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LEGAL ACTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA
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Republic of Latvia

Cabinet
Regulation No. 143

Adopted 18 March 2014

Labour Protection Requirements when Working at a Height

Issued pursuant to
Section 25, Clause 17
of the Labour Protection Law

I. General Provisions

1. This Regulation prescribes the labour protection requirements when working at a height in order to prevent the risk to the safety and health of employees.

2. This Regulation applies to working at the places which are at a height of at least 1.5 m from the ground or any other safe surface, including work underground, if a fall is possible, on scaffolding, ladders, roofs, as well as using ropes and attachments (hereinafter - the work at a height).

II. Requirements for the Work at a Height and Work Organisation

3. Prior to commencing the work at a height, the employer shall evaluate the risks of the relevant working environment in conformity with the laws and regulations regarding the procedures for internal supervision of the working environment and determine the measures for reducing the risk of the working environment or for prevention thereof.

4. If it is envisaged to carry out the work at a height, especially if the working surface is made of non-durable materials, the working surface shall be fenced off and secured so that it would be stable, immobile, and would not cause risk to the safety and health of employees and other people, as well as the compliance with the ergonomics requirements and principles shall be ensured.

5. If, upon evaluating the risks of the working environment, it is established that taking into account the specific nature of the particular work and the circumstances of the working environment it is not possible to create the working environment in conformity with the requirements referred to in Paragraph 4 of this Regulation, the employer shall ensure work equipment:

5.1. which is the most appropriate for ensuring and maintaining safe working environment;

5.2. the dimensions and layout of which are suitable for the type of work and intended load to be carried and allows passage in safety.

6. It shall be permitted to carry out the work at a height only with an appropriate work equipment complying with the labour protection requirements of the laws and regulations, as well as using collective protective equipment which prevent the risk of a fall. If the use of such equipment is not possible due to the nature of the work, the employer shall ensure safe access to the workplace for employees and supply with personal protective equipment which have been designed and made in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding personal protective equipment and are provided for limiting and arresting a fall. The employer shall ensure the use of the work equipment and protective equipment according to the instruction and technical documentation of the manufacturer, as well as according to the requirements laid down in labour protection instructions.

7. When determining the most appropriate way of carrying out the work at a height, the number of employees and resources for the creation of safe working conditions, including the collective protective equipment and personal protective equipment for access to the workplace, the following shall be taken into account:

7.1. the height of carrying out work, the height to be negotiated, and the possibilities of access to the workplace;

7.2. the type of work, working conditions, and envisaged changes therein;

7.3. the duration of using the workplace and the frequency of passage of employees;

7.4. the durability of the working surface, the possibilities of installing protective equipment, including durability of safety points, as well as the specific nature of the work equipment to be used;

7.5. the fire hazards, explosion hazards, electrical hazards, and possibility of other risk factors;

7.6. the possibility of rescue operations in emergency cases;

7.7. the weather conditions;

7.8. the state of health of the employee.

8. Taking into account the type of work equipment selected, appropriate labour protection measures shall be provided for in order to prevent or to reduce, as much as possible, the risk to the safety and health of employees which is related to the use of such work equipment. If necessary, protection devices which prevent the risk of a fall shall be installed.

9. Equipment provided for the work at a height shall be easy to use, with configuration appropriate for the employee, and sufficiently strong in order to prevent or arrest a fall from a height and to ensure the employee against the possibility of injuring himself.

10. Materials, installations, and other work inventory which is necessary for the work at a height shall be moved in a way to ensure its stability and safety, particularly when in passage so that they do not cause risk to the safety and health of employees and other people. The employer shall ensure that employees have access to the tool bag or belt which is used in cases when falling of tools is possible when carrying out the work at a height, or ensure independent attaching of tools in a suspended condition.

11. It shall be permitted to carry out the work at a height for persons whose state of health has been evaluated in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the procedures for carrying out mandatory health examinations and conform to the work to be carried out and who have been trained in conformity with the requirements of the laws and regulations regarding training in labour protection issues taking into account the specific nature for the work at a height referred to in Paragraph 90 of this Regulation.

