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Part H — High-Risk Works

Working at height and edge protection checklist

Workbook section 75
Owner
HSE Manager / Document Controller
Review / trigger
Annual review; update immediately if legal, authority, project, client, or scope requirements change.
Primary references
Plan H75 Full Body Harness Inspection; H74 Fall Protection
Checkpoints
88

Writing or reviewing the risk assessment behind this checklist? Read the MSRA meaning in safety — Method Statement Risk Assessment guide for the full definition, UAE regulations, roles and scoring method.

Open live checklist
#AreaCheckpoint / RequirementEvidence / Acceptance CriteriaResponsibleFrequency
1Ground Conditions & SetupGround bearing capacity verified adequate for scaffold base plates, mobile towers and MEWP outriggers before erectionGround bearing assessment record or sole board specificationSite EngineerBefore erection
2Ground Conditions & SetupUnderground and overhead utilities identified and clearance maintained before erecting access equipmentUtility survey drawing referenced during setupSite EngineerBefore erection
3Ladder SafetyLadders inspected for cracked stiles, missing feet or damaged rungs before each useLadder pre-use inspection checklist signed by userWorkerDaily
4Ladder SafetyLadder angle maintained at approximately 75 degrees (1 in 4 rule) and footed or tied where requiredSite observation log confirming correct ladder angleHSE OfficerOngoing
5Ladder SafetyStep ladders used only in fully open and locked position on stable, level surfacesSite observation record confirming compliant step ladder useSite SupervisorOngoing
6Fragile Material PrecautionsFibre cement sheets, skylights and corroded metal decking treated as fragile and never used as walkways without stagingFragile surface identification survey with signageHSE OfficerBefore work
7Fragile Material PrecautionsCrawling boards distribute load evenly across structural members when accessing fragile roof areasCrawling board placement inspection photoSite SupervisorPer access
8Materials Handling at HeightTool lanyards and tethering used for hand tools operated at height to prevent dropped objectsSite observation log confirming tool tethering in useHSE OfficerOngoing
9Materials Handling at HeightMaterial hoists or debris chutes used for moving materials to/from height rather than manual carrying on laddersHoist/chute inspection and usage logSite SupervisorPer task
10Materials Handling at HeightExclusion zone below height work reinforced with dropped-object warning signage and netting where feasibleSignage and netting inspection photoHSE OfficerPer task
11Weather MonitoringWind speed monitored using anemometer with defined suspension threshold for crane-assisted or MEWP work at heightWind speed log with suspension threshold recordedSite SupervisorDaily
12Weather MonitoringLightning warning system in place with work-at-height suspension protocol during electrical storm approachLightning detection log with suspension recordHSE OfficerPer occurrence
13Suspended Access EquipmentSuspended platforms (cradles/BMU) load tested and certified before use with daily pre-use inspection performedLoad test certificate and daily pre-use checklistHSE OfficerDaily
14Suspended Access EquipmentSecondary independent safety line fitted to suspended platforms in addition to primary suspension wireInspection record confirming secondary line installed and anchoredSite EngineerPer setup
15Suspended Access EquipmentSuspended platform operators trained and certified specifically for cradle/BMU operationOperator training certificate on fileHSE ManagerAnnually
16Working Over Water or VoidsLife jackets and rescue boat/buoy provided when working at height directly over water bodiesLife jacket inspection log and rescue equipment availability recordHSE OfficerPer task
17Working Over Water or VoidsFall protection combined with void-crossing platforms when working over deep excavations or shaftsPlatform inspection record confirming guardrails over voidSite SupervisorPer task
18Access/Egress RoutesDesignated safe access and egress routes to height work areas kept free of obstruction and clearly signedRoute inspection checklist confirming clear pathSite SupervisorDaily
19Access/Egress RoutesStair towers used in preference to ladders for regular access to upper floors during construction phaseStair tower inspection and usage recordHSE OfficerWeekly
20Anchor Point ManagementAnchor point register maintained listing location, certification and maximum user load for each fixed anchorAnchor point register with certification referencesSite EngineerOngoing
21Anchor Point ManagementTemporary anchor points removed and holes patched immediately after task completion to prevent unauthorized reusePost-task inspection confirming anchor removal and patchingSite SupervisorPer task
