“Ladders don’t kill – poor practice does!”
Falling from height consistently kills more workers in Britain than any other hazard: the average is 34 every year! Portable ladders, therefore, should only be used where safer WAH methods are not practicable. Ladders are a last resort strategy. Despite providing safe equipment and focused training, it is the behaviour of the individual that will most often dictate whether ladders are used safely or not.
Here Are 6 Safe Steps 2 Take:
Condition – check the feet, rungs & stiles of the ladder. It should also have an in date ‘scaff-tag’ to prove it has been checked recently.
Surfaces – the ground and facia conditions should be firm, solid, stable, non-slip & with minimal slope (≤6◦). Avoid putting the top on plastic, glass, lead-flashing, or anything breakable. Always use a footer, or similar stability device, to secure your ladder.
Contact – always maintain 3 points of contact when climbing or working form the ladder. Two hands-one foot, one hand-two feet, or two feet and your torso if necessary.
Angle – Place the ladder at an angle of 75◦ – or 1:4 ratio. For every 4 rungs up, come out the equivalent of 1 rung at the bottom.
Height – Make sure it’s the right height! You should be able to reach without using the top three rungs. Always leave at least 1m of the ladder clear at the top (the ‘3 rung rule’), and never use a ladder above 6 meters in height.
Reach – Never over reach! Position you ladder so that you can reach your work while maintaining 3 points of contact with your centre of gravity between the stiles: that means, keep your belt-buckle inside the rungs!
THE RAM SPEAKS
“A good RAM will specify ladders are only used by trained staff, only used when absolutely necessary and for short duration work, and are secure before use.”
LADDER CHECKS
Feet—Good grip. Secure
Floor & Face—Firm & stable
Contact—3 points at all times
Height—3 rung rule & under 6m.
Angle—75◦/1:4 ratio
Reach—Do not over-reach or twist
Step-Ladder Note:
Never twist! If using one of these, make sure you place it “face-on” to the work area not “sideways off” so as to allow safe reach.