12. If the work at a height causes increased risk for the safety and health of employees (hereinafter - the work at a height under circumstances of increased hazard), the employer shall appoint at least two employees for carrying out of work who have received practical training for safe carrying out of work, for the use of work equipment and personal protective equipment for the work at a height.

13. It shall be permitted to carry out the work at a height only if weather conditions do not cause risk to the safety and health of employees. It is prohibited to carry out the work at a height under unfavourable weather conditions (heavy shower, thunderstorm, intense snowing), including under circumstances of limited visibility, except emergency situations. The workplace at a height where the risk of falling, stumbling or slipping exists shall be delimited and it shall be ensured that the delimitation is also visible in unfavourable weather conditions, except cases when it is not possible to do so due to the specific nature of work.

14. Passage in either direction between a means of access and working platforms, decks or gangways must not give rise to any additional risks of falling.

15. The employer shall ensure that, prior to the commencement of the work, as well as upon changes in the working conditions, employees perform visual evaluation of the workplace at a height ascertaining safe working environment which does not cause risk to their safety and health, and shall notify the employer regarding the necessary measures for safe carrying out of work.

16. Prior to commencing work, in order to prevent a potential risk to other persons, the working area under the workplace at a height shall be delimited or other safety measures shall be taken in the territory in which the work at a height will be carried out.

17. The employer, the person appointed by the employer, or the labour protection specialist shall issue an appointment to employees for the work at a height under circumstances of increased hazard (Annex) or an equivalent document, if it is envisaged to carry out the following works:

17.1. the work at a height of five metres and higher from soil, covering, support platform, or another construction which does not have a protective fencing or it is necessary to leave the protective fencing for carrying out of work (hereinafter - the work of a steeplejack);

17.2. work in an installation in a condition in which the employee uses a rope or other attachments as the primary means of safety in order to access the workplace, to position the workplace or to descend creating a fixed workplace at a height (hereinafter - the work of an industrial climber).

18. An appointment for individual works at a height under circumstances of increased hazard need not be issued if carrying out of such works is related to duties to be carried out continuously, the employer has ensured the employee with appropriate personal protective equipment, and the safety requirements have been described in the labour protection instruction for specific works.

III. Collective Protective Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment and Their Use

19. In order to reduce the risk to the safety and health of employees, preference shall be given to collective protective equipment in comparison to personal protective equipment, but, if necessary, both can be combined.

20. If an employee concurrently uses several protective equipment for the work at a height, including combines collective protective equipment and personal protective equipment, they must be mutually compatible and must ensure protection of the employee against the risk of falling.

21. The employer shall ensure than only safe collective protective equipment and personal protective equipment which are in good technical order and have been checked, are used for the work at a height, as well as ensure documenting the checks of personal protective equipment. The employer shall ensure a check of personal protective equipment prior to the use, including prior to the commencement of the work, its servicing, cleaning, and repair in accordance with the instruction of the manufacturer of the personal protective equipment.

22. When carrying out the work at a height, the following collective protective equipment shall be used:

22.1. fixed protective equipment, including protective fencing, safety platforms, and screens which are included in the construction of the building;

22.2. temporary protective equipment, including scaffolding, protective fencing, safety platforms, and screens which are provided for installation for the duration of carrying out of specific works at a height;

22.3. fixed or temporary safety lines which are vertical and horizontal tracks of cables, rails, ropes and which in connection with the personal protective equipment are provided for restricting the employee from accessing the risk area of a fall or for arresting a fall if the employee is located in the risk area of a fall, as well as for ensuring the fixation of the special inventory;

22.4. in fixed or temporary safety points (hereinafter - the anchor points) to which safety means are attached, including ropes and straps which in connection with the personal protective equipment are provided for restricting the employee from accessing the risk area of a fall or, if the work is carried out in the risk area of a fall, for ensuring arrest of a fall.

