Ladder Use

More accidents involve ladders than any other piece of work equipment. This is because there are so many of them, not because they are particularly dangerous. A few easily memorised rules can ensure ladder safety.

Importance.

On average 12 people a year die at work falling from ladders and over 1200 suffer major injuries. Ladders remain the most common agent involved and account for over a quarter of all falls from height.

Regulations.

The Work at Height Regulations cover ladder use. Employers have a duty to assess the risks, plan and supervise all workers who work at height.

Guidance.

• Only use ladders for short duration work that can safely be done from a ladder e.g. work requiring only one hand and within easy reaching distance.
• Ladders must be of sound material, strong enough for purpose and properly maintained (no splits, warping, decay, damage, etc).
• Wooden ladders must not be painted.
• Ladders must have a firm footing for each stile and be secured at the upper end. If not possible, securing at or near the base is necessary. Where securing at neither the top nor bottom is possible, the ladder should be secured through use of a stability device or by footing the ladder as a last resort.
• Maximum height to be reached by ladder is 9m unless a resting place can be provided.
• Ladders used for access to a higher level must extend at least 1m (at least 3 rungs) above the landing place unless other regulation height hand hold is provided.
• Ladders must be placed at a safe angle of approx. 75 degrees (e.g. distance from base of ladder to the wall should be ¼ height).
• Only one person should stand on a ladder at one time, except when a second person is standing on the bottom rung to foot the ladder.
• When climbing or descending ladders, both hands are needed, so carry tools etc. in a shoulder bag or such like (or hoist them up afterwards). Always maintain 3 points of contact.
• Do not use metal ladders near electrical equipment.
• Do not use a ladder in a driveway or passageway unless protected by barriers or an assistant is in attendance.

Questions.

1. What is the maximum height to be reached by a ladder?
2. What angle should a ladder be placed at?

Summary.

Always inspect a ladder before using it and report immediately any defect. Ladders are access equipment and not safe working platforms.