From climbing external ladders to exposure to toxic substances, the risks in the power generation and petrochemical industries can be significant.

Determining the type of safety products and/or system you need depends on the following factors.

Hazard considerations:

• Potential site hazards include: arc flash, live wires, gases, low levels of oxygen, flying or falling objects, working at height, noise, radiation and temperature…
• The intensity of the hazards
• The duration of the tasks required

System considerations:

• How many people will be working on the site at any given time
• How often they’ll be at the structure or site
• Their degree of training for working at height and confined space

With the expansion into renewable energy production, new risk profiles require a different approach the safety management which includes the expansion of training requirements for those operating in those spaces.

Age of infrastructure is also a key consideration, with the ongoing maintenance and support requiring suitable access methods to ensure safe operations.

From a height safety management perspective, some of the common types of fall protection and access methods include;

• Scaffolds or wheeled scaffolds
• Elevated Work Platforms
• Aerial lift, cherry picker or bucket truck
• Ladders
• Guardrail systems
• Safety net systems
• Personal fall arrest systems