Access and Scaffolding Best Practice is achieved by achieving Control in all work at height activity. Control is managed through proper organisation, planning and selection of appropriate equipment.

The Hierarchy of Control Measures was set out by the Work at Height Regulations 2005 to manage and select appropriate equipment for work at height.
 

Achieve Best Practice with Turner Advance Guardrails & Collective Protection

Use of the above produces best practice in Work at Height by adopting the highest possible standards as required by the extended objective levels of the Hierarchy of Measures that form the cornerstone of the UK Work at Height Regulations 2005, introduced in response to the pan-European Work at Height Directive.

Around the world, millions of people work safely on scaffolds and are prevented from falling by guardrails. Scaffolders, on the other hand, who build and dismantle scaffolds, and therefore, remove and install the guardrails, do not enjoy this safety. They have always been exposed to great dangers of falling and many have had to pay with their lives, building safety for others.

In recent times, there have been moves to increase safety through the use of safety harnesses. However, harnesses do not prevent, but can arrest falls, and therefore, seen necessary as a last resort. As it is often only possible to attach the anchoring point at foot level, falls happen which can both harm and possibly kill. And contrary to popular belief, the majority of fatal falls occur below the height of 4m – where harnesses are almost ineffective.

Harnesses, by their nature, also restrict movement, which not only slows down the work process, but also in itself can be dangerous.

The use of harnesses also imposes a duty on the user's employer to provide both a rescue plan and rescue resources capable of carrying out rescue and dealing with suspension trauma.

At Level 6 and 8 of the Hierarchy of Control Measures, typical Industry Practice does not conform to the standards set by the Work at Height Regulations 2005. If erectors are to meet the requirements under the Regulations, then Best Practice (Level 3) requires the use of Collective Protection Measures using Advance Guardrails or Collective Protection Units.