Where a ladder or run of ladders rises a vertical distance of 9 metres or more above its base, there shall, where reasonably practicable, be provided at suitable intervals sufficient safe landing areas or rest platforms. Ensure any locking bars are engaged. Don't overreach. In fact they can be a sensible and practical option for low-risk, short-duration tasks, although they may not automatically be your first choice. Don't go any higher than necessary, ensure that the ladder is as stable as possible, and keep your feet firmly on the ladder at all times. Make sure it is secure and stable before use. Keep three points of contact with the ladder at all times - ideally two feet and one hand. That needs to change. Use barriers and signage, or have an assistant constantly in attendance. What Are the Advantages of a Spiral Staircase? When climbing or descending ladders, both hands are needed. Check the stiles make sure they are not bent or damaged, as the ladder could buckle or collapse. Wait until you feel better, or enlist the help of someone who is better able to safely climb the ladder. There should be no missing steps. Now, due to this climbing restriction, you will not be able to climb a ladder all the way to the tippy-top (thats the scientific name for it) and step off onto a higher level. When you pop one up, other people might not be expecting you to be there! Folding step ladders are generally quite safe to use. If you are carrying anything, even in just one hand, that prevents you from maintaining three points of contact, or that can cause you to lose your balance and fall, then you must find another way to get that material/tool where it needs to go. Any time you use a stepladder it must be fully opened and locked into place. These need to be clean (no oil, moss or leaf litter) and free of loose material (sand, packaging materials etc) so the feet can grip. If you cannot reach, climb down and move the ladder. Only use ladders for work of short duration and which you can do safely from a ladder. Anything above 9m, and you need to think about resting places. HSE priced publications are also available from bookshops. (2) Every employer shall ensure that work equipment exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations is inspected. And use safety markers to notify others you are using a ladder. Ladders are everyday pieces of access equipment. Access to this website Determine which type of ladder will be best. Each year, around 1200 people suffer major injuries and 12 people die after falls from ladders. As a guide, if your task would require staying up a leaning ladder or stepladder for more than 30 minutes at a time, it is recommended that you consider alternative equipment. and is an award-winning speaker. Do not use a ladder in a driveway or passageway unless you can protect yourself. If they do that at home, chances are theyll do it on the job, too. For short access work like maintenance. Short duration is not the deciding factor in establishing whether use of a ladder is acceptable or not you should have first considered the risk. Visit our construction focused solutions at. Do not allow another person to work below the ladder. Nearly everyone owns a ladder, they are used in homes and workplaces. Check the rungs if they are bent, worn, missing or loose the ladder could fail. Therefore, sometimes ladder safety gets as much consideration at work as it does at home, which is to say: zero. Set it up, use it, and maintain it properly whether youre at work or at home. Our 10 rungs (rules) of ladder safety will help you use ladders correctly. January 2014. But, with ladders accounting for over a quarter of falls from height and each year, it is important to use ladders carefully. The law says that ladders can be used for work at height when a risk assessment has shown that using equipment offering a higher level of fall protection is not justified because of the low risk and short duration of use; or there are existing workplace features which cannot be altered. If you are being trained, you should work under the supervision of somebody who can perform the task competently. Rain, snow, ice or wind could cause a stepladder to slip, or you might slip on a wet rung. Remove any obstacles in the work area. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. Stepladders are usually made from wood, fiberglass or aluminum. HSE recommends British Standard (BS) Class 1 Industrial or BS EN 131 ladders for use at work (see Further reading); have been maintained and stored in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. First published 01/14. Once you work outside of the manufacturers intentions, you increase the risk of the ladder falling. You are free to take other action, except where the guidance says you must do something specific. Developed and maintained by CPWR - Some are best practice or common sense guidance. You should also think about how you will move tools and materials up the working height if needed. Different ladders are going to support different weights (more on this later). British Standards can be obtained in PDF or hard copy formats from BSI: http://shop.bsigroup.com or by contacting BSI Customer Services for hard copies only Tel: 0845 086 9001 email: cservices@bsigroup.com. Read the safety information labels on the ladder. If you need a safe working platform at height for long durations, ladders are probably not the right choice. Because stepladders are such a common tool, even in the home, it is often taken for granted that employees know how to properly use them. Before starting a task, you should always carry out a pre-use check to spot any obvious visual defects to make sure the ladder is safeto use. Most people dont thoroughly inspect their ladders at home and many wouldnt know what to look