High Access/Façade Access Audit

A high access/façade access audit is a detailed examination of work at height practices on-site.  It is a specialist assessment that has usually been determined by and so compliments the general risk assessment – the scope of which is usually determined by the nature of the building and the work that is carried out there.  It may include one or several of the following activities: working on roofs, building façade access, use of fixed/portable ladders, or use of scaffolding/mobile elevated work platforms.

The façade access safety audit looks in detail at the building’s façade access strategy most usually for maintenance and window cleaning purposes. Whilst many modern buildings have integrated façade access equipment (e.g. window cleaning cradles) these may not always provide a satisfactorily practical solution for cleaning and maintenance to the outside façade.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 requires that persons in control of premises fully assess the risks associated with any work at height activities and, based on their findings, implement suitable and sufficient controls in order to adequately manage those risks.

What are the benefits?

A high access/façade access safety assessment provides a number of benefits including:

  • Legal compliance with the Work at Height Regulations;
  • Competent site-specific advice;
  • A written documented assessment by an independent specialist;
  • Independent review of your contractors’ work at height activities;
  • Clarification that work at height activities are being undertaken safely;
  • Reduction of the likelihood of injury or bad practice;
  • More efficient cleaning and maintenance regime.
How can the S2 Partnership help?

A site visit will be carried out by one of our highly-experienced health & safety consultants to:

  • Identify all hazardous work at height activities undertaken on site,
  • Establish the risks associated with each of the respective work at height activities,
  • Examine relevant safety documentation including method statements and risk assessments,
  • Make recommendations as to how risks can, where reasonably practicable to do so, be eliminated,
  • Identify appropriate management controls which are required to suitably and sufficiently manage/control any residual risks which cannot otherwise be eliminated,

The consultant will report in detail on the conditions found and assess whether the current controls are satisfactory.  Where deficiencies are found, clear recommendations will be outlined and advice provided.

Please contact us for more information.