AKM Fabrications

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  • AKM Fabrications
  • Unit J, Buckshaw Link
  • Ordnance Way, Buckshaw Village
  • Chorley, PR7 7EL

‘Action will be taken’ in absence of edge protection on fragile roofs

Edge protection

There are plenty of ways to improve safety on fragile roofs, from safety ladders to reach the roof at its strongest point, to walkovers on fragile expanses and edge protection to prevent falls.

And the HSE has once again made clear that sites where such measures are not installed will not be allowed to continue to operate unsafely, if they are spotted or reported.

One such site in Derby, where a steel-framed building was being clad, was inspected earlier this year.

During the May 2015 visit, a HSE inspector found workers on a fragile roof with no suitable measures to prevent a fall from height.

In a relatively fast investigation, the company has already been fined £15,000 for the breach, with £580 in costs.

HSE inspector Ian Whittles said: “This company was not adopting known standards for carrying out roof work.

“HSE will take enforcement action where standards are found to be poor.”

With a good combination of edge protection for loose objects and employees, walkovers to traverse fragile areas and safety ladders to get up and down, working at height can be safe and compliant, ready for any planned or surprise inspections that might occur.

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