Risk Assessment in Vertical Work

1. Hazard Identification

• Site Evaluation: Inspect the work area to identify potential hazards such as unstable surfaces, adverse weather conditions, and obstructions.
• Equipment and Tools: Review work equipment (scaffolding, ladders, rope access systems) and tools to identify risks associated with their use.
• Working Conditions: Consider factors such as working height, task duration, and access frequency.

2. Risk Assessment

• Probability and Severity: Evaluate the probability of occurrence of each identified hazard and the severity of its potential consequences.
• Existing Measures: Analyze the effectiveness of current control measures and determine if improvements are needed.

3. Control Measures

• Hazard Elimination: Whenever possible, eliminate identified hazards.
• Collective Protection: Implement collective protection measures, such as railings, safety nets, and anchoring systems.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide adequate PPE (harnesses, helmets, ropes, descenders...) and ensure their proper use and maintenance in accordance with IRATA and Spanish regulations.

4. Safe Work Procedures

• Work Planning: Develop detailed safe working procedures, including rescue plans and emergency procedures.
• Training: Ensure that workers are trained in procedures and in the safe use of equipment

5. Oversight and Auditing

• Continuous Monitoring: Continuously monitor work to ensure compliance with safety procedures.
• Periodic Audits: Perform regular audits to verify the effectiveness of control measures and adherence to regulations.

Relevant Spanish Regulations

Law 31/1995 on the Prevention of Occupational Risks

• Employer Obligations: Conduct risk assessments, provide appropriate training and equipment, and ensure safe working conditions.

Royal Decree 2177/2004

• Provisions for Temporary Work at Height: It includes specific requirements for the use of work equipment at height, such as scaffolding and rope access systems.

Royal Decree 773/1997

• Personal Protective Equipment: Establishes minimum safety and health requirements for the selection, use, and maintenance of PPE.

Detailed Steps for Risk Assessment

1. Planning and Preparation
   • Gather information about the work site, the task to be performed and the equipment available.
   • Consult with workers and representatives to identify potential hazards and concerns.
2. Hazard Identification
   • Environment Review: Examine the work environment to identify hazards such as unstable surfaces, adverse weather, and the presence of hazardous materials.
   • Equipment Inspection: Review work equipment and tools to identify risks associated with their use.
3. Risk Assessment
   • Use a risk matrix to assess the likelihood and severity of each identified hazard.
   • Classify risks based on their level (low, medium, high) to prioritize control measures.
4. Implementation of Control Measures
   • Hazard Elimination: Whenever possible, eliminate hazards.
   • Collective Protection Measures: Implement guardrails, safety nets and secure anchoring systems.
   • Personal Protective Equipment: Provide and ensure the correct use of PPE in accordance with IRATA and Spanish regulations.
5. Development of Operating Procedures
   • Create detailed procedures for specific tasks, including rescue plans and emergency procedures.
   • Train workers in these procedures and in the safe use of equipment.
6. Monitoring and Review
   • Continuously monitor work to ensure compliance with safety procedures.
   • Review and update the risk assessment and control measures regularly and after any significant change in the work environment or procedures.

Integration of IRATA and Spanish Regulations

• Dual Compliance: Ensure that all security practices comply with both IRATA standards and Spanish regulations.
• Documentation and Training: Keep detailed records of risk assessment and control measures, and provide ongoing training to workers.
• Audits and Improvements: Perform regular audits to verify compliance with regulations and to continuously improve security practices.

By following these steps, a complete risk assessment can be carried out in accordance with IRATA International and Spanish regulations, thus ensuring maximum safety in vertical work.