Section 1.2 Vertex Building Maintenance: Working at Heights Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish minimum safety requirements for all employees performing work at heights and to ensure compliance with applicable Ontario legislation and industry standards.

Vertex Building Maintenance is committed to protecting workers from fall hazards through proper planning, training, supervision, equipment use, and safe work practices.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, subcontractors, and personnel engaged in any work where there is a risk of falling from one level to another, including but not limited to:

• Rope access operations
• Roof work
• Ladder work
• Suspended work platforms
• Elevated work areas
• Work near unprotected edges
• Window cleaning operations
• Accessing mechanical areas or rooftops

Policy Statement

Vertex Building Maintenance will take every reasonable precaution to eliminate or control fall hazards in the workplace. Where a fall hazard exists, appropriate fall protection systems, equipment, and procedures will be used in accordance with:

• Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Ontario Regulation 213/91 - Construction Projects
• Applicable CSA standards
• Manufacturer requirements
• Company safe work procedures

No employee shall perform work at heights unless:

• Proper training has been completed
• Appropriate fall protection equipment is available and used correctly
• Hazards have been assessed and controlled
• Rescue procedures have been established where required

Responsibilities

Management will:

• Provide appropriate fall protection equipment
• Ensure workers receive Working at Heights training and any required competency training
• Develop and maintain safe work procedures
• Ensure equipment inspections are completed
• Enforce compliance with this policy

Supervisors will:

• Conduct hazard assessments before work begins
• Ensure workers use fall protection systems correctly
• Verify workers are trained and competent
• Stop work if unsafe conditions exist
• Ensure rescue procedures are in place where required

Workers are required to:

• Follow all fall protection procedures and training
• Inspect equipment before use
• Report damaged equipment or unsafe conditions immediately
• Use required PPE and fall protection systems
• Refuse unsafe work where hazards are not adequately controlled

Fall Protection Requirements

Appropriate fall protection will be used whenever workers are exposed to a fall hazard as defined by applicable legislation and company procedures.

Fall protection systems may include:

• Travel restraint systems
• Fall arrest systems
• Rope access systems
• Guardrails
• Safety barriers
• Anchor systems
• Temporary horizontal lifelines

All equipment will be:

• Inspected before use
• Used in accordance with manufacturer instructions
• Removed from service if damaged or questionable

Rescue Planning

Where fall arrest or rope access systems are used, a rescue plan appropriate to the work being performed will be established prior to work commencing. Workers shall not rely solely on emergency services for rescue response.

Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy, applicable legislation, or company procedures may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from site or termination of employment.