Working at height: pre-start checklist

Site: ______________________   Date: ____________   Checked by: ______________________

01Plan the work

• Can the work be avoided or done from the ground (pre-assembly, extendable tools)?
• Risk assessment covers this task and has been reviewed for today's conditions. Risk Management Regs
• Fall prevention plan in place for the site (construction worksites, shipyards and other specified workplaces). Work at Heights Regs
• Permit-to-work issued and displayed where a person could fall more than 3 m. Work at Heights Regs
• Weather checked: no strong wind, lightning or heavy rain expected during the work.

02People

• Workers are trained for the task and the equipment they will use, and are fit to work today.
• A competent supervisor is assigned and on site.
• Hazards, controls and the rescue plan were covered in today's toolbox briefing.

03Access equipment

• Scaffold inspected by a competent person and tagged safe for use.
• Ladders in good condition, on firm footing, secured, and only used for short, light work.
• Mobile elevated work platforms inspected, ground firm and level, operator trained.

04Edges and openings

• Guard-rails and toe-boards fitted on all open sides and edges.
• Floor openings covered, secured against movement and marked.
• Fragile surfaces such as roof sheets and skylights identified and protected.

05Fall arrest

• Full-body harness inspected before use: webbing, stitching, buckles and labels.
• Lanyard or self-retracting lifeline suits the available fall clearance.
• Anchorage points identified, rated and used; workers stay attached when exposed to a fall.

06Falling objects

• Tools tethered and loose materials secured at height.
• Exclusion zone barricaded and signed below the work.

07Rescue

• Rescue plan can reach a suspended worker within minutes, and the equipment is on site.
• Rescue team knows the plan and emergency contacts are posted.

08Close out

• Openings re-covered, edge protection restored, area cleared and permit closed.

Sources and further reading

1. Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006 and the WSH (Work at Heights) Regulations 2013, on Singapore Statutes Online.
2. WSH (Risk Management) Regulations, on Singapore Statutes Online.
3. Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights, Workplace Safety and Health Council.
4. Working at heights guidance, Ministry of Manpower.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

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