Global Policy Standard

HS&W S08
Global WorkStandard
Policy at Height
Working in The Vodafone Way

Objective/Risk Ronald
Policy Owner Schellekens
The purpose of this Policy Standard is to minimise the risks
associated with working at height.

Policy Champion Kevin Furniss

Version/Date Version 1.2

Scope and Compliance

This Policy Standard applies to all Vodafone companies and joint ventures with an interest of 50% or
more, or management control. The requirements of this standard also apply to all Vodafone suppliers and
sub-contractors.

This should be considered as a minimum requirement. Local legislation or specific local requirements
which extend beyond the requirements in this standard will take preference.

Compliance levels will be monitored on a regular basis and results reviewed by appropriate
governance bodies. Any breach will be treated as a serious disciplinary offence and may be subject to
disciplinary actions in accordance with the provisions of the relevant local HR policy.

Contents
1 Roles and responsibilities .................................................................................................................................... 2
2 Definitions .................................................................................................................................................................. 2
3 Policy Standard ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
4 Supporting documents .......................................................................................................................................... 4
5 Document history.................................................................................................................................................... 4

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1 Roles and responsibilities

The CEO/Group Functional Director is responsible for ensuring that all work at height activities are
conducted in line with the requirements of this standard..
HS&W Managers are responsible for providing advice on all work at height issues.
Line Managers are responsible for the communication of the requirements to all employees and
contractors under their control and monitoring compliance.
Employees are responsible for following all rules and instruction provided.

2 Definitions

Work at Height is any activity where a person could fall to a lower level including but not limited to:
Accessing rooftops.
Climbing masts and towers.
Rigging and maintaining antennas.
Using ladders to access areas or work above ground or floor level.
Using a mobile elevating work platform.
Using scaffolds.
Accessing underground areas.

Rooftop Worker / Occasional Climber is a role that involves working at height but uses climbing as a
means of access only. Work is always conducted on a flat level surface i.e. a rooftop or platform.

Advanced Climber / Rigger is a role that involves working in a position at height away from a ladder or
platform using work positioning or rope access.

MEWP Mobile Elevated Work Platform.

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3 Policy Standard

3.1 A system must be in place to ensure that all persons working at height for Vodafone:

3.1.1 Are trained in line with requirements contained in Group HS&W Working at Height
Guidance.
3.1.2 Are authorised to be on site and have the necessary permit(s).
3.1.3 Are aware of and have assessed the risks associated with the task.
3.1.4 Are provided with and have been trained in the use of the Personal Protective Equipment
required for working at height. See Group HS&W Working at Height Guidance.
3.1.5 Are medically fit to conduct the task.

3.2 All work at height activities should be controlled using a permit to work process. Details on the
requirements for the operation of permit to work processes are contained in the Group HS&W
G12 Permits to Work Guidance.

3.3 When conducting working at height activities on network sites, staff and contractors must:

3.3.1 Only carry out tasks for which they have been trained.
3.3.2 Follow all instructions provided.
3.3.3 Be attached to the structure at all times.
3.3.4 Not work within 2 meters of an unprotected edge without being attached to a stable
structure.
3.3.5 Always wear a full body harness.
3.3.6 Wear appropriate footwear.
3.3.7 Report any deviation in agreed working procedures to their line manager prior to
conducting the task.
3.3.8 Report any medical conditions which may affect their ability to conduct the task safely.

3.4 When conducting work at height activities using ladders staff and contractors must ensure that:

3.4.1 Ladders are only used for temporary work at height.

3.4.2 The ladder used is suitable for the task.
3.4.3 Group HS&W Working at Height Guidance on ladders is adhered to.

3.5 When conducting work at height activities using scaffolding staff and contractors must ensure
that:

3.5.1 Scaffolding is erected and dismantled by suitably trained and certified personnel.
3.5.2 Scaffolding shall be suitably anchored and secured at all times.
3.5.2 Scaffolding is used, inspected and maintained in line with the requirements stated in
Group HS&W G008 Working at Height Guidance.

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3.6 When conducting work at height activities using MEWPs staff and contractors must ensure that:

3.6.1 MEWPs are fit for purpose and operated by trained personnel.
3.6.2 Staff remain attached at all times when elevated.

3.7 During work at height activities steps must be taken to:

3.7.1 Limit the likelihood of tools or equipment falling to a lower level.

3.7.2 Barrier off the area into which tools or equipment may fall into if dropped
3.7.3 Facilitate a safe rescue should a person working at height get into difficulty.

3.8 All training for working at height must:

3.8.1 Meet the minimum requirements stated in Group HS&W Working at Height Guidance.
3.8.2 Be delivered by a competent training organisation that has been reviewed and approved
by the Vodafone local team.
3.8.3 Must be reviewed at least annually.

3.9 All sites, buildings and installation must be designed so that the need to work at height is
minimised.

4 Supporting documents

See the following documents in the Guidance section of the Policy Standard index:
Group HS&W G08 Working at Height Guidance
Group HS&W G12 Permit to Work Guidance

5 Document history

Vers. Date Changes Other standards affected Approved by

1.2 20/02/2013 Added requirements for non- Kevin Furniss
network work at height.
Revised into new policy
standard template

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