SUR/Specific/TBT-SUR-009

Surveying at Height

Surveying & Setting Out › Specific › Surveying at Height

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Surveyors often work at height on roofs, structures, scaffolds, and elevated platforms to take measurements.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply fully to surveying activities carried out above ground level.
Setting up instruments on scaffold platforms, bridge decks, and building edges creates fall risks.
Surveyors may work alone or in small teams, reducing the availability of immediate help after a fall.
Carrying survey equipment such as total stations, tripods, and poles while climbing adds complexity.
Edge protection must be in place or fall arrest equipment worn when working near unprotected edges.
Weather conditions including wind and rain affect both measurement accuracy and personal safety at height.
Flat roofs with fragile roof lights are a common hazard when surveyors access buildings to take levels.
MEWPs or scaffolding should be used rather than ladders where repeated access to height is needed.
Communication with the ground team is essential when the surveyor is working at an elevated position.

Fall prevention	Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace death — surveyors are exposed during routine measurement tasks.
Equipment handling	Carrying instruments and tripods at height reduces the ability to maintain three points of contact and balance.
Lone working	Surveyors frequently work alone at height, meaning a fall may not be witnessed and rescue could be delayed.

Don't

Complete a risk assessment for each surveying task that involves working at height
Use scaffolds, MEWPs, or platforms rather than ladders for repeated access
Wear a harness and connect to a suitable anchor when near unprotected edges
Check for fragile roof lights and edge protection before accessing any roof
Hoist survey equipment separately rather than carrying it while climbing
Inform a colleague of your location and expected duration when working alone at height
Maintain three points of contact when climbing ladders or access equipment
Secure instruments and tripods against wind to prevent them falling from height
Check weather conditions before working at height in exposed locations
Carry a charged phone or radio for communication with the ground team

DON'T work at height without a risk assessment specific to the surveying task
DON'T carry equipment in both hands while climbing ladders or access stairs
DON'T step onto flat roofs without confirming the location of all fragile surfaces
DON'T lean over unprotected edges to take measurements or sight instruments
DON'T work at height alone without informing someone of your location and plan
DON'T use ladders where a platform, scaffold, or MEWP would be safer
DON'T set up instruments on unstable surfaces or near unguarded edges
DON'T survey at height during high winds, heavy rain, or lightning conditions
DON'T leave tripods and instruments unsecured on elevated platforms
DON'T rush surveying tasks at height to finish before the weather changes

See also: Surveying Safety Awareness | Working at Height Hierarchy of Control

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