Working at height
Most major injuries in schools are caused by ‘low’ falls (below two metres) and involve stairs. But other activities are also involved, such as falls from desks or chairs while putting up displays and falls from ladders while putting up stage lighting.
Falls can and do happen anywhere in schools. They are most likely to happen when staff are under pressure such as towards the end of term and staff can be more at risk in older schools, as they may have high ceilings, stone stairs that can become slippery and windows that do not open easily.
Working at height arrangement
(*) EGfL login required. If you do not have an EGfL user account, send an email to EGfL webteam at egflwebteam@ealing.gov.uk
- Working at height arrangement
- Working from height - ladder inspection template
- Ladder safety checklist
- Types of ladders and step ladders
The links, guidance and example risk assessments below will help to identify and manage the risks from working at height in schools.
- Working at height - Guide for teachers/ class room assistants (pdf)
- Using ladders safely (HSE website)
- Health and safety checklist for classroom (pdf)
Example risk assessments
- Access to and from loft areas * login required
- Clearance of gutters * login required
- Contracted out work * login required
- Low level painting and maintenance * login required
- Replacing lamps * login required
- Retrieval of item from roof * login required
- Stage productions * login required
- Teaching staff activities * login required
- Using access tower scaffolds * login required
- Using ladders for access * login required
