Safety Management System

SP10 Working at Height v 0.3

SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM VIRGIN ACTIVE LTD

Document Title: Document Id. Number: WORKING AT HEIGHT SP10

Summary of Changes Version Description Created by Effective Date

Rafael Perez Safety Compliance Manager 1.0 First Issue 01/08/2012

Amendments with regards hierarchy of control Rafael Perez measures and other minor comments from the City of Safety Compliance Manager 2.0 London. 15/10/2012 Amendments to the Working at Height training, the inclusion of the emergency rescue plan for sites that Sarah Peil use a fall arrest system and a general review of the Regional Health & Safety Manager 03/11/2014 3.0 policy.

Approved by: Reviewed by: Rafael Perez Pete Kennedy Group Safety Standards Manager Head of Building Services & Engineering Darren Hicks Head of Safety Rafael Perez Group Safety Standards Manager Date: 05/09/2014

Date: 28/08/2014

Primary Authority Approval

The City of London Corporation, being the Primary Authority for Virgin Active UK Ltd, has reviewed this policy and associated documents and is satisfied it meets the relevant legal, health and safety requirements.

Primary Authority Contact: Michelle Vancayseele Date of Review 31/10/2014

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. STATEMENT: 2. PURPOSE: 3. SCOPE: 4. SUMMARY: 5. REFERENCES: 6. DEFINITIONS: 7. RESPONSIBILITIES: 8. ARRANGEMENTS: 8.1 Risk Assessment Process 8.2 Falling Objects 8.3 Stepladders & Ladders 8.3.1 General Precautions 8.3.2 Specific Precautions for Stepladders 8.3.3 Specific precautions for Ladders 8.3.4 Selection and Inspection of Ladder/Stepladder 8.4 Access to a different level via a ladder/fix ladder 8.5 Access Tower 8.5.1 General Precautions 8.5.2 Inspection regime and Storage 8.5.3 Training 8.6 Scaffolding 8.6.1 General Precautions 8.6.2 Training 8.7 Mobile Elevation Working Platforms (MEWP) 8.7.1 General Precautions 8.7.2 Inspection regime 8.7.3 Training 8.7.4 Emergency and Rescue Procedures 8.8 Working on a Permanent Platform 8.8.1 General Precautions 8.8.2 Inspection Regime 8.8.3 Training 8.8.4 Emergency Rescue Arrangements in Fall Arrest Systems

8.9 Permit to Work

9. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS AND RECORDKEEPING:

10. ANNEXES :

1. STATEMENT:

Virgin Active has a duty of care towards employees to provide training and equipment to ensure that any work is completed safely with regards to Working at Height.

2. PURPOSE:

The final aim of this document is to provide clear guidance to all Virgin Active staff to prevent the risk of falling when Working at Height and in case it occurs, to minimise its consequences.

3. SCOPE:

This Working at Height policy and related documents apply to all Virgin Active sites and to all staff and contractors working at any Virgin Active site.

4. SUMMARY:

Virgin Active will carry out a periodic working at height risk assessment and will apply the hierarchy of control where it is reasonably practicable.

All members of staff will be trained in the following e-learning courses before they complete any task which involves working at height.

 How to Permit to Work  How to be Safe Around the Club  How to be Safe in an Emergency

Virgin Active sites will purchase a minimum of “Class EN131” ladders for metal and timber ladders and BS7553 for loft ladders.Virgin Active ladders, loft ladders and stepladders will be marked with an number and be inspected every 3 months by the Building Services Team to ensure all elements are in good state.

If an Access Tower is used, only competent persons qualified by The “PASMA” Towers for Users Course” (Or “PASMA Low Level Access Course” for those using prefabricated Access Towers work from

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Scaffolding will only be erected, changed and dismantled by an approved and competent contractor with prior consent of the relevant Regional Building Services Manager or the Projects Team at Head Office and after the review of the contractor’s risk assessments/method statements by a member of the Safety Team.

All MEWPS which are used in Virgin Active will be operated by persons who have attended a recognised operator training course. All MEWP and any material handling attachments must be thoroughly examined at least every six months by a competent person as per LOLER requirements. For any hired MEWPS, a copy of the last thorough examination must be requested and if the report shows any defects, confirmation of remedial works must be requested.

Any work which is to be conducted within 2 metres of an edge with a significant risk of injury from a fall and when reasonably practicable; a guard-rail, middle guard rail and a toe-board should be fitted to avoid the risk of falling and being struck by falling objects. When installing guardrails is not reasonably practicable or the roof is on a slope a fall restraint anchored into a horizontal “life line” will be in place to avoid the risk of a possible fall.

Before any fall arrest system is used, a site survey will need to take place and a site specific rescue plan put in to place.