22Working at Height Near Live ServicesMinimum safe clearance maintained between height work and overhead power lines per utility authority guidanceClearance distance verification record with utility approvalHSE ManagerBefore work
23Working at Height Near Live ServicesNon-conductive access equipment used when working at height near energized electrical installationsEquipment specification sheet confirming non-conductive ratingHSE OfficerPer task
24Fatigue & Human FactorsWorking hours and rest breaks for height workers monitored to reduce fatigue-related fall riskShift roster and rest break log reviewed by supervisorSite SupervisorDaily
25Fatigue & Human FactorsFitness-to-work declaration completed by height workers confirming no impairing medication or condition before shiftSigned fitness-to-work declaration formHSE OfficerDaily
26Temporary Works CoordinationTemporary works design for edge protection and access structures reviewed and approved by temporary works coordinatorTemporary works design approval certificateTemporary Works CoordinatorPer design
27Temporary Works CoordinationAs-built inspection of temporary access structures conducted against approved design before handover for useAs-built inspection checklist referencing design drawingSite EngineerPer structure
28Subcontractor Height Work ControlSubcontractor working at height crews verified for equipment certification and training before task authorizationSubcontractor verification checklist on fileHSE ManagerPer subcontractor
29Subcontractor Height Work ControlSubcontractor rescue arrangements confirmed compatible and integrated with main contractor emergency response planIntegrated rescue plan document signed by both partiesHSE ManagerPer subcontractor
30Interface with Other PermitsWorking at height permit cross-checked against hot work and lifting permits active in same zone to prevent conflicting operationsPermit interface register showing cross-referenced active permitsHSE ManagerPer task
31Interface with Other PermitsCrane or lifting operations near height work coordinated to prevent load swing over personnel working at heightSIMOPS coordination record signed by lifting and height supervisorsHSE ManagerPer occurrence
32Post-Task Equipment CareFall protection equipment cleaned, dried and stored correctly after use to prevent degradationEquipment storage inspection logStore KeeperPer use
33Post-Task Equipment CareDamaged or expired fall protection equipment removed from circulation and destroyed to prevent inadvertent reuseEquipment disposal/destruction recordHSE OfficerPer occurrence
34Management of ChangeChange in height task scope, equipment or personnel triggers re-briefing and permit reassessment before continuingChange log with re-briefing attendance recordSite SupervisorPer change
35Visitor & Public ProtectionPublic and visitor access restricted beneath and around active height work areas adjacent to site boundaryBoundary hoarding/signage inspection photoHSE OfficerOngoing
36Incident Learning & SharingLessons learned from height-related near-misses shared across project sites via HSE bulletinHSE bulletin distribution record referencing lesson learnedHSE ManagerPer occurrence
37Incident Learning & SharingWorking at height procedure periodically reviewed and updated based on audit findings and incident trendsProcedure revision log with review date and approverHSE ManagerAnnually
38Risk Assessment & PlanningWorking at height risk assessment completed and approved before any work above 1.8 meters commences per ADOSH-SF requirementsSigned risk assessment referencing task, height and control measuresHSE OfficerBefore work
39Risk Assessment & PlanningHierarchy of controls applied prioritizing elimination and collective protection over personal fall arrestRAMS document showing hierarchy assessment with justification for chosen methodHSE ManagerPer task
40Risk Assessment & PlanningMethod statement specifies access/egress route, anchor points and rescue arrangements for each height taskMethod statement with anchor point diagram and rescue plan sectionHSE OfficerPer task
41Risk Assessment & PlanningWeather conditions assessed before and during work at height with defined suspension criteria for wind/rainWeather log with wind speed reading and go/no-go decision recordedSite SupervisorDaily
42Risk Assessment & PlanningWork at height permit issued for high-risk activities including leading-edge work and roof workSigned working at height permit displayed at task locationPermit IssuerPer task
43Risk Assessment & PlanningExclusion zone established and barricaded beneath areas where work at height or overhead work is occurringBarricade tape/signage photo with exclusion zone dimensions notedSite SupervisorPer task
