10 February 2010
Chris Nix

The Work at Height Regulations say that all equipment used on a project must be inspected and that records of those inspections should be kept on site. There’s no requirement in the Regs for a visual record of the inspection fixed to the equipment, but many leading companies find it’s the best way to track their compliance with the duty to maintain equipment in a fit state for use.

Visual tagging involves simply attaching a tag to an item of equipment that shows its asset ID, details of inspections, maintenance work and normal location, plus any other information about the equipment or area.

The dos

Tags must be clearly visible where no effort is required for workers to see them. On scaffolding, for example, tags should be attached to all legal access points, that is, the ladders and stairways. It is also imperative that the correct tag is used.

There is a wide variety on the market that help employers meet their legislative requirements for equipment inspection. Specifically for work at height, visual tags are available for scaffolding, mobile towers, podiums, ladders and fall
arrest equipment.

Mechanical and electrical services specialist Bancroft uses a visual tagging system for its podium inspections. Jason Dodd, health and safety director for Bancroft says it adds an extra layer of protection on top of the firm’s other controls.

“We use visual tagging systems for our podiums to control inspections, maintenance and identification,” says Dodd. “The tag contains a quick-reference podium inspection checklist to run through each time before a podium is given the all clear. The podiums can only be used if they are physically signed off onsite by trained supervisors or managers.” 

The system really helps as it gives an immediate indication that the equipment has been inspected and passed or failed. Likewise, it will also show if the equipment is unsafe as the insert can be removed to display ‘Do Not Use’ on the holder.”

The don’ts

One of the benefits of visual tagging is the simplicity of the tag and holder system. Many newer systems on the market have  come up with different systems that are often too complicated and not as effective. However, some systems can be over-simplified.

Using a basic colour coding system such as paint or cable ties to indicate that the equipment has been inspected may meet the minimum requirements but falls short of the best practice that tagging solutions can offer.

The colour-coded system, still widely used, is frowned upon by the HSE for its over-simplicity. The HSE maintains that simply marking equipment doesn’t make a full history of the item immediately apparent to the user. Whether equipment is colour coded using paint or cable ties, the system can be open to misinterpretation.

A visual tag should never carry the message “safe to use”. An item of equipment is only certified safe at the time of inspection. A number of things could change the status between the time of inspection and the point of use. An effective visual tagging system will clearly state the equipment was safe at the time it was last inspected.

With a multitude of pressures being placed on businesses to improve productivity, efficiency and profit, there is always a danger that safety is viewed as an irritant in achieving those goals.

 Ignoring simple safety responsibilities can potentially result in accidents or incidents which can cost businesses substantial sums of money in fines over and above the physical impact on their workforces and damage to their business reputations.

Chris Nix is UK sales manager at asset tagging specialists Scafftag, www.scafftag.com

Categories:
Work at height, Article, Features

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