Only members of staff who has been trained by Virgin Active approved Mansafe Service Company can use the fall restraint/arrest system. All fall restraint and arrest systems will be inspected on an annual basis by Virgin Active approved Mansafe Service Company.

5. REFERENCES:

 The Work at Height Regulations (as amended) 2005.  The Work at Height Regulations (as amended) 2005. A brief guide INDG401 (Revision2.  Safe use of ladders and stepladders. An employer’s guide (HSE) INDG 455  Tower scaffolds: HSE information sheet. Construction Information Sheet No 10 (Revision 4).  Scaffold checklist – Health & Safety executive.

 The selection and management of mobile elevating work platforms. HSE information sheet. Construction Information Sheet No. 58.  Selecting Competent Contractors for Working at Height. “Height Aware” campaign information sheet 3.  Topic inspection pack. Falls from height. January 2007. HSE.  Working on roofs. INDG 284. Revision 1. 11/08 HSE.  Preventing falls from boom type mobile elevating work platforms. HSE Information Sheet MISC614.  Selecting, using and maintaining personal fall protection equipment ‘Height Aware’ campaign. Information sheet 4.  Minor roof maintenance work: Protecting against falls. ‘Height Aware’ campaign. Information sheet 5.  The Work at Height Safety Association. Technical Guidance Note 3  Selecting equipment for work at height. “Height Aware” campaign. HSE Information sheet 2.  “Guidance on inspecting personal fall protection equipment”.  The Work at Height Safety Association. Technical Guidance Note 5. “Guidance on rescue during work at height”.  Evidence-based review of the current guidance on first aid measures for suspension trauma (Health and Safety Laboratory and the University of Birmingham for the Health and Safety Executive 2009).  Best Practice Guidance for MEWPS – Avoiding trapping/crushing injuries to people in the platform.  Strategic Forum for Construction Plant Safety Group. CPA 1002, 2010  HSE issues lanyard inspection alert, HSE Press Release E055:02, 21 March 2002

6. DEFINITIONS:

Working at Height: A place is ‘at height’ if a person could be injured falling from it, even if it is at or below ground level. ‘Work’ includes moving around at a place of work (except by a staircase in a permanent workplace) but not travel to or from a place of work.

Mobile Access Tower: Mobile Work at Height equipment manufactured from prefabricated components where the principal structural materials are aluminium alloys or fibreglass.

Scaffolding : Temporary fixed structure used to support people and material in the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures. It is usually a modular system of metal pipes or tubes.

Mobile Elevation Working Platforms (MEWP): Mechanical device used to provide temporary access for people or equipment to inaccessible areas, usually at height. There are distinct types of mechanised access platforms and the individual types may also be known as a "cherry picker" “Boom” or a "scissor lift".

Fragile Surface: A fragile surface is a surface that would be liable to fail if any reasonably foreseeable loading were to be applied to it.

Fall Arrest Systems: A fall arrest system is a personal fall protection system that uses a harness connected to a reliable anchor to arrest and restrict a fall so as to prevent the collision of the user with the ground or structure whilst limiting the forces on the body.

Fall Restraint: A personal fall protection system that uses a harness connected to a reliable anchor that keeps the worker from reaching a fall point and subsequently falling.

Competent Person: A Virgin Active member of staff or contractor who must have sufficient knowledge, skills and experience to perform the tasks and the risks involved. Staff must have completed the following e-learning courses before they complete any work task which involves working at height:

 How to Permit to Work  How to be Safe Around the Club  How to be Safe in an Emergency

If work needs to be subjected to a Permit to Work, only a representative from Building Services or an approved contractor can act as a Competent Person due to the skill, knowledge and qualification that this work my need.

7. RESPONSIBILITIES:

All Staff: To conduct all Working at Height tasks in accordance with the working at height training received in accordance with this policy, related risk assessments and the Permit to Work e-learning

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General Manager: To ensure that any working at height tasks within the site are carried out by trained personnel in accordance with this policy and related risk assessments. They will take into account the correct selection of equipment and ensure that the Permit to Work (if applicable) has been authorised either by General Manager or Service Manager on shift during in house working at height tasks. To ensure that contractors passes has been issued. They will also ensure that the following members of staff complete How to Permit to Work, How to be Safe Around the Club and How to be Safe in an Emergency e-learning module on my journey:

 Building Services Team/Green Keepers  Service Managers and anyone who completes Service Managers shifts  Member Care if any of their work tasks involve using a ladder

Service Manager: To ensure that they complete the How to Permit to Work, How to be Safe Around the Club and How to be Safe in an Emergency e-learning module on my journey. To ensure a permit to work is completed (if needed – please check section 8.9-) every time working at height is required during in house working at height tasks on their particular shift. To ensure that contractors passes has been issued.

Building Services Manager: To ensure that they complete the How to Permit to Work, How to be Safe Around the Club and How to be Safe in an Emergency e-learning module on my journey. To ensure a permit to work is completed (if needed – please check section 8.9-) before the works start (Authorised by General Manager or Service Manager) every time in house working at height tasks are required. To complete and authorise Working at Height permits for contractors. To ensure that before working at height commences, the hierarchy of controls is followed, adequate equipment is being used and works are carried out in a safe manner as per the Risk Assessment and/or Working at Height Policy. To ensure that contractors passes has been issued.

Regional Health and Safety Manager: To periodically monitor the implementation of this policy, coach and train the staff when necessary. To complete a Working at Height Risk Assessment at all sites. To ensure that emergency rescue arrangements for fall arrest systems are documented in the risk assessment using the help of the Regional Building Service Manager.

Regional Building Services Manager and Head of Club Investment: Ensure that all works are coordinated by them where scaffolding is to be used; a risk assessment from the contractor is produced and sent to the Safety Team for approval before the works commence.

8. ARRANGEMENTS:

At Virgin Active sites these are the usual types of Working at Height tasks that might take place:

 Working on a Stepladder or Ladder.  Access to a different level via a Ladder or a Fixed Ladder.  Erecting, Dismantling and working on an Access Tower  Erecting, Dismantling and working on a Scaffold.  Working on a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP).  Working on a permanent platform. (i.e. roof)

8.1 Risk Assessment Process

The Regional Health and Safety Manager will conduct a periodic Working at Height risk assessment at all Virgin Active sites. On it they will advise on the most adequate equipment to be used for each of the most typical tasks and identify all the relevant control measures that should take place including the correct training.

When risk assessing a particular task, the Regional Health and Safety Manager will take the following in account:

 Working conditions: Slopes or poor ground conditions; obstructions; fragile surfaces, & floor loading.  Distance to be climbed: Portable ladders are less suitable for higher climbs, particularly if loads are carried.  Duration and frequency of use: Longer duration or regular jobs generally justify a better standard of fall protection.

 Distance and consequences of a potential fall.

When assessing a Working at Height task Virgin Active will apply the hierarchy of control which will be as follows:

1. Working at height will be avoided if possible. 2. Prevent falls using existing workplace e.g roof work activity being conducted on a flat non fragile roof 2m away from the edge on and using a MEWP or access towers. 3. Prevent falls using collective equipment e.g guard rails. 4. Prevent falls using personal protection equipment e.g using a fall restraint system 5. Mitigate distance using PPE e.g using a fall arrest system. 8.2 Falling Objects

When conducting works at height, Virgin Active must do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent anything falling, ensuring that nothing is thrown or tipped from height if it is likely to injure anyone and stored in such a way that its movement is unlikely to injure anyone.

If this is not practical and the workplace contains an area in which there is a risk of someone being struck by a falling object or person, the operators must ensure that the area is clearly indicated by a sign and cordoned off and that (as far as reasonably practicable) unauthorised people are unable to reach it. Hard hats must be worn by the worker at height and operators below.

8.3 Stepladders & Ladders

8.3.1 General Precautions

A ladder/step ladder should only be used for Working at Height:  If work requires being in one position for a maximum of 30 minutes.  Avoid holding items when climbing if possible (consider using a tool belt). If this is not possible, only carry items which are light and weigh 10kg or less and where one hand is free to grip the ladder.  For light work. They are not suitable for strenuous or heavy work. If a task involves a worker carrying or holding more than 10kg it will need to be justified by the risk assessment conducted by a member of the Safety Team.  Where a handhold is available on the ladder or stepladder.  Where three points of contact can be maintained (this means a hand and two feet) at the work position on a ladder or step ladder.

 Where a handhold cannot be maintained, other than for a brief period of time, other measures will be needed to prevent a fall or reduce the consequences of one (for example securing the ladder or stepladder by tying it into a suitable point, or if not possible securely wedging the ladder from the bottom. Footing is the last resort).  If overreaching is not required to perform the task.  If the task can be carried out having the steps facing the work activity.  When the operator has been trained in following e-learning courses on my journey:  How to Permit to Work  How to be Safe Around the Club  How to be Safe in an Emergency  If it doesn’t involve conducting work within 6m horizontally of any overhead power lines, unless the line owner has made them dead or protected with temporary insulation.  Weather is suitable (no strong or gusting winds, no heavy rain, adequate lighting conditions, etc).  The user is wearing robust and clean (not thick with mud) footwear.