23. A horizontal protective fencing of side edges in three levels shall be installed in a workplace at a height where the use of protective fencing is envisaged, taking into account the specific nature of the work and the height and body weight of employees, in conformity with the following heights of railings from the surface of the base deck:

23.1. the top railing - at a height of at least 1 metre;

23.2. the intermediary railing - at a height of at least 50 cm;

23.3. the skirting board - at least 15 cm high.

24. The selected means of access to the workplace at a height shall ensure safe evacuation of employees in case of serious and direct danger.

25. If it is necessary to remove the collective protective equipment for a time period for carrying out of specific work, equivalent labour protection measures shall be taken for prevention of a fall. It is prohibited to carry out the particular work, if such labour protection measures are not ensured. The collective protective equipment shall be re-installed after full or partial completion of the abovementioned work.

26. The workplace the base surface of which has gaps, including elevator shafts and shafts for engineering communications, and there is a risk of a fall or falling through, shall be equipped with protective fencing or durable coverings which ensure protection of employees against a fall.

27. The employer shall ensure that the work equipment used for the work at a height, particularly, ladders, scaffolding, and protective fencing, is safe. The employer shall be responsible for the safe installation and use of work equipment for such work in order to prevent the risk of an accident.

28. Collective protective equipment for the prevention of falls need not be installed only at such places where safe access to fixed stairs or from the stairway is possible.

29. When carrying out the work at a height, a safety system which consists of a harness enveloping legs, waist, chest, and shoulders, and equipment for holding the body and arresting a fall together with one or several of the following elements of specific measures shall be used as the personal protective equipment for the protection from a fall:

29.1. a positioning belt which is provided for positioning of the employee at the workplace and cannot be used as separate means of safety from falling from a height;

29.2. a seat provided for ensuring the condition of seated work which is integrated into a harness and cannot be used as separate means of safety from falling from a height;

29.3. a carabiner - a device which is provided for mutual connection of two loops, inventory, anchor points, or other elements and is equipped with an automatic closing shutter which can be additionally secured manually, semi-automatically, or automatically;

29.4. a self-belay device which is envisaged as means of fixation on the safety line in case of a fall;

29.5. an impact dampener - a device which absorbs the impact in case of a fall;

29.6. a lifting device which is provided for passage vertically upwards, and is self-securing in downwards direction;

29.7. a descending device which is provided for passage vertically downwards a rope, has the ability to block automatically with the possibility of additional manual blocking, and conforms to an autonomous safety point;

29.8. a combined device which is provided for passage upwards and is self-securing with additional manual securing;

29.9. a self-propelling rope device which can be moved along the security rope;

29.10. a device for arresting a fall which is provided for arresting a fall at the moment of the fall and is automatically secured in case of a dynamic load;

29.11. a belay device which is provided for securing the employee on the work rope - the rope which is used as the means of access, descent, and support;

29.12. a quickdraw.

30. A harness for carrying out of works of a steeplejack for the work at a height shall be used together with the positioning belt and devices for arresting a fall. If it is envisaged to carry out work on supports of electricity transmission lines (up to 20 kV), positioning belts may also be used.

31. A harness which is provided for positioning of the workplace and allows continuous carrying out of the necessary work in a suspended position, shall be used for carrying out of works of industrial climbing.

32. When choosing the personal protective equipment with an integrated impact dampener, the possible extension of the impact dampener indicated in the instructions for use or technical documentation of the manufacturer shall be taken into account.

33. According to the envisaged the work at a height the employer shall ensure employees with the necessary personal protective equipment, including a protective helmet which can be secured on the head, and protective footwear with non-slip sole, in addition to the protective equipment for restricting or preventing a fall. According to the envisaged risk the following requirements shall be complied with:

33.1. if work with live components or near them is envisaged, the employer shall ensure protection measures for the prevention or reduction of electricity risk, including supply employees with work equipment isolating electricity and personal protective equipment - hard safety helmet with a chin strap isolating electricity, safety footwear with soles of isolating material, safety goggles for protection against puncture;

33.2. if it is envisaged to use a chainsaw or other cutting tools in work, the employer shall ensure protection measures for the prevention or reduction of the risk of cutting with a saw, including supply employees with an appropriate work equipment and personal protective equipment - work clothes and work footwear with protection against cutting with a saw, a hard safety helmet with a chin strap, and protective equipment for face and hearing;

33.3. if it is envisaged to carry out the work at a height in a suspended condition, using a rope, the employer shall ensure employees with a safety helmet provided for industrial climbing which can be secured with a chin strap;

33.4. if the work at a height is related also to exposure to other work environment risk factors, the employer shall ensure employees with the necessary personal protective equipment.

