Changing Light Bulbs Safely
An example of a typical requirement
QUESTION:
I want to change light bulbs/clean lights in our warehouse.
I need to access about 7.0m in height. There are no obstructions under the lights and the floor is solid.
Your duty is to eliminate working at height where you can, and if this is not reasonably practicable, to take suitable and sufficient measures to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any person working at height falling a distance liable to cause a personal injury.You will need to undertake a site specific risk assessment to identify all the risks and draw up a safe working system which can justify the system and work equipment you choose. The height of the lights is certainly a problem.
In addition to using long life bulbs to decrease frequency of replacement, there are specialised lighting systems on the market which allow replacement from ground level. Although this is initially an expense, it would dispense with the need to work at height in the future for replacing 
light bulbs.
Remember, towers should only be erected by trained and competent people who are following a safe method of work.
Mobile elevating work platforms can provide excellent safe access to high-level work and can be easily moved from one location to another. Remember, powered access equipment requires the operator to hold a certificate or licence to prove that they are trained and competent. The larger machines may also be difficult to manuouvre in tight spaces.
www.dlhonline.co.uk has a variety of equipment to give you some idea of what is on the market. This will provide you with the most suitable, secure and safe working solution from which to work on the lights. A powered access platform will also have anchorage for a work restraint harness, these are also available online.
A combination ladder which is self supporting could be used, but if a free standing ladder is considered, you will need to have a resting surface at the top of the ladder but this must be suitably robust and of suitable 
dimensions to allow a secure resting position.
When working from aladder you should adopt the principle of 3 points of contact( guidance on safe working from a ladder is on the HSE website at : http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/ladders.htm).
However, I would question how you are going to achieve this principle whislt holding the light fitment in one hand, unscrewing and then screwing in a replacement bulb with the other. The same question can be asked if cleaning the lights.
