Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1993

Falls or falling objects

13.  —

(1) So far as is reasonably practicable, suitable and effective measures shall be taken to prevent the occurrence of any event specified in paragraph (3).

(2) So far as is reasonably practicable, the measures required by paragraph (1) shall be measures other than the provision of personal protective equipment, information, instruction, training or supervision.

(3) The events specified are:—

(a) any person falling a distance likely to cause personal injury;

(b) any person being struck by a falling object likely to cause personal injury.

(4) Any area where there is a risk to health or safety from the occurrence of any event specified in paragraph (3) shall be clearly indicated where appropriate.

(5) So far as is practicable, every tank, pit or structure where there is a risk of any person in the workplace falling into any dangerous substance in the tank, pit or structure, shall be securely covered or fenced.

(6) Every traffic route over, across or in an uncovered tank, pit or structure such as is mentioned in paragraph (5) shall be securely fenced.

(7) In this regulation, “dangerous substance” means—

(a) any substance likely to scald or burn;

(b) any poisonous substance;

(c) any corrosive substance;

(d) any fumes, as or vapour likely to overcome a person; or

(e) any granular or free-flowing solid substance, or any viscous substance which, in any case, is of a nature or quantity likely to cause danger to any person.