34. If it is envisaged to carry out work on a device which is provided for lifting and passage of employees, the employer shall ensure the use of the device in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding labour protection requirements, using work equipment.

IV. Safety Requirements when Carrying out Work on Ladders

35. When working at a height, ladders shall be used as the workplace only if risk to the safety and health of employees is reduced to the minimum and if work equipment is used for a short period of time or the working area has specific circumstances which cannot be changed or altered by the employer.

36. When choosing the type of ladders necessary for work, the following factors shall be taken into account in addition to the risk assessment of the work environment:

36.1. the height difference to be negotiated between the base and the working area, and the frequency of passage along the ladders;

36.2. the duration of carrying out of work on ladders and the working conditions;

36.3. the bearing capacity and envisaged workload of ladders during the period of use of ladders, including weight and parameters of the materials and tools to be moved;

36.4. existence of electricity transmission lines or other electrical devices which may cause the risk of electricity shock.

37. Installation, use, and dismantling of ladders shall be carried out according to the instructions of the employer and the manufacturer.

38. Ladders must be so positioned as to ensure their stability during use.

39. Portable ladders must rest on a stable, strong, suitably-sized, immobile footing so that the rungs remain horizontal.

40. Suspended ladders must be attached in a secure manner and, with the exception of rope ladders, so that they cannot be displaced and so that swinging is prevented.

41. The feet of portable ladders must be prevented from slipping during use by securing the stiles at or near their upper or lower ends, by any anti-slip device or by any other arrangement of equivalent result and effectiveness.

42. Ladders used for access to the workplace at a height must be placed so that the upper end protrudes at least one metre beyond the work platform, unless other measures have been taken to ensure a firm handhold.

43. If height of ladders or their use may cause the risk of a fall, the employer shall equip ladders with collective protective equipment or ensure their use together with personal protective equipment. If height of ladders exceeds five metres, work from ladders may be carried out only using collective protective equipment or collective protective equipment and personal protective equipment together.

44. If ladders are not equipped with a safety platform or other measures for prevention of a fall have not been taken, it is prohibited to work using the top last rungs of mobile ladders.

45. Interlocking ladders and extension ladders must be used so that the separate sections of the ladders are prevented from moving relative to one another and are secure fixed.

46. Mobile ladders must be prevented from moving before they are stepped on, and one must ascertain regarding their safety and stability.

47. It is prohibited to move ladders if an employee is on them.

48. Employees shall be provided with an opportunity to hold on and support themselves at any moment, particularly if heavy articles are carried upwards ladders by hand.

49. It is prohibited to use ladders on scaffolding and separately as scaffolding or a bridge, without safely attaching them or without taking appropriate protection measures, except ladders included in the layout of scaffolding.

50. The maximum vertical static load on ladders may not exceed the maximum load laid down by the manufacturer in work position.

V. Safety Requirements Using Scaffolding

51. If it is envisaged to carry out the work at a height using scaffolding, the employer shall appoint a labour protection specialist or another competent and appropriately trained employee who is responsible for scaffolding (hereinafter - the specialist responsible for scaffolding). Scaffoldings shall be assembled, dismantled or substantially altered only under supervision of the specialist responsible for scaffolding, and it shall be done only by such employees who have been trained in accordance with the requirements referred to in Paragraph 90 of this Regulation.

52. When choosing the most appropriate scaffolding, the specialist responsible for scaffolding shall take into account:

52.1. the amount and nature of the envisaged work;

52.2. the place and circumstances of carrying out the work, including weather conditions;

52.3. the layout, height, width of the workplace and the necessary load durability of scaffolding, the envisaged number and type of attachments of scaffolding;

52.4. the number of persons who will concurrently carry out work on scaffolding, as well as their weight and body parameters;

52.5. the equipment necessary for work and the quantity, weight of materials, and other parameters.

