§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the Working at Height Directive applies to(a) mountaineering, (b) rock climbing, (c) acrobatics in circuses and gymnasiums and (d) other outdoor leisure activities. [163673]
§ Mr. BrowneThe Temporary Work at Height Directive (2001/45/EC) is intended to reduce the risk of falls from height, which account for a large percentage of fatal or major injuries at work. The Directive has the same scope of application as the Framework Directive (89/391/EEC), and applies to all sectors of activity where temporary work at height is carried out.
Therefore, the Directive would apply to all these activities when performed as a work activity. It would not apply to private individuals who partake in these tasks as a sport, or leisure activity. However, it is expected to have little impact on activities where employers fully comply with existing good practice.