With regards to the set-up of a ladder or step ladder, they must only be used:  On firm ground (Or spreading the load, e.g.: using a board).  On level ground. (For ladders with back slope of 6° and a side slope of 16° - with leveled rungs - are accepted. Ladders can be leveled using specially designed devices).  On clean solid surfaces.  Don’t stand ladders on moveable objects, such as pallets, bricks, lift trucks, tower scaffolds, excavator buckets, vans, or mobile elevating work platforms.  Where they will not be struck by vehicles or pushed over by other hazards such as doors or windows or pedestrians might walk under or near them. Barriers, cones or other methods of control must be in place at all times if the work is being carried out in a high pedestrian traffic area. As a last resort, a person standing guard at the base can be used. A ladder must never be left unattended.

Fig 1: Ladder showing maximum angles on slide slope and back slope

8.3.2 Specific Precautions for Stepladders

When working on step ladders the following must be taken in account:

 Work that imposes side loading should be avoided.  Steps should always face the work activity. (If this is not possible tying the stepladder or a different method must be considered).  Maintain three points of contact at the working position. This means two feet and one hand, or when both hands need to be free for a brief period, two feet and the body supported by the stepladder.  The top two steps must not be used; unless a suitable handrail is available.  The top three steps must not be used where a step forms the very top of the stepladder.  The restraint devices on stepladders can be fully opened and any locking device is engaged.

8.3.3 Specific precautions for Ladders

When working on ladders the following must be taken in account:

 Avoid holding items when climbing if possible (consider using a tool belt). If this is not possible, only carry items which are light and weigh 10kg or less and where one hand is free to grip the ladder  The top three rungs must not be used.  Ladders must not rest against weak upper surfaces. Alternatively a spreader bar or stand-off devices can be used.  Ladders must be put up at the correct angle of 75°.

8.3.4 Selection and Inspection of Ladder/Stepladders

The table below shows the three main ladder classifications. Virgin Active sites must purchase minimum of “Class EN131” ladders for metal and timber ladders and new BS7553 for loft ladders.

Metal and Timber Ladders

Maximum Static Vertical Classification Duty Rating Application Symbol Load

Class 1 130 kg 175 kg Industrial

Class EN131 115 kg 150 kg Commercial

Class III 95 kg 125 kg Domestic

Loft Ladders Maximum Static Vertical Classification Duty Rating Application Load

BS7553 Heavy 150kg Heavy Use

Class H Existing Ladders

BS7553 General 100kg Domestic

Class G Existing Ladders

BS EN14975

New 150kg Heavy Use If purchasing a new ladders

All Virgin Active ladders, loft ladders and stepladders will be marked with an ID number. 3 monthly inspections will be conducted by the Building Services Team to ensure all elements are in good state, checking for loose, broken, cracked or missing steps or in bad condition. (Fix it code: LAD/03m).

In addition to this, a pre-use check must be carried out by the users each before the ladder is used.:

The aim of pre-use checks is to ensure a ladder/stepladder is not used and is put out of order:  If stiles are bent or damaged.  If the feet are bent, missing or loose.  If the rungs are missing or worn or damaged.  If the locking bars are bent or the fixings are worn or damaged.  If the feet are missing, worn or damaged.  If the step platform is split or buckled  If the fixings are loose. 8.4 Access to a different level via a ladder/fixed ladder.

Ladders used for access should overhang at least 1m above the landing point and be secured (fixing bolts must be in place to secure the ladder if the task occurs frequently and/or manual handling is involved). Stepladders must not be used for access to another level unless they have been designed for that purpose.

With fixed ladders, the final part of the ladder must also be extended at least one meter beyond the end of the platform to minimise the risk of falling because of lack of grip (Please note that this might not be possible in fixed ladders from balance tanks on the ground). If the ladder does not extend 1 meter past a landing point a handholds or other means of achieving stability is in place in an appropriate location such as the top of the tank or on the ceiling.

If the fixed access ladder is higher than 2.5 meters it must have perimeter protection at least from that height.

Ladder guards or similar devices must be in place on fixed access ladders located in areas that might be accessible to the public to prevent unauthorized access. The rest of the precautions to be taken would be the same as for normal ladders.

High level lifeguard chairs must be checked on a three monthly frequency as per FixIt (PLGCC/03M) and at the beginning of each lifeguard shift (AM-PM Swimming Pool Checks). Safe access and egress training is included as part of Virgin Active’s only recognised pool lifeguarding qualification (NPLQ).

8.5 Access Tower

When a ladder is not deemed suitable for a certain task because of excessive height, manual handling or any other reason specified in previous sections, the use of an access tower must be taken into account (Usually access towers are not designed to be erected above 40 ft/ 12m). The access tower must be suitable and strong enough for the task.

Access Towers may be purchased or rented depending on the frequency of use from VA buy.

