Selecting Appropriate Equipment for Working at Heights Toolbox Talk

Selecting the right equipment is one of the most important decisions when working at height. Using equipment that is unsuitable for the task can increase the risk of falls, equipment failure, and serious injury. The safest option is not always the quickest or most convenient—it is the one that best controls the hazards and allows the work to be completed safely.

This toolbox talk reviews how to choose the appropriate equipment for working at height and the factors that should be considered before work begins.

Why This Matters

• Different tasks require different types of access equipment.
• Using the wrong equipment increases the likelihood of falls and injuries.
• Proper equipment improves stability, productivity, and worker safety.
• Environmental conditions can affect equipment performance and safe use.
• Selecting the right equipment reduces the need for unsafe shortcuts.

Common Hazards

• Using a ladder when a scaffold or mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) is the safer choice.
• Selecting equipment that cannot safely support the required load.
• Using damaged, modified, or poorly maintained equipment.
• Choosing equipment that is too short, causing workers to overreach.
• Working on unstable or uneven ground without suitable equipment.
• Using equipment too close to overhead power lines.
• Operating equipment without the required training or authorization.
• Failing to account for weather conditions such as wind or rain.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Determine whether the work can be completed without working at height.
• Select the safest access equipment based on the task, height, duration, and work environment.
• Verify the equipment has sufficient load capacity for workers, tools, and materials.
• Inspect ladders, scaffolds, MEWPs, and fall protection equipment before use.
• Ensure the ground or supporting surface is stable and capable of supporting the equipment.
• Confirm workers are trained and authorized to use the selected equipment.

During Work

• Use the equipment only for its intended purpose.
• Maintain three points of contact when climbing ladders.
• Do not exceed the equipment's rated load or working limits.
• Avoid overreaching; reposition the equipment instead.
• Follow manufacturer instructions and site procedures at all times.
• Stop work if equipment becomes damaged or conditions make its use unsafe.

Crew Talking Points

• What is the safest equipment for today's task?
• Have all access and fall protection equipment been inspected?
• Are workers trained to use the selected equipment?
• Will weather or ground conditions affect safe operation?
• Are there overhead power lines or other hazards nearby?
• Speak up if you believe a safer equipment option should be used.

Stop Work If

• The selected equipment is unsuitable for the task.
• Equipment is damaged, defective, or missing safety features.
• The work surface cannot safely support the equipment.
• Required inspections or operator training have not been completed.
• Weather or site conditions make equipment use unsafe.
• You are being asked to use equipment beyond its intended limits.

Final Reminder

The right equipment is the foundation of safe work at height. Choose equipment that matches the task, inspect it before use, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and never use convenience as the reason for selecting an unsafe option.