44Risk Assessment & PlanningRescue plan tested and understood by all workers before commencement of fall-arrest dependent tasksRescue drill/briefing record signed by all crew membersHSE OfficerBefore work
45Risk Assessment & PlanningMaximum number of workers and load on temporary access structure calculated and not exceededLoad calculation sheet referenced on structure tagSite EngineerPer structure
46Risk Assessment & PlanningTask-specific toolbox talk delivered covering fall hazards, rescue procedure and equipment use before task startToolbox talk attendance sheet dated per shiftSite SupervisorDaily
47Risk Assessment & PlanningPermit-to-work and risk assessment reviewed and re-validated if scope, height or method changes mid-taskRevised RAMS/permit version with change log entryHSE OfficerPer change
48Risk Assessment & PlanningLone working at height prohibited; minimum two-person team maintained with visual or radio contactSite roster showing paired assignment for height tasksSite SupervisorOngoing
49Edge Protection & GuardrailsGuardrails installed at all open edges, floor openings and leading edges at minimum 950mm top rail heightGuardrail inspection checklist confirming height and toe-board installedSite SupervisorBefore area occupied
50Edge Protection & GuardrailsMid-rail fitted to prevent gap exceeding 470mm between top rail and toe boardVisual inspection record confirming mid-rail spacingHSE OfficerWeekly
51Edge Protection & GuardrailsToe boards minimum 150mm high fitted at all edges to prevent tools/materials fallingToe board inspection photo at each open edgeSite SupervisorWeekly
52Edge Protection & GuardrailsFloor and slab openings covered with load-rated covers secured against displacement and clearly markedCover load rating certificate and 'Opening - Do Not Remove' signage photoHSE OfficerBefore area occupied
53Edge Protection & GuardrailsEdge protection inspected and re-certified after any dismantling and reinstallationRe-inspection tag dated after reinstallationScaffold InspectorPer reinstallation
54Edge Protection & GuardrailsTemporary edge protection removed only by authorized personnel and reinstated immediately after task interruptionPermit-to-remove log with reinstatement time notedSite SupervisorPer removal
55Edge Protection & GuardrailsNetting or debris containment installed below leading-edge work to protect areas below from falling objectsNetting installation inspection recordHSE OfficerPer task
56Personal Fall Arrest SystemsFull body harness inspected before each use and formally inspected monthly by competent personHarness inspection tag with monthly competent-person sign-offHSE OfficerMonthly / Daily pre-use
57Personal Fall Arrest SystemsLanyard and shock absorber selected appropriate to fall clearance distance calculation for the taskFall clearance calculation sheet matching lanyard length usedHSE OfficerPer task
58Personal Fall Arrest SystemsAnchor points certified to withstand minimum 22kN load and independently verified before connectionAnchor point certification/load test recordSite EngineerBefore use
59Personal Fall Arrest SystemsDouble lanyard (100 percent tie-off) used during transition between anchor points at heightSite observation record confirming continuous tie-off practiceHSE OfficerOngoing
60Personal Fall Arrest SystemsFall arrest equipment withdrawn from service immediately after any fall-arrest event pending inspectionEquipment quarantine tag and inspection reportHSE OfficerPer incident
61Personal Fall Arrest SystemsHarness and lanyard manufacturer service life not exceeded, with equipment register tracking commission dateEquipment register showing commission date and expiryStore KeeperOngoing
62Personal Fall Arrest SystemsVertical/horizontal lifeline systems designed and certified by competent engineer where used for multiple workersLifeline design certificate signed by competent engineerHSE ManagerPer installation
63Scaffolding & Access EquipmentScaffold erected, altered and dismantled only by certified scaffolders under supervision of competent scaffold supervisorScaffolder certification and supervisor sign-off recordScaffold SupervisorPer erection
64Scaffolding & Access EquipmentScaffold inspected before first use, after any alteration and at minimum 7-day intervals with tagging systemScafftag/inspection tag showing current inspection date within 7 daysScaffold InspectorWeekly
65Scaffolding & Access EquipmentScaffold base plates, sole boards and ties installed per design and free from settlement or damageScaffold inspection checklist confirming base and tie conditionScaffold InspectorWeekly
66Scaffolding & Access EquipmentMobile access towers used only on level ground with outriggers deployed and never moved while occupiedSite observation log confirming compliant mobile tower useSite SupervisorOngoing