When erecting/dismantling and working on an Access Tower the following must be taken in account:

 The tower must rest on firm, level ground with the locked castors or base plates properly supported. Bricks or building blocks must not be used to take the weight of any part of the tower.  Towers must never be erected to heights above those recommended by the manufacturer.  Stabilisers or outriggers must be always installed when advised to do so in the instruction manual.  Unless the tower has been specifically designed for such use, activities such as those listed below must not be carried out: - Sheeting or exposure to strong winds to heavy rain, inadequate lighting conditions, etc - Loading with heavy equipment (Safe Working Load clearly marked and never exceeded); and - Using the tower to hoist materials or support rubbish chutes.  There must be a safe way to get to and from the work platform. This must be on the inside of the tower by an appropriately designed built-in ladder. It is not safe to climb up the rungs on the end frames unless the rungs have been specifically designed for the purpose of getting to and from the working platform.  The working platform must be provided with suitable edge protection and toe boards. Guard rails should be at least 950 mm high and an intermediate guard rail should be provided so the unprotected gap does not exceed 470 mm.  A tower must not be used: - As a support for ladders, trestles or other access equipment. - In weather conditions which are likely to make it unstable. - With broken or missing parts. - With incompatible components. - If the Safe Working Load is exceeded.  When moving a tower: - Height must be reduced to a maximum of 4m. - It must be checked that there are no power lines or other obstructions overhead. - It must be checked that the ground is firm, level and free from potholes. - It must be pushed or pulled using manual effort from the base only – never using powered vehicles. - Must never be done while there are people or materials on the tower. - Must never be done in windy conditions.  When towers are used in public places (front of house areas), the following precautions are required: - Barriers must be erected at ground level to prevent people from walking into the tower or work area. If there is risk of falling objects, the use of hard hat by nearby workers needs to be assessed. - Storage of materials and equipment must be minimized on the working platform

- Access ladders must be removed or boarded over to prevent unauthorised access if it is to remain in position unattended.  When erecting & dismantling the tower, this must be done following the manufacturer’s instruction manual, ensuring that the components are removed in the correct sequence.

8.5.2 Inspection regime and Storage:

For towers from which it is possible to fall 2 m or more the following documented inspections arrangements must take place (See Access Towers Inspection Report template) in the following situations:

- Inspection after assembly or significant alteration.by a qualified persons ( see 8.5.3 Training) - If the Access Tower is going to remain assembled for a long period it must be re-inspected at least every 7 days. - Re-inspection after any event likely to have affected its stability or structural integrity, such as adverse weather conditions.

A tower from which it is possible to fall a distance of less than 2m must also be inspected before assembly, before use and after any event likely to have affected its stability or structural integrity and at suitable intervals depending on frequency and conditions of use. However, these inspections do not need to be recorded.

Before storage components should be dismantled, checked and cleaned. Proper stacking will reduce any damage and will make identification of the components easier. Access Towers must not be stored in aggressive environments such as Pool Plant Rooms.

8.5.3 Training

Only competent persons qualified by The “PASMA” Towers for Users Course” (Or “PASMA Low Level Access Course” for those using prefabricated Access Towers work from prefabricated units of less than 2.5 metres of height) will be authorised to erect, dismantle and conduct inspections.

8.6 Scaffolding

8.6.1 General Precautions:

Scaffolding must only be erected, changed and dismantled by an approved and competent contractor with prior consent of the relevant Regional Building Services Manager or the Projects Team at Head Office and after the review of the contractor’s risk assessments/method statements by a member of the Safety Team.

When a scaffold is not available for use, including during assembly, dismantling & alteration, the scaffold must be marked with a general warning sign.

Unless a scaffold is of basic configuration described in the recognised guidance e.g. NASC Technical Guidance TG20 for Tube and Fitting Scaffolds or Manufacturers' Guidance for System Scaffolds, the scaffold must be designed by calculation, by a competent person, to ensure it will have adequate strength and stability.

All scaffolding must be erected, dismantled and altered in accordance with either NASC Guidance Document SG4 for Tube and Fitting Scaffolds or the Manufacturers' Guide for System Scaffolds.

A competent scaffold inspector (referred in 8.6.2) should issue a hand over certificate to the person/company using the scaffold. This is a safety document which is accepted by the HSE as evidence of first inspection.

An inspection report will be obtained for any lifting equipment attached to the scaffold which falls under LOLER before the scaffold is used.

To prevent use by unauthorised persons of incomplete scaffolds, relevant warning signs identifying the areas where access is not permitted should be displayed at the access points to these areas. In addition, access to the incomplete areas should be prevented by suitable physical means.

