Safely working above combustibles requires more than just fall protection. Even if there’s no fall danger, working above combustibles can prove lethal.
For example, what happens if they combust?
- What kinds of chemicals and/or smoke will be released, and do you have sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) to permit you to escape?
- Do you know the flame height for those materials in that density and arrangement?
- How hot would the expected flame make your work platform? Even if the flames don’t reach you, the heat will.
- Would the flames block your escape path, trapping you to die of heat or smoke? Do you have only one escape path, and is it through the combustibles?
- Could any accelerants possibly be introduced? For example, you have a can of flammable solvent while working above those materials.
- Plan ahead so you aren’t trapped on a single-access mezzanine, ladder, scissor lift, or other elevation from which the only exit is through combustibles.