Careful as we may be, it’s nearly impossible to completely remove the risk of debris or work instruments falling/being dropped while we’re working at height. In absolutely every risk assessment, this potential hazard will be acknowledged and an exclusion zone set up.
An exclusion zone is an established work area that is barred from access – unless you’re wearing the appropriate equipment. These zones are set up below the work area, and around the anchoring systems.
They do a few different things. First, as mentioned, the zone underneath the work area keeps third parties out of danger of falling objects (a potential bounce is even accounted for). Second, they prevent the possibility of anyone not attached to a safety line getting too close to the edge of a work area and falling. This is unlikely to happen, but with a little digging you could easily find examples of people falling from getting to close to an unprotected edge.
Finally, they prevent third parties working in the same area from inadvertently coming into contact with the ropes, and discourages any curious passerby’s from messing or tampering with the rope system. This is usually managed through a permit to work system.
All candidates shall show awareness of the need for creating and maintaining exclusion zones, and the role of permit to work systems.
L2 and L3 certifying techs will be asked to demonstrate competence creating and maintaining a site’s exclusion zone(s). Size requirements, types of barriers, and policing should be understood, and tech must be capable of implementing these requirements appropriately. Competence with the permit to work system must also be demonstrated.
This portion of the assessment may be practical or desk-based. As your TMC (training member company), we’ll make sure that you’re ready for both.
Additional resources to check out:
TACS 6.2.7 for the source material for this blog.
ICOP Part 2, 2.11.8 for a detailed look at exclusion zones, including working edge hazard zones and the protection of third parties.
Toolbox Talk: Dropped Objects (blog)
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This is part of an ongoing series, where we’re breaking down IRATA’s syllabus and clarifying exactly what ‘demonstrating competence’ and ‘demonstrating awareness’ means, and what will be expected of you on assessment day. To access the IRATA Study Guides, click below: