Heiwerk

Heiwerk is a German-language term used to describe work performed at height, where there is a risk of falling. In everyday industry practice, Heiwerk covers activities conducted on structures, scaffolds, façades, towers, or tall equipment.

Scope and applications: Heiwerk encompasses construction, maintenance, inspection, cleaning, painting, and disaster-response tasks undertaken above ground level. It includes tasks performed from scaffolds, suspended platforms, rope-access systems, ladders, and elevating work platforms.

Techniques and equipment: Common methods include scaffolding, suspended access, rope access (Seiltechnik), aerial work platforms, and portable ladders. Essential equipment comprises fall-arrest or fall-protection harnesses, lanyards, anchor points, helmets, and rescue gear.

Safety and regulation: Work at height carries significant fall risk and is subject to risk assessment, planning, and supervision. Employers must implement fall protection, protective measures for colleagues below, rescue plans, and ongoing training. Regulations derive from national safety rules and international standards for fall protection and working at height.

Training and qualifications: Personnel typically require certified training in fall protection, rope access, emergency rescue, and equipment inspection according to applicable standards.

History and usage: The term Heiwerk is not uniformly standardized and is less common in formal regulation than the general term Arbeiten in Höhe or Höhenarbeiten. When used, it often appears in company names or industry jargon to denote height-related services.

See also: Working at height, Fall protection, Scaffolding, Rope access.