53. Taking into account the level of complexity of scaffolding to be used, the specialist responsible for scaffolding shall draw up a plan for assembling, dismantling, and use of scaffolding (hereinafter - the plan of scaffolding) which may be in the form of a standard plan including information regarding the view from above and side-view of the layout of scaffolding, the layout of scaffolding construction in the object (layout of scaffolding at the building or another object for which it is envisaged), dimensions of the scaffolding construction (length, width, height, layout of the ladder areas, layout of diagonals, layout and attachments of anchor points), and for restrictions on use. The plan may be supplemented with points regarding specific details of particular scaffolding.

54. Scaffoldings shall be assembled, operated, dismantled, and maintained in conformity with the requirements of the manufacturer and lessor, the instructions for use, the technical documentation, and the plan of scaffolding.

55. When assembling scaffolding, it shall be placed on an even base able to carry load ensuring the stability of scaffolding.

56. In order to ensure that the surface of scaffolding subject to load is sufficiently durable, when choosing the scaffolding, the maximum permitted load shall be taken into account with which the working surface of scaffolding may be loaded concurrently only on one level.

57. If data regarding strength and stability of scaffolding is not available or do not apply to the envisaged layout of scaffolding, the specialist responsible for scaffolding shall evaluate the strength and stability of the selected scaffolding by carrying out calculations. Such calculations are not necessary, if scaffolding is assembled according to the standard configuration (model solution) which conforms to the Latvian standards LVS EN 12810-1 "Facade scaffolds made of prefabricated components - Part 1: Product specifications", LVS EN 12810-2 "Facade scaffolds made of prefabricated components - Part 2: Particular methods of structural design", LVS EN 12811-1 "Temporary works equipment - Part 1: Scaffolds - carrying out requirements and general design", LVS EN 12811-3 "Temporary works equipment - Part 3: Load testing", and LVS EN 1004 "Mobile access and working towers made of prefabricated elements. Materials, dimensions, design loads, safety and layout requirements".

58. The dimensions, form, and layout of the work deck of scaffolding shall be formed according to the type and envisaged load of the work to be carried out ensuring an opportunity of safe work and passage for employees.

59. When assembling scaffolding, the conditions referred to in Paragraph 52 of this Regulation shall be taken into account and, if it is possible according to the actual workplace, the following dimensions of scaffolding shall be ensured:

59.1. the distance between work decks is at least 1.9 m;

59.2. the distance between vertical stands is at least 60 cm;

59.3. the width of the free stair area (hatch) is at least 50 cm.

60. Layout of scaffolding shall be supported on foot plates of scaffolding which ensure transfer of the load from scaffolding to the base.

61. Foot plates of scaffolding which can be regulated shall be installed in places where it is envisaged to place scaffolding and there are differences in levels on the base, except mobile scaffolding on wheels. Base plates of a strong and durable material which are mutually attached together and the width of which is not less than the width of the support of the foot plate of scaffolding shall be used under the foot plates of scaffolding.

62. Scaffolding shall be installed as close to the construction of the building or other stable elements as possible, and in order to prevent the risk of a fall, the employer shall ensure employees with appropriate collective protective equipment.

63. Depending on the envisaged works, using scaffolding, the specialist responsible for scaffolding shall determine the distance of scaffolding from the construction of the building and the necessary type of side protection fencing. External side fencing shall be installed for all layouts of scaffolding in accordance with the criteria referred to in Paragraph 23 of this Regulation, but if there is a risk of falling between scaffolding and the construction of the building or the distance from the construction of the building exceeds 30 cm, internal side protection fencing which consists of at least two horizontal protection railing in height of 1 m and 0.5 m from the working surface of scaffolding shall be installed, or another solution for preventing the risk of a fall shall be used.