If in place for more than one day, the scaffolding must be inspected prior to use each day and at the end of the working period, a suitable barrier must be installed and ladders removed to prevent unauthorised access. Foam protection for pedestrian and/or luminous signs must be in place if the scaffolding is not fully visible at night.

The scaffold inspection report should note any defects and corrective actions taken, even when those actions are taken promptly as this assists with the identification of any recurring problems. This report will be kept for a minimum of 3 years.

8.6.2 Training

As a minimum requirement, every scaffold team should contain an appropriately qualified scaffolder for the type and complexity of the scaffold to be erected, altered or dismantled. This may be an individual who has received training under an industry recognised training scheme, e.g. CISRS, and has been awarded the scaffolder card or someone who has received training under a recognised manufacturer/supplier scheme, e.g. SA-FE, to the limit of the configuration(s) involved.

Trainee scaffolders should always work under the direct supervision of a qualified scaffolder (i.e. a working foreman). Scaffolders are classed as 'trainees' until they have completed the approved training and assessment required to be deemed qualified.

Erection, alteration and dismantling of complex designed scaffolding (e.g. suspended scaffolds, shoring, temporary roofs etc) should be done under the direct supervision of a competent person. This may be a qualified advanced scaffolder, a design engineer providing they possess the necessary industry experience or alternatively an individual who has received training under a recognised manufacturer/supplier scheme to the limit of the configuration(s) involved.

All scaffolding inspection must be carried out by a person whose training and competence reflects the type and complexity of the scaffold they are inspecting. Examples of competency include the Construction Industry Scaffolders Registration Scheme (CISRS) or an industry experienced individual who has received training under a recognised manufacturer/supplier scheme e.g. Safe Access-Fall Elimination (SA-FE) for the specific configuration he is inspecting.

8.7 Mobile Elevation Working Platform (MEWP)

At Virgin Active, MEWP such as vertical “scissor” lifts or self-propelled boom might be used by contractors or by in-house Building Services staff, if adequately trained. In special circumstances, when advised by a risk assessment, a MEWP might be even purchased and kept onsite. If practicable, vertical

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Transport and delivery to site: Height, space & floor weight constraints should be taken in to account for Virgin Active site.

Storage/charging area: When not in use, the MEWP should be kept in a flat secure designated area and with the motor switched off, the working platform lowered to its parking position and the brakes applied. When not in use all keys should be removed from the MEWP to make sure it cannot be used by unauthorised persons.

Hazards during positioning and work: When positioning a MEWP it must be done on a firm even terrain, well away from overhead power lines (6m). If materials are being handled, consideration must be taken with regards to basket maximum weight and length of materials, as a long load not properly balanced across the basket could overbalance the MEWP. Where necessary an appropriate material handling attachment must be fitted. Pedestrian/vehicle segregation barriers must be in place to minimise the risk of collision and falling objects. Also, the use of hard hat by nearby workers needs to be assessed.

The planned route of the MEWP must be well away from power lines, pipe bridges, arches or trees. Working in strong winds to heavy rain, inadequate lighting conditions, etc must be avoided. Climbing out of the basket/ overreaching is not normally recommended and must not take place unless subjected to a specific risk assessment conducted by a member of the Safety Team.

This risk assessment will include provision of fall restraint systems clipped onto suitable anchor points. 8.7.2 Inspection regime:

The trained operator (Building Services staff, if in-house) is responsible for carrying out a basic daily/pre use inspection and function check. Records of these checks will usually be equipment specific and must be documented. If encountering a fault with the MEWP the controls must be isolated and the machine tagged until the defects are corrected.

MEWP and any material handling attachments must be thoroughly examined at least every six months by a competent person as per LOLER requirements.

For hired /contractors, a copy of the last report must be requested and if the report shows any defects, confirmation of remedial works must be requested.

In addition to this, all MEWP’s must follow an inspection regime in-between thorough examination as per manufacturer’s recommendations. These inspections must be documented and will be carried out by an external company authorised by the manufacturer or by a qualified in-house Building Services Staff.

8.7.3 Training

All MEWP operators must attend a recognised operator training course. On successful completion of the course they will receive a certificate, card or ‘license’, e.g. IPAF’s Powered Access Licence (PAL) or Construction Skills’ CPCS card, which clearly identifies the bearer and lists the categories of MEWP they are trained to operate and the training expiry date.

Even if they are fully qualified, Virgin Active staff must be familiarised with the MEWP by a competent person (prior to commencement of work) before being authorised to operate a particular make or model. This training must be documented (Filed in the Safety Learning Folder) and must cover: manufacturer’s warnings and safety instructions, specific control functions, safety devices, operating limitations, emergency lowering procedures, safe working loads, maximum number of people who can be carried; and the maximum operating speed.