for if they did. Your goal when using a step ladder - or any other sort of ladder, for that matter - should be to keep risk at a minimum. Check the stepladder platform if it is split or buckled the ladder could become unstable or collapse. Do not try to carry supplies in your hands. This is a final inspection, to double check the ladder condition, position, angle, and stability. The stepladder should not be rickety or sway from side to side. Both the Work at Height Regulations, and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) require this. Each has a maximum height and maximum weight: This means that your weight plus the weight of all of the tools/materials you have with you cannot exceed the listed limits. Inspect the ladder before using it. Do not use metal ladders near electrical equipment. Rise or lower tools and materials using a hoist, hand-line, bucket or other device. Let's look at the different ratings and codes for safety footwear and what they mean. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Once you have checked that a ladder is the right equipment for the job, you need to check that your ladder is in good enough condition for use. What about with the weight of a person climbing the ladder? For such a common piece of equipment, they must be safe. Aluminum ladders shouldnt be used in situations where there is the possibility of coming into contact with electrical components, live wires, or even of being exposed to lightning. Tips for Saving Money on Your Gas and Electricity Bills. Dont allow two people on the ladder at the same time. To use a ladder, you must be competent or, if you are being trained, you should be working under the supervision of a competent person. Make sure that any harnesses or ties do not interfere with safe travel when on the ladder. But if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Competence can be demonstrated through a combination of training, practical and theoretical knowledge, and experience. Wear slip-resistant shoes that will help you grip the rungs as you climb. A common sight in both the home and the workplace, step ladders are incredibly versatile - they can be used for everything from plastering ceilings and cleaning windows to changing light bulbs and redecorating the living room. She is NEBOSH qualified and Tech IOSH. You should also regularly inspect ladders for signs of deterioration. Check any locking mechanisms if they are bent or the fixings are worn or damaged the ladder could collapse. Remember, it's not just your own body weight that counts - avoid carrying heavy objects while using the ladder. They are self-supporting, so you don't have to lean your ladder up against the wall, and the steps are reasonably comfortable to stand on. Where securing at the upper end of the ladder towards the top is not possible, securing at the middle or near the base is necessary. Ladders can slip both outwards and side to side. Follow your jurisdiction's guidelines on the distances recommended for each level of electrical voltage that may be present. CDM guides, tools and packs for your projects. Here is what your employees need to know: Ladders arent one size fits all. This should match up with what the Do not stand on or above this step sticker is telling you. Make sure there are no signs of damage. More specific requirements that only apply to a leaning ladder or a stepladder are covered in detail under the relevant headings. Check the steps or treads on stepladders if they are contaminated they could be slippery; if the fixings are loose on steps, they could collapse. This article was written by Emma at HASpod. Do not "shift" or "walk" a stepladder when standing on it. Dont let a simple task turn into a tragedy. will be unavailable during this time. Shiny floor surfaces can be slippery even without contamination; where they will not be struck by vehicles (protect the area using suitable barriers or cones); where they will not be pushed over by other hazards such as doors or windows, ie secure the doors (not fire exits) and windows where possible; where the general public are prevented from using it, walking underneath it or being at risk because they are too near (use barriers, cones or, as a last resort, a person standing guard at the base); tie the ladder to a suitable point, making sure both stiles are tied, see Figures6, 7 and 8; where this is not practical, secure with an effective ladder stability device; if this is not possible, then securely wedge the ladder, egwedge the stiles against a wall; if you cant achieve any of these options, foot the ladder. They should have a pre-use check each working day; have an up-to-date record of the detailed visual inspections carried out regularly by a competent person. Ladders tend to be one of those tools that get taken for granted because they are used so often in the home. (See also: Make sure all of the ladder's feet are firmly on the ground and keep them in contact with the ground at all times. You need to wear safety footwear in various workplaces, and sometimes, it might seem like a hassle. Keep tools in an organized tool belt attached to your waist and have someone hand you items such as paint or larger tools once you have climbed the ladder. Check for splits, warping, decay, damage, etc. For example, work requiring only one hand and within easy reaching distance. MORE ABOUT >. Dolle Hobby (1150 x 550) Wooden Loft Ladder, 450mm Staging Board Kit with Double Handrail, Boss Ladderspan 3T Scaffold Tower (Single Width), Copyright 2022 Ladders UK Direct Ltd. All Rights Reserved, How to Keep Your Child Safe Near Spiral Stairs, Campervan & Motorhome Ladders: Access the Roof of Your Vehicle with Ease. Find out how to check the expiry date on your hard hats, what stamps to look for, where to look, the difference between the manufacture date and the expiry date, how long a hard hat lasts, and most importantly - when to replace your hard hat. If you spot any of the above defects, dont use the ladder and notify your employer. You are better off looking at scaffolding, or mobile elevated working platforms (MEWPs). Home Tools, Gear & Equipment Tools & Supplies Ladders. Once you have done your pre-use check, there are simple precautions that can minimise the risk of a fall. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Maybe it got banged around in storage. Use a non-conductive ladder (eg fibreglass or timber) for any electrical work; maintain three points of contact when climbing (this means a hand and two feet) and wherever possible at the work position see Figures 2 and 3; where you cannot maintain a handhold, other than for a brief period (eg to hold a nail while. Following the guidance is not compulsory, unless specifically stated, and you are free to take other action. Never place a stepladder in front of a door or opening. 5. It can be done in-house by a competent person (pre-use checks should be part of a users training) and detailed visual inspections should be recorded. Have a second person hold the bottom of a long ladder, especially when tying or untying an extension ladder. cracked or damaged welded joints, loose rivets or damaged stays. Check the feet if they are missing, worn or damaged the ladder could slip. Contact our Safety InfoLine Download them today in PDF format, no sign up required. Avoid it, where reasonably practicable, by using other access equipment. Not once a month. A portable ladder shall be prevented from slipping during use by. We expect this update to take about an hour. In most cases, only allow one person on a ladder at a time. Ladders are well-used pieces of equipment, so they can take a battering during use, in storage and in transport. Obviously, a 14 ladder is going to allow you higher reach than an 8 ladder, but its also going to require extra room to be properly set up. Therefore, it is important workers know how to properly and safely use portable ladders. Some of these 10 rules come straight out the regulations. 905-572-2981 Check footing before descending a ladder. This is not how stepladders are designed to be used and therefore you cannot use them this way. Your ladder must be properly labeled with the necessary information in order to be used. This is a dangerous assumption. The top step or top cap of the ladder is not a step its not made to stand on so try not to use your ladder like this. They are best secured by tying or fixing the ladder near the top. What Are the Advantages of Using a Telescopic Ladder? One of the most frequent violations Ive noticed in my career when it comes to stepladders is not workers climbing too high on the ladder, but workers keeping the ladder folded and leaning it against a surface to gain access to their work. For leaning ladders, you need to consider both the ground stability and whatever it is resting on at or near the top. You can check your ladders are suitable and free from defects with the ladder inspection checklist. Many companies have policies against aluminum ladders (and some have policies against ladders altogether). You should always have a secure handhold available when using a ladder. That being said, working at height is always potentially hazardous, and even when you're using a step ladder, it's important to take certain precautions in order to minimise the risk of injury. If you feel dizzy or off-balance, have been drinking alcohol, or are compromised in any way by age or health, do not climb a ladder. Take every precaution when using stepladders to ensure that you do not end up among the ladder casualty statistics. for a leaning ladder, you should secure it (eg by tying the ladder to prevent it from slipping either outwards or sideways) and have a strong upper resting point, ie do not rest a ladder against weak upper surfaces (eg glazing or plastic gutters see Figure 4); you could also use an effective stability device. Emma has over 10 years experience in health and safety and BSc (Hons) Construction Management. You should only use ladders in situations where they can be used safely, eg where the ladder will be level and stable, and where it is reasonably practicable to do so, the ladder can be secured. 9. For stepladders, this is the ground or platform underneath the feet of the ladder. Easy-to-read, question-and-answer fact sheets covering a wide range of workplace health and safety topics, from hazards to diseases to ergonomics to workplace promotion. For more information on safe step ladder use or how to use a step ladder safely be sure to get in touch with the Ladders UK Direct Team today - we'd be more than happy to help you out! Wherever you use a ladder, it needs to be inspected in position, before use. This is so you can maintain a handhold while dismounting (unless another secure handhold has been provided). Check side rails, rivets and spreaders or hinges for any breaks or bends. If you need both hands free to work, keep both feet on the same step of the ladder and use the ladder itself to support your knees or chest as a third point of contact. Appropriate training can help. Where securing at neither the top, middle or bottom is possible, the ladder should be secured by other measures. Take a few moments to think about how youre using your ladder preparations that can help keep you safe. When you need to reach great heights, you should consider whether a ladder is the best equipment for the job. Wear comfortable clothing but not so loose that it might catch on parts of the ladder. Her work has appeared in USA Weekend, Energy Times, Costco Connection, Next Avenue, and many other local and national publications. Inspect the shoes at