64. Upon assembling scaffolding, each level of working surface of scaffolding shall be assembled by assembling it completely with all the necessary components for its elements not to being able to move during assembly and use of scaffolding, for them to be attached and not being able to separate from the layout of scaffolding, and for absence of dangerous gaps in the working surface of scaffolding, including vertical protection fencing shall be installed for scaffolding in order to prevent the risk of a fall.

65. The bearing components of scaffolding must be prevented from slipping, whether by attachment to the bearing surface, provision of an anti-slip device or any other means of equivalent effectiveness.

66. Wheeled scaffolding, including mobile aluminium towers, shall be equipped with appropriate devices for locking of wheels in order to prevent them from moving accidentally during the use of scaffolding.

67. Scaffoldings shall be fixed to immovable and durable constructions and their anchor points up to the lower part of scaffolding, if necessary, by carrying out measurements of durability of attachments and anchor points. After assembly of scaffolding the person responsible for scaffolding shall ascertain the safety of the layout of scaffolding, checking the horizontal and vertical level of scaffolding and, if necessary, performing levelling out.

68. Attachments which are indicated in the instructions for use of the relevant scaffolding shall be selected for attaching of the scaffolding. When selecting attachments of another kind, the ability of attachments to withstand the load to which the scaffolding could be subjected shall be evaluated.

69. If there is a risk of instruments, materials, or other materials falling, appropriate measures which prevent the risk of an accident shall be taken.

70. Internal ladder of scaffolding shall be attached to the scaffolding so that employees could use them safely, and scaffolding with closable and durable hatches shall be ensured. Individual ladder decks shall be created for scaffolding according to their height and envisaged number of employees on scaffolding.

71. The layout of scaffolding shall be created with a sufficient number of safe access ways in order to ensure free passage of employees, passage of the necessary work tools and materials, as well as rapid and safe evacuation in emergency cases.

72. When assembling scaffolding and carrying out works near electricity transmission lines or any other electrical device, electrical hazard shall be taken into account taking measures for electricity risk assessment and prevention accordingly.

73. The assembled scaffolding which is higher than 1.5 m prior to use shall be equipped with indications and warning signs laid out in visible places. The indication shall contain at least the following information:

73.1. name, address of the object;

73.2. the given name, surname, contact information of the specialist responsible for scaffolding;

73.3. safety signs.

74. Prior to commencing or recommencing works after exposure to unfavourable weather conditions (for example, heavy shower, thunderstorm, intense snowing), the specialist responsible for scaffolding shall check the details of scaffolding in order to ascertain that they have not been damaged and, if necessary, shall perform replacement of the damaged details in conformity with that laid down in instructions of the manufacturer. It is prohibited to use damaged scaffolding which may cause risk to the safety and health of employees.

75. The specialist responsible for scaffolding and employees who carry out assembly, dismantling, or alteration of scaffolding shall have access to the plan of scaffolding referred to in Paragraph 53 of this Regulation and to the information included therein.

76. If any part of scaffolding cannot be used (for example, during its assembly, dismantling, or alteration), work on the particular part of scaffolding shall be discontinued, it shall be delimited and marked with safety signs in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the use of safety signs at work stations in order to prevent access to the danger zone. After taking the abovementioned measures work on the remaining part of scaffolding may be resumed.

77. In addition to general requirements which determine correct and safe use of scaffolding when carrying out work on mobile towers, the following requirements shall be conformed to:

77.1. when installing mobile towers, their side supports shall be attached in order to prevent movement of towers;

77.2. the employer shall ensure regular checks of mobile towers;

77.3. the deck height of mobile towers prior to movement may not be higher than three metres in order to prevent the overturning risk during movement;

77.4. people and objects may not be located on a mobile construction during its movement, except the principal elements included in the construction;

77.5. upon moving towers, free movement of running parts shall be ensured, as well as instructions of the manufacturer shall be conformed to.