8.7.4 Emergency and Rescue Procedures

With regards to emergency and rescue procedures, There will always be a member of staff (or contractor if they are doing the works) who will be trained on how to lower the working platform to deal with emergency rescues of an operator unable to take control of the situation (i.e operator falling outside the cage with a fall arrest system or unconscious) using the emergency ground controls. These persons should be included in the familiarisation training for specific machines being used on site. Please note that this training will not make them competent to operate the equipment if they don’t hold a recognised qualification.

8.8 Working on a Permanent Platform

Working platforms must be suitable, of sufficient dimensions of sufficient strength and rigidity. Particular attention should be paid to weather conditions, avoiding work in extremely hot, icy or windy or low lighting conditions. If required, loose objects must be secured onto the platform.

If work is to be conducted within 2 meters of the edge and when reasonably practicable; a guard-rail, middle guard rail and a toe-board should be fitted to avoid the risk of falling and being struck by falling objects. The top guard-rail or other similar means of protection shall be at least 1,100 mm (950 mm for means of protection already fixed at the coming into force of the Working at Height Regulations 2005) above the edge from which any person is liable to fall. Toe-boards shall be suitable and sufficient to prevent the fall of any person, or any material or object, from any place of work.

When installing guardrails is not reasonably practicable or the roof is on a slope, a Fall Restraint (lanyard/adjustable lanyard) anchored into a horizontal “life line” will be in place to avoid the risk of a possible fall.

If a fall restraint cannot be maintained using a lanyard/adjustable lanyard, the site can purchase a long safety rope and a rope grab which is a device that travels along a lifeline and will lock onto it in the event of a fall. This will keep the worker in restraint.

If the Building Services team feel that they cannot use this system, they must contact their Regional Building Service Manager for more advice.

A fall arrest system can be used if a fall restraint system is not suitable. A typical fall arrest system will take 5 metres to deploy so there must be adequate clearance for the lanyard and energy absorber to deploy. Protection against sharp edges may be needed if the lanyard can come into contact with e.g. a sharp roof edge on deployment. A fall arrest system must only be used after the approval of the Regional Building Service Manager and a site specific rescue plan has been put in to place by the Regional Health and Safety Manager.

Only Virgin Active approved Man Safe Service Company will install fall restraints/arrest systems. The Man Safe Service Company will advise Virgin Active on the type and location of any anchor points which will be required for the work task.

Moveable parts to plant and equipment (such as extract fans) which is on the roof will be protected by guards if there is a risk of people tripping near the equipment.

Where work takes place on or near fragile surfaces, Virgin Active will identify all fragile surfaces (e.g. asbestos cement sheet, plastic sheet, sky lights, corroded metal sheet, glass, wood, wool slabs, roof lights, bridged materials in silos, and crusted surfaces of sludge lagoons) and fix warning notices at the access points and/or onto these areas.

Easily accessible permanently fixed access ladders should be blocked off (e.g. by boards over rungs) when access is not required. An alternative is to have removable bottom sections.

Work on or near fragile surfaces should be carefully planned. Work on, from or near fragile surfaces should be avoided e.g. by using a MEWP or tower scaffold to access the work from underneath. If this is not reasonably practicable a fall should be prevented by utilising work equipment such as guardrails, working platforms and coverings, fall restraint systems etc.

8.8.2 Inspection regime

New fall restraint/arrest systems must be checked prior to use to make sure they are appropriate for the intended use, that they operate correctly and that they are in good condition; all equipment should be checked before each use.

Defect which can occur are:

 A knot in the lanyard, other than those intended by the manufacturer  Surface abrasion across the face of the webbing and at the webbing loops, particularly if localised  Changes to the fabric colour  Abrasion at the edges, particularly if localised  Cuts to the webbing, rope or stitching, particularly at the edges (eg where the lanyard may have been choke-hitched around steel work)  Chemical attack which can result in local weakening and softening - often indicated by flaking of the surface. There may also be a change to the colour of the fibres  Heat or friction damage indicated by fibres with a glazed appearance which may feel harder than surrounding fibrer

 Damaged or deformed fittings (eg karabiners)  UV-degradation which is difficult to identify, loss of colour (if dyed) and a powdery surface can indicate this  Partially deployed energy absorber (eg short pull-out of tear webbing)  Contamination (eg with dirt, grit, sand etc) which may result in internal or external abrasion.

In addition to visual pre-use checks, life lines and anchor points for fall arrest / fall restraint systems will be serviced by an external competent contractor on an annual basis. Damaged equipment must be taken out of service immediately.

