The Work at Height Regulations 2005 provide the basic principles in regards to working at height in every means and methods, whether from below ground to on top of buildings, and this would include the parameters set for hop-up platforms. 

 

Prior to any work at height, a risk assessment must be conducted to examine the risks and control measures for the activity. It must be checked if the hop-up is appropriate for the task at hand. The risk of harm to any workers and other site personnel near the hop-up must be taken into account. Any obstructions and hazards in the vicinity also need to be checked, such as the risk of plant activity or loose cables on the floor. To safely use hop-ups, the platform must be unfolded and placed in the work area. The location must be somewhere with stable even ground, no proximity near trenches or other holes in the ground that can make it unbalanced. The equipment set to be on the hop-up must not compromise the ability to conduct work. 

 

Both feet must be kept on the platform to ensure total balance and safety while conducting the necessary activities. Hop-ups have a weight capacity limit that cannot be exceeded, and this can vary depending on the type of hop-up being used, so precautions need to be in place such as the hop-ups available and the kind of equipment that would need to be used. Jumping on the platform and overreaching must also be avoided since this can damage it and result in unbalancing and thus the risk of falling from height. The recommended dimension of the hop-up to be 600mm x 600mm and not exceeding height at 500mm. 300mm wide hop-ups are available but are not as safe as the 600mm.