Unit 1 — Workplace Safety and Equipment Management

Section 3 — Access Equipment

3.2 Hazard Identification & Safe Work Practices

Before climbing, ascending in a lift, or working on a scaffold, identify all potential hazards in the work area. Understanding these hazards and applying the correct controls is the foundation of safe work at height.

Hazards Covered in This Lesson

▲ 3.2.1 Fall Hazards ■ 3.2.1 Structural / Collapse ⚡ 3.2.1 Electrical ⬤ 3.2.1 Struck-By & Falling Object ☁ 3.2.1 Environmental △ 3.2.2 Fall Protection Hierarchy

3.2.1 Common Hazards Associated with Access Equipment

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Fall Hazards

Leading Cause of Injury

Unguarded edges, holes, and openings in elevated surfaces.
Improperly secured or unstable equipment — ladders not tied off, scaffold not braced.
Slippery rungs, platforms, or decks due to ice, water, grease, or mud.
Overreaching beyond the side rails of a ladder or the guardrails of a platform.

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Structural / Collapse Hazards

Overloading platforms beyond their rated working load capacity.
Inadequate footing or foundation beneath scaffold base plates or outriggers.
Missing or improperly installed cross-braces on scaffolding frames.
Damaged, corroded, or bent scaffold components used in assembly.

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Electrical Hazards

Working near overhead power lines or energized equipment with metal ladders or conductive scaffold tubes.
Using aerial lifts on wet surfaces near electrical panels.

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Important

Always identify and maintain minimum approach distances to overhead power lines before positioning any access equipment. Contact the utility or site supervisor to confirm lines are de-energized when in doubt.

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Struck-By and Falling-Object Hazards

Tools or materials dropped from elevated platforms onto workers below.
Toeboards and debris nets must be in place on all scaffold platforms where work is performed over occupied areas.

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Environmental Hazards

High winds affecting aerial lift stability and scaffold integrity.
Soft or uneven ground causing scaffold or outrigger settlement.
Ice, snow, and rain increasing fall risk on platforms and rungs.

3.2.2 Hierarchy of Fall Protection Controls

The hierarchy of controls must be applied from most preferred to least preferred. Do not rely on a lower-ranked control when a higher-ranked one is reasonably practicable.

Elimination

Redesign the task to eliminate the need to work at heights entirely — e.g., assemble components at ground level before lifting into place.

Passive Protection

Install guardrails and safety nets that protect all workers automatically, without requiring active participation or equipment to be worn.

Fall Restraint

Use a lanyard and anchor point that prevent the worker from reaching the fall hazard zone. No fall occurs — movement is simply restricted.

Fall Arrest

Use a full-body harness with shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline to stop a fall once it occurs. Requires a rescue plan.

Administrative Controls

Establish safe work procedures, permit-to-work systems, and training programs to reduce exposure to fall hazards through planning and behaviour.

PPE — Last Line of Defence

Hard hats, non-slip footwear, and other personal protective equipment. Used when higher controls are not reasonably practicable or as supplemental protection.

3.2.3 General Safe Work Practices

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Before Starting Work

Conduct a formal hazard assessment and document it on the appropriate form.
Inspect all access equipment and complete a pre-use inspection checklist.
Ensure all required permits (e.g., hot work, confined space, aerial lift) are obtained.
Brief all workers on the hazards identified and the controls in place.
Verify that overhead power lines are de-energized or that appropriate approach limits are in place.

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During Work

Critical Practices

Maintain three points of contact when climbing ladders — two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.
Never carry tools or materials in your hands while climbing; use a tool bag or hand line.
Keep the work area directly in front of you; do not overreach.
Do not exceed the rated load capacity of any access equipment.
Keep platforms clear of unnecessary materials and tripping hazards.
Wear fall protection when required by regulation or site rules.

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After Work

Secure or remove access equipment to prevent unauthorized use.
Retract and lock aerial lift controls when the machine is unattended.
Document any defects discovered during use and tag defective equipment out of service.
Store ladders and scaffold components as per manufacturer recommendations.

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Safety Warning — Environmental Conditions

Critical

Never use access equipment in wet, icy, or high-wind conditions unless it is specifically rated and equipped for those conditions.

Wind speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph) typically require the suspension of all elevated work.
Consult your employer’s site-specific safety plan for minimum acceptable operating conditions.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific equipment being used.