Fall arrest/restraint equipment must be:  Kept clean and dry and properly stored  Thoroughly dried before storage, if it has become wet  Only altered or repaired when approved by the manufacturer

8.8.3 Training

The same company that carries out the servicing of the life line and fall restraint/arrest systems will train the relevant staff on their safe use. This must either be documented on a Virgin Active training form or a certificate can be obtained which is issued by the trainer. Only trained staff will be authorised to work on platforms or roofs using a fall arrest system.

8.8.4 Emergency Rescue Arrangements in Fall Arrest Systems

An emergency rescue plan will only be required for sites that use a fall arrest system.

Staff will only conduct a rescue if they are qualified first-aiders and trained in the use of a harness and a man safe.

A risk assessment will determine if a site emergency rescue action plan is needed.

The site emergency rescue action plan will determine if a casualty suspended on a fall arrest system will be reachable with the help of a ladder, or preferably a MEWP as any fall could lead to an individual becoming unconscious due to hitting building protrusions, window sills, signs etc.

If the casualty is unconscious only a MEWP would be deemed suitable.

If the rescuer is unable to immediately release a conscious casualty from a suspended position, elevation of the legs by the casualty or rescuer where safely possible may prolong tolerance of suspension.

If the above is not practicable; another method to carry out the work task will be considered (i.e. the use of contractors) and authorised by the Building Services Team.

8.9 Permit to Work

Prior to any Working at Height task, the authoriser must check the following prior to a permit to work being issued:

 Can the work be done without working at Height?  Are there a minimum of 3 persons involved (the worker, the watcher1 & the emergency contact – holding a first aid or emergency first aid qualification-)?  Are they trained in the Permit To Work e-leaning module & relevent risk assessments?  If a Contractor is involved, have the appropriate Risk Assessments, Method Statements and relevant qualifications/certification (if applicable) been obtained?

The permit to work must be printed from Connect which can be found in Safety/Safety Management System/10. Working at Height/Policy/Annexes, authorised and issued by the General Manager or Service Manager on shift during in house working at height operations or issued by Building Services Manager if the works at height are conducted by a contractor. The permit to work must be completed fully, ensuring that all personnel involved has been listed on permit and in permanent communication at all times. All control measures must be in place before work commences and the relevant personnel must print and sign their on the permit once they are happy that the information on the permit is correct and the control measures are in place. Once the work is completed, the permit must be closed by the authoriser (General Manager/Service Manager on shift (In House) or Building Services Manager (Contractor)). The authoriser of the permit must stay at the site until works are completed. The only exception being if in house works at height are required to be completed over night, then the authoriser/issuer of the permit must be the late Service Manager on shift and closer of the permit must be the early Service Manager on shift the next day. All

1 Please note the reasoning behind a watcher is to avoid lone working (i.e. Two people working on Scaffolding is deemed acceptable). The watcher and the emergency contact can be the same person.

UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN PRINTED, CHECK CONNECT FOR LATEST VERSION Page 25 of 29 SP10 Working at Height v 0.3 permits required for any overnight works at height conducted by a contractor will be completed by the Building Services Manager. All completed permits must be filed in the Permit Folder. The following works at height will be subjected to a permit to work system:

- Work on a ladder or step ladder when manual handling, lack of handhold or working point is higher than 4 metres. - Erection, dismantling and work on an Access Tower. - Erection, dismantling and work on Scaffolding. - Work on a MEWP. - Work on a roof with no guard rails within 2 metres of the edge & using a fall restraint/arrest system.

9. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS AND RECORDKEEPING:

Name Location (Template) Owner To be kept in To be kept for RA/SP01/01/V2 Connect/Document Library/Safety/Safety Head of Member & Employee Risk Assessment Ladders & Management System/10 Working at Height/RA Safety 3 years Stepladders

RA/SP01/02/V2 Permanent Platform Connect/Document Library/Safety/Safety Head of Member & Employee Risk Assessment 3 years and Fixed Access Management System/10 Working at Height/RA Safety Ladder RA/SP01/03/V2 Connect/Document Library/Safety/Safety Head of Member & Employee Risk Assessment Access Tower & Management System/10 Working at Height/RA Safety 3 years Scaffolding

RA/SP01/04/V2 Connect/Document Library/Safety/Safety Head of Member & Employee Risk Assessment 3 years MEWP Management System/10 Working at Height/RA Safety

Connect/Document Library/Safety/Safety Working at Height Head of Member & Employee Management System/10 Working at Risk Assessment Safety 3 years Permit to Work Height/Policy/Annexes

Connect/Document Library/Safety/Safety Access Tower Head of Member & Employee Management System/10 Working at Risk Assessment Safety 3 years Inspection Report Height/Policy/Annexes

Annex I: Access Tower Inspection Report

ANNEXES:

UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN PRINTED, CHECK CONNECT FOR LATEST VERSION Page 29 of 29