Designers to benefit from work at height helpline
The Access Industry Forum (AIF) has introduced a dedicated work at height information helpline for DIOHAS, the Designer’s Initiative on Health & Safety.
Using the e-mail helpline, DIOHAS members – who include professionals from major architectural practices and other construction disciplines, as well as the HSE – can now contact the Forum direct with any questions relating to safe working at height. In response, they will receive information and guidance from the relevant AIF member organisation whose area of expertise best matches the inquiry.
The launch of the helpline coincides with the publication of BS 8560: 2012 – ‘Code of practice for the design of buildings incorporating safe work at height’. The Forum was a major contributor to the development of the standard, which encourages architects and designers to assess the implications for work at height, as early as possible in the design process.
The standard seeks to minimise work at height over the lifetime of a building, but where this cannot be avoided, to take account of practical, efficient and cost-effective solutions to protect those who have to undertake ongoing work, such as cleaning, maintenance and repairs.
Work at height issues should be considered and controlled at every stage of a project, and the AIF believes these latest initiatives will help provide a better understanding of the issues involved and how they can be planned and managed effectively from the outset of a project.
“Architects and designers often need advice or assistance with any design work they undertake that has implications for both access and safety,” commented Paul Bussey (pictured), of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). “Working with the Forum on both these initiatives has enabled our community to plug in to the work-at-height industry directly and ensure that we are as informed as possible about this important area.”