Safety Newsletter - August 2008

Ladder work

Ladders are still one of the most used items for access and for lone working. They are also easily misused and cause many serious injuries.

On average 13 people a year die at work falling from ladders and nearly 1200 suffer major injuries. More than a quarter of all falls happen from ladders.

Ladders require regular checks; it is recommended that this is done monthly and it must be recorded. Can you prove that ladders are being checked?

Before you use a ladder, first ask yourself: Am I fit to work at height? Then think about the condition and the position of the ladder.

On a ladder in good condition the rungs are not split or damaged and the stiles are straight and undamaged.

A ladder is in a good position if it is footed and at an angle of 75 degrees (or 4-in-1), is on level firm ground and will not move at the bottom or the top.

When can ladders be used?

Ladders can be used if—after assessing the risks—the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and short duration. (Short duration is taken to be between 15 and 30 minutes depending upon the task.)

Ladders can also be used for low risk work where there are features on the site that mean a ladder must be used.

In use:

• Only work on a ladder for a maximum of 15 - 30 minutes at a time
• Only carry light materials and tools (up to 10 kg)
• Do not overreach - make sure your belt buckle (navel) stays within the stiles
• Keep both feet on the same rung or step throughout the task
• Make sure you have a safe handhold available on the steps
• Avoid side-on working.