QUESTION:
I am a landscape gardener and have lots of hedges to cut on various sites, the main of them are next to paths or drives. Some are next to lawns and 1 is at the back of a narrow flower bed approx 1.5m wide. The hedges vary in height from 1.5m to 4.0 m on average, with one stretching up to 10m.
I have a hedge trimmer that has a reach when raised above my head of 2.8m. This could make me less stable on a ladder or steps. What is the best all round method of access that I can purchase to cover most if not all of these job and sites?
ANSWER:
Stability when using tools at height, especially powered tools, is greatest when on a work platform. This is because your feet are planted on a firm and level basis, rather than balancing on a run.
A platform with a guard rail offers greater protection, as with many tools they require both hands to operate and do not allow for a handhold on the access equipment.
For your jobs you should undertake a risk assessment including the risk of falling or dropping items from high, which may injure you or someone below.
You then need to draw up measures for the way you work in order to eliminate or control the risk, including the selection of the most appropriate work access equipment.
Ladders and step ladders have their place when the work is of short duration and low risk.Our guidance on safe ladder use is at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/ladders.htm
You will also need to take into account costs, ease of transport, ease of erection when deciding on what equipment is right for your business.
There are a number of suppliers for a variety of ladders, work platforms, gantries that all play their part.
Source: http://webcommunities.hse.gov.uk/connect.ti/workheight/view?objectId=10835
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