Health & Safety, Manual Handling training etc

[synaesthesia]

Something that's recently come up here, we're wondering how many of us have the relevant certification & training that we really should have?

 

For instance:

 

Working at Heights & Ladder training.

Manual Handling

Fire Extinguisher

[Ketlane]

One idea for fire extinguisher training. Synchronise it with the servicing of the extinguishers - those that need discharging and refilling as part of the service cycle can be used in training at an effective cost of zero. Need to talk with the fire extinguisher contractors.

[unixman_again]

At my last school all staff did fire extinguisher training and support staff did manual handling and ladder training (we needed it so we could use the tallescope). Where I am now, no training has been provided and I don't know how long the old training is valid for.

 

Fire extinguisher training was fun - we each got to use a foam extinguisher. It was quite a windy day and one of the teachers had left his Caterham 7 downwind. Still there was no chance of the cockpit bursting into flames

[Duranis]

I did working at heights recently which basically taught me that I can't do anything at heights unless I have more certification

[synaesthesia]

That's interesting in itself, as the HSE say otherwise; you can work at heights happily as long as you take reasonable precautions - do you need to, are you using the right equipment, do you have 3 points of contact etc etc.

It's all as clear as mud, one hand is saying one thing, the other however... I'd imagine you'd certainly need to be certified (sic) for REALLY high stuff.

[IrritableTech]

That's interesting in itself, as the HSE say otherwise; you can work at heights happily as long as you take reasonable precautions - do you need to, are you using the right equipment, do you have 3 points of contact etc etc.

It's all as clear as mud, one hand is saying one thing, the other however... I'd imagine you'd certainly need to be certified (sic) for REALLY high stuff.

 

That is my understanding too after my working at heights and ladder training which I completed a fortnight ago. We covered step and extension ladders. Scaffold towers, Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (Cherry pickers, scissor lifts) etc. would need additional training.

 

It's worth remembering that anywhere where you could fall is classed as WaH. Therefore being stood on the floor next to a open drian cover or pit etc. is classed as working at height.

 

To go back to the original question, I've had Working at Height (ladder) training, Manual Handling and Asbestos Awareness - all quite important in this varied role.