VI. Safety Requirements when Carrying out Work on Roofs

78. Prior to commencing work on a roof, a risk assessment shall be carried out taking into account:

78.1. pitch of the roof;

78.2. plane or covering of the roof, its resilience and slide rate;

78.3. the specific nature and circumstances of envisaged works;

78.4. the existence and durability of collective protective equipment;

78.5. the existence and technical condition of belay sites of personal protective equipment;

78.6. the possibilities of installing or attaching protective equipment.

79. If, when carrying out work on a roof, there is a risk of falling off of the edge of the roof or to fall through gaps in the roof, the collective protective equipment and (or) personal protective equipment shall be used in order to restrict or prevent falling of employees, as well as materials, work tools, or other objects.

80. If employees work on a roof or another surface which is made of fragile and non-durable materials a fall through which is possible, in order to avoid a fall or accidental stepping on non-durable surfaces, appropriate safety measures shall be taken, including working surfaces shall be equipped with passage bridges or supplied with collective protective equipment or personal protective equipment appropriate to the workplace for arresting a fall or delimiting the workplace.

81. If pitch of the roof is near vertical or work must be carried out near the edge of the roof with partial support on the base surface and fall protection has been ensured, work shall be carried out using an appropriate safety system of industrial climbing or using other equipment, scaffolding or lift.

82. If it is envisaged to use ladders for work on a roof, their safe attaching to the roof ridge or bearing attachments shall be ensured.

VII. Safety Requirements when Using Ropes and Attachments

83. Access to a workplace at a height using ropes and attachments shall be permitted only if after risk assessment of such works it may be deemed that carrying out of such works does not cause risk to the safety and health of employees and it is not necessary to use a safer work equipment.

84. Prior to commencing the work at a height using ropes and attachments, the following requirements shall be complied with:

84.1. danger zones and necessary protection measures and equipment shall be determined in order to prevent the risk of an accident;

84.2. technical condition of the work equipment and anchor points shall be checked;

84.3. safety signs shall be installed.

85. Taking into account the results of the risk assessment, the duration and ergonomic restrictions of the work to be carried out, the workplace at a height shall be ensured with a seat equipped with appropriate accessories.

86. If the workplace at a height is accessed and work is carried out using ropes and attachments, the following conditions shall be conformed to:

86.1. the safety system consists of at least two individually and safely secured ropes or two other independent safety points, one of them is used as means of access, descent and support (hereinafter - the work rope), and the other - as backup (hereinafter - the security rope);

86.2. the employee is supplied with the appropriate personal protective equipment referred to in Paragraph 29 of this Regulation - a safety system or another fall protection equipment which is connected to the security rope. The employee shall use the fall protection equipment while carrying out the work at a height;

86.3. the work rope is equipped with safe means of lifting and lowering, as well as a self-control system which prevents falling of the employee. In order to prevent a fall the security rope shall be equipped with a mobile system moved by the employee when moving along the rope;

86.4. the work is planned and organised in such a way that in a situation of an accident or another emergency situation the employee can be rescued immediately, as well as an efficient system of communication is ensured;

86.5. the work is planned and organised in such a way that descent of the employee is ensured directly below the anchor point and the pendulum effect is reduced as much as possible;

86.6. prior to securing the work rope and the security rope to the anchor point, the durability of the anchor point is checked and its safe use is ascertained;

86.7. tools and other work accessories which are used by the employee when carrying out the work at a height, are secured with appropriate means to the fall protection equipment of the employee or to the seat of the workplace, or in another appropriate place, and circumstances are prevented which might have a negative impact on durability of the work rope and the security rope, including prevent the possibility of friction against a sharp or coarse surface, if necessary, the rope is equipped with a rope guard;

86.8. tools, devices, and other accessories weighing more than 10 kg are equipped with additional security - an ancillary rope or another anchor point. Load durability of the rope must be at least three times as high as the weight of the instrument.

87. Upon carrying out works related to fire hazard, including welding, additional protection shall be ensured for ropes or fire-resistant ropes shall be used as the safety line.

88. When carrying out works with a chainsaw or other cutting tools, access of the rope to the sowing area shall be prevented.