the base of the ladder to make sure they are intact and have gripping power. To use a ladder you need to be competent, ie have had instruction and understand how to use the equipment safely. (2) Every employer shall ensure that, where the safety of work equipment depends on how it is installed or assembled, it is not used after installation or assembly in any position unless it has been inspected in that position. Buy Step Ladders from Ladders UK Direct >>. Ladder Buying Guide - What Kind of Ladder Do I Need? Footing the ladder is the last resort and only where other methods are not practical. Want to print some construction health and safety signs for your site? Always make sure the ladder is tied or secured correctly before using. Our 10 rules of ladder safety will help you use ladders correctly. Work from the center of the ladder. I get what hes saying, but I dont see any labels, then take the ladder out of service. This guidance from the British Health and Safety Executive was designed for employers to safely use ladders and stepladders, but should also be useful for employees and their representatives. Footing is the last resort. This means, when ladders are used for access, they protrude above the access point. 2. Not once a year. Eyeball your stepladder before use, even if its new. Short duration is not the deciding factor in establishing whether use of a ladder is acceptable you must have first considered risk. Copyright 1997-2022 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, Document last updated on January 14, 2019, All The first rule of ladder safety is, don't use ladders. It is part of the A structure of the ladder and excess weight can cause the ladder to split. Flip flops, leather-soled or backless shoes should never be worn on a ladder. Where feasible, use an extension ladder to access higher levels, but if you must use a step ladder, ensure that it extends at least 3 above the level you are climbing to and is secured so as not to move when stepping on or off, just as you would an extension ladder. Services Main Page. When climbing a ladder and/or working from a ladder, keep your center of gravity between the side rails. Instead of stretching to reach something, get down and reposition the ladder as needed. Used right, ladders are not particularly dangerous. Ladders are access equipment, not working platforms. Wearing footwear with heels can help to stop the foot from slipping forward. Please see the other documents on Ladders from OSH Answers for more information. In other words, at least one of your hands must be in contact with the ladder at all times. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. How you position your ladder can have a big impact on safety. British Standards provide more information on current product standards (see Further information), eg: For information about health and safety, or to report inconsistencies or inaccuracies in this guidance, visit www.hse.gov.uk. Clean your footwear by removing mud, water, snow, ice or grease. Life changing in fact. The injuries can be serious too. If you need access or are carrying out short term work at height (under 30 minutes), you might consider a ladder. The law calls for a sensible, proportionate approach to managing risk, and further guidance on what you should do before deciding if a ladder is the right type of equipment for a particular task is provided in Working at height: A brief guide (see Further reading). Work at height means work in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. She is the author of "The Thought of You: The Art of Being Alive!" In fact they can be a sensible and practical option for low-risk, short-duration tasks. Make pre-use checks and inspect ladder stability devices and other accessories in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Ladders that are part of a scaffold system still have to be inspected every seven days as part of the scaffold inspection requirements; are suitable for the intended use, ie are strong and robust enough for the job. Do not extend your reach to a point too far from the ladder. side-on drilling into a solid wall), it may be necessary to tie the ladder for extra stability. The guidance contains excellent and clear graphics to demonstrate proper ladder use that will work well in training programs. Things happen all the time when youre not working. This does not mean you cannot stand on or above that step unless you have really good balance. Keep your body centered between side rails. Wipe the steps clean of paint oil or other materials that could be hazardous. See. have no visible defects. Always inspect the ladder before use, and set the ladder up correctly. The guide recommends that if your task requires staying on a leaning ladder or stepladder for more than 30 minutes at a time, you should consider alternative equipment. Stepladders are broken down into different classifications, cleverly named Type I (which is further broken down), Type II, and Type III. Working at height safely: A brief guide Leaflet INDG401(rev2) HSE Books 2014 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.htm, Work at height web pages on the HSE website: www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/index.htm, You can access the Work at height Access equipment Information Toolkit (WAIT) at www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/wait/index.htm. Sideways movement usually happens near the top of the ladder. