test, with those taking the test having to chose which of the four option.s given in each question is the correct answer. Anyone working at height or organising work at height should have a copy of the handbook and re-read it regularly.