VIII. Training, Instructing, and Consulting of Employees

89. The employer shall, in accordance with the procedures laid down in laws and regulations, ensure training and instructing the employees in issues which are related to their work, safe working methods, and protective equipment to be used in the working process and work equipment for the work at a height.

90. The employer shall ensure that in addition to the training and instructing referred to in Paragraph 89 of this Regulation:

90.1. the specialists responsible for scaffolding and the employees referred to in Paragraph 51 of this Regulation are trained appropriately and have been informed regarding the following issues:

90.1.1. the plan of the relevant scaffolding;

90.1.2. safety during assembly, dismantling, or alteration of the relevant scaffolding;

90.1.3. measures which prevent the possibility of a fall for people or objects;

90.1.4. labour protection measures, if weather conditions can have an unfavourable impact on safety of the relevant scaffolding;

90.1.5. the permissible load of scaffolding;

90.1.6. other risk factors which are related to the assembly, dismantling, or alteration of scaffolding;

90.2. the employees who access the workplace and carry out work using ropes and attachments have acquired theoretical and practical training for the use of the special inventory and safety systems when working at a height, including regarding the following issues:

90.2.1. choosing and practical use of personal protective equipment, attachments, and other accessories;

90.2.2. the basic principles for organising safety systems;

90.2.3. concurrent use of two load points to which the employee attaches himself when moving along the rope;

90.2.4. lifting and lowering of weight and load using rope systems;

90.2.5. methods of organising rescue operations;

90.3. the employees who carry out works on ladders have been trained to move correctly on ladders using concurrently three contact points (one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot), to move weights, and to preserve a correct body position in relation to ladders;

90.4. the employees who use personal protective equipment and special inventory for the work at a height have acquired safe and correct use of the work equipment and perform its checks prior to commencing work.

91. Specialists who have experience of at least three years of the work at a height where ropes and attachments are used are entitled to perform the training referred to in Sub-paragraph 90.2 of this Regulation.

IX. Closing Provision

92. This Regulation shall come into force on 1 September 2014.

Informative Reference to the European Union Directive

The Regulation contains legal norms arising from Directive 2001/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2001 amending Council Directive 89/655/EEC concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by workers at work.

Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma

Minister for Welfare Uldis Augulis

 

Annex
Cabinet Regulation No. 143
18 March 2014

Appointment No. ____
for the Work at a Height under Circumstances of Increased Hazard

For carrying out of works

 
(place or address of carrying out of works)
 
(description of the works envisaged)

appointed responsible persons for carrying out of the work at a height

 
(given name, surname)

and the following employees:

 
(given name, surname)
 
(given name, surname)
 
(given name, surname)
 
(given name, surname)
 
(given name, surname)

The following personal protective equipment have been issued for use:

 
 
 
 

Special purpose instructing has been carried out:

 
(name of the topic of instructing)

The following organisational and technical measures must be complied with in the workplace at a height:

 
 
 
 

Date and time of the commencement of the work  
Date and time of the completion of the work  

I have become acquainted with the working circumstances and have received the appointment:

 
(given name, surname, and signature)
 
(given name, surname, and signature)
 
(given name, surname, and signature)
 
(given name, surname, and signature)
 
(given name, surname, and signature)

Appointment was issued by:

 
(position, given name, surname, and signature of the responsible person)

____ __________________ 20____

Notes.
1. The appointment shall be filled in two copies one of which shall remain with the person responsible for carrying out of the work at a height, and the other - with the employer, the person appointed by the employer, or the labour protection specialist.
2. The employer, the person appointed by the employer, or the labour protection specialist shall explain the specific nature of the envisaged work and the necessary safety measures.
3. If the employee has been made acquainted with the information included in the appointment, he or she shall confirm it with a signature.

Minister for Welfare Uldis Augulis


Translation © 2018 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre)

 
Document information
Title: Darba aizsardzības prasības, strādājot augstumā Status:
In force
in force
Issuer: Cabinet of Ministers Type: regulation Document number: 143Adoption: 18.03.2014.Entry into force: 01.09.2014.Publication: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 58, 21.03.2014. OP number: 2014/58.2
Language:
LVEN
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