67Scaffolding & Access EquipmentLadders used only for short-duration, low-risk tasks with three points of contact maintained and secured top and bottomLadder inspection checklist and securing method photoHSE OfficerDaily
68Scaffolding & Access EquipmentMobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP) operators hold valid IPAF/competency certification and pre-use inspection completedOperator certification and daily MEWP pre-use checklistMEWP OperatorDaily
69Scaffolding & Access EquipmentMEWP harness anchor point used and secured whenever platform is in the raised positionSite observation confirming harness lanyard attached to designated anchor pointHSE OfficerPer use
70Scaffolding & Access EquipmentIncomplete scaffold clearly tagged 'Do Not Use' with access physically restricted until completionRed tag photo with restricted access barrier evidentScaffold InspectorPer incomplete structure
71Roof & Fragile Surface WorkFragile roof surfaces identified and signposted with crawling boards or staging provided before accessFragile roof survey document and signage photoHSE OfficerBefore work
72Roof & Fragile Surface WorkRoof access restricted to trained and authorized personnel only, with sign-in log maintainedRoof access log with authorized names and time in/outSite SupervisorPer access
73Roof & Fragile Surface WorkRoof edge protection or fall-arrest system installed before any work commences on flat or pitched roofsPre-work inspection confirming edge protection in placeHSE OfficerBefore work
74Roof & Fragile Surface WorkSkylights and roof openings guarded with rated covers or physical barriers to prevent falls throughSkylight guard inspection record with load rating referenceSite SupervisorWeekly
75Roof & Fragile Surface WorkWeather-related roof work suspension criteria (rain, wind, ice) defined and enforced by site supervisorDaily weather log with suspension decision recordedSite SupervisorDaily
76Rescue & Emergency ResponseRescue equipment (descender, rescue kit) available and pre-positioned at height work locationsRescue equipment inventory and location logHSE OfficerPer task
77Rescue & Emergency ResponseTrained rescue personnel available on site during all fall-arrest dependent workRescue team training certificate and shift rosterHSE ManagerPer shift
78Rescue & Emergency ResponseSuspension trauma awareness briefed to all harness users with maximum suspension time limits definedToolbox talk record covering suspension trauma and time limitsHSE OfficerPer task
79Rescue & Emergency ResponseRescue plan rehearsed periodically through drills with results documented and improvements actionedRescue drill report with timing and corrective actionsHSE ManagerQuarterly
80Rescue & Emergency ResponseEmergency contact numbers and nearest medical facility details posted at height work locationPosted emergency contact card at task siteHSE OfficerPer task
81Training & CompetencyAll personnel working at height hold valid working-at-height training certificate renewed per validity periodTraining certificate on file matching worker name and expiry dateHSE ManagerPer validity cycle
82Training & CompetencyCompetent person appointed and certified to inspect fall protection equipment and scaffoldingCompetent person appointment letter and certificationHSE ManagerAnnually
83Training & CompetencyRefresher training conducted following any near-miss or fall incident involving height workRefresher training record dated after incidentHSE ManagerPer incident
84Training & CompetencyNew workers assigned to height tasks undergo site-specific induction covering fall protection proceduresInduction record signed by worker before task assignmentHSE OfficerPer new worker
85Audit & DocumentationWorking at height permits and inspection tags archived for minimum 3 years for audit purposesDocument retention log confirming 3-year archive periodHSE ManagerOngoing
86Audit & DocumentationMonthly audit of fall protection equipment register conducted verifying inspection currency and service lifeAudit checklist with equipment register sample reviewHSE ManagerMonthly
87Audit & DocumentationNon-compliant working at height practices identified during audit escalated via corrective action registerCAPA reference number linked to audit findingHSE ManagerPer audit
88Audit & DocumentationStatistics on height-related near-misses, incidents and permit compliance reported in monthly HSE reportMonthly HSE report section with height work statisticsHSE ManagerMonthly

Each checkpoint records Status (Yes / No / N/A), Comments, Corrective Action and Sign-off. Switch to Complete in-app to fill it here, or download the blank version to complete on site.

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