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), keep three points of contact at all times, What to Do Within the First Year After Moving Into Your New Home, The Most Essential Products for New Homeowners, Do Not Sell My Personal Information CA Residents. EDT. Need a stepladder for your next project? Even if the debris isnt under the ladder itself, you must keep the area around the base of the ladder clear so that your users have safe access. Search hundreds of health and safety documents ready to edit and download for your construction projects. How to check your ladder is safe before you use it, Securing ladders and ladders used for access, Safe use of ladders and stepladders: A brief guide LA455, Working at height safely: A brief guide, Leaflet INDG401, Health and safety in roof work, Guidance HSG33, how to assess the risks of using a ladder for a particular task, when it is right to use a ladder (and when it is not), which type of ladder to use and how to use it. Used right, ladders are not particularly dangerous. Some people never walk again after a fall from a ladder. This is because of the low risk and short duration of use, or there are existing workplace features which cannot be altered. Step down and move your supplies and your ladder to a closer location. Otherwise, use a more suitable type of access equipment; maintain three points of contact at the working position. This prevents it from slipping either outwards or sideways. Maybe somebody dropped something on your ladder or knocked it over when you were away. Any surface upon which a ladder rests shall be stable, firm, of sufficient strength and of suitable composition safely to support the ladder so that its rungs or steps remain horizontal, and any loading intended to be placed on it. Never place a stepladder against a wall or building and try to climb the rungs. If necessary, move your ladder to a more level, stable surface, or level out the surface it is on, but do not make any attempt to climb a ladder that is not level. Toll free 1-800-668-4284 Products and (in Canada and the United States). Check out our Whats New listing to see what has been added or revised. This does not mean that you cannot stand on or above that step unless you really need to. This means the distance from the base of your ladder to the wall should be height reached by the ladder. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. Any work above ground level, no matter the height, is work at height. Ladders are everyday pieces of access equipment. Overextending to either side of the ladder could cause it to shift and fall. Remember, ladder loads are tested by the manufacturer only when being used the way they are intended to be used. If working near electricity, do not use an aluminum ladder. We've created 10 printer-friendly signs, including warning signs, PPE signs, and no-entry signs. Not once a week. only carry light materials and tools read the manufacturers labels on the ladder and assess the risks; dont overreach make sure your belt buckle (navel) stays within the stiles; make sure it is long enough or high enough for the task; dont overload it consider workers weight and the equipment or materials they are carrying before working at height. Giving you full and complete confidence to finish whatever task you have to carry out efficiently. So whats the risk? Think about using a toolbelt, a shoulder bag or similar (or hoist them up afterwards). Whatever the situation, you cannot leave your safety to chance. See that sticker that says, Do not stand on or above this step.? Ladders must be placed at a safe angle of approx. For example through the use of a stability device or wedging the ladder. Yes, ladders are commonplace, but unfortunately, so are ladder accidents. Check the pictogram or label on the ladder for information; make sure the ladder angle is at 75 you should use the 1in 4 rule (ie 1 unit out for every 4 units up) see Figure 1; always grip the ladder and face the ladder rungs while climbing or descending dont slide down the stiles; dont try to move or extend ladders while standing on the rungs; dont stand ladders on moveable objects, such as pallets, bricks, lift trucks, tower scaffolds, excavator buckets, vans, or mobile elevating work platforms; avoid holding items when climbing (consider using a tool belt); dont work within 6 m horizontally of any overhead power line, unless it has been made dead or it is protected with insulation. Surfaces need to be level, and strong enough to hold the ladder securely during use. Check that wooden ladders have not been painted, as flaking paint can also cause slips or disguise damage. If possible, the step ladder should be positioned so that you're facing your work instead of twisting around and working side-on. When using a leaning ladder to carry out a task: When using a stepladder to carry out a task: When deciding if it is safe to carry out a particular task on a stepladder where you cannot maintain a handhold (eg to put a box on a shelf, hang wallpaper, install a smoke detector on a ceiling), this needs to be justified, taking into account: Employers need to make sure that any ladder or stepladder is both suitable for the work task and in a safe condition before use. There's no fall protection, prevention, or edge protection. Are there any overhanging wires or tree branches that could cause a problem? It means do not stand on or above that step. Besides the restrictions placed on the height to which you can climb and the weight restrictions designated by the ladder class that we discussed earlier, there are two simple rules for maintaining the proper body position on a ladder: When ascending or descending, ensure that you are maintaining three points of contact. If your ladder is interlocking or extendible, the sections should be locked in place to prevent them from moving. Do not exceed the step ladder's maximum load limit. Rosie Wolf Williams is a Vermont-based writer with credits in business profiles, veterinary and agriculture, natural health, general interest, automotive, hardware, DIY, innovation and trends.

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