SAFE USE OF LADDERS

Every year an average of 14 people die and a further 1200 are seriously injured at work as a result of falling from a leaning ladder or stepladder.

You do not need to fall from a great height to be badly injured. More people get injuries such as broken arms or legs falling less than 2 m from a ladder than falling from above this height.

For example, a person was killed when they lost their footing on the second rung of a ladder and fell backwards, hitting their head on the floor.

The main reasons why people fall off ladders are:

Poor maintenance/poor condition Ladders slipping at the top or bottom Wrong type of ladder used Ladder wobbles due to damaged feet or poor surface Overstretching Lack of secure grip

Ladder use – planning the task

Ensure that a risk assessment of ladder use is completed. This will ensure that the right type and length of ladder is available for the tasks likely to be carried out.

Ladders should only be used for light duty, short duration tasks. These tasks should be identified by your supervisor or manager.

Ladders should not be used if the task is likely to be strenuous, require physical effort or is likely to result in a sudden uncontrolled movement e.g. removing a heavy object or freeing a seized bolt.

You should not use a ladder if you have a medical condition or injury that could affect your safety.

You should not use a ladder if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear before using ladders. Make sure that the ladder cannot be accidentally knocked over, i.e. be a

person or vehicle. If they have to be used in areas where it is possible to be struck, ensure there is an extra person available to warn others or use clear signage/barriers to warn people of the ladder.

Do not position a ladder within the area of an overhead power line (unless the lines have been temporarily disconnected or insulated).

Remember – when using a ladder near live electrical equipment, use ladders that will not conduct electricity.

Check that the ladder you are using conforms to relevant standards, i.e.

BS2037:1994 aluminium ladders. BS1129:1990 wooden ladders. BS EN /131(or EN/131) applies to both.

It is recommended that you use one of the following: Class 1 (industrial) Maximum static load:175kg (27.5

stone) BS EN/131 (or EN/131) Maximum static load:150kg

(23.5 stone)

The ladder should be marked with the class number, maximum weight and instructions on how to use the ladder safely – follow these at all times.

Only use ladders that are owned by the University –do not use contractors or your own ladders in work.

It is recommended that departments mark their ladders with a unique identifier.

Check for missing, damaged or worn anti-slip feet on metal and fibreglass ladders (these are essential for good grip);

Check for items stuck in the feet such as swarf, stones grease or dirt, preventing the feet from making direct contact with the ground;

Check for mud, grease or oil either on the steps or the stiles (the sides)

Check for cracks in the rungs or stiles of the stepladder and missing, broken or weakened steps.

Check for damaged or weakened rungs and missing or damaged tie rods

Check metal stepladders for cracked or damaged welds and missing or loose screws or rivets.

Avoid placing ladders on side or back slopes,

particularly if the surface is wet. Ladders should not be used on a surface were the

side slope is greater that 16 degrees or the back slope is greater than 6 degrees.

The rungs should always look horizontal.

Carry ladders is a safe manner. Long ladders should be carried by two persons.

To erect a ladder, place its foot against a fixed

object such as a wall and raise the other end by progressing hand over hand, from rung to rung until upright.

Make sure the ladder is erected the right way up. If it is wooden ensure the tie rods are underneath the rungs, if it is aluminium check the rung profile is the right way round.

Do not place the top of a ladder against a fragile surface such as plastic guttering or glazing as this may give way and cause instability.

When erected the ladder must be at an angle of 75 degrees. Use the angle indicator marked on the stiles of some ladders or the 1 in 4 rule (1 unit for every 4 units up, as shown in Figure opposite).

If you cannot achieve this angle, because the ladder is too short, too long or something is in the way, then don’t use it.

The ladder to be used should be sufficiently long. Always try and make

sure the ladder extends at least 1 m (or three rungs) above where you will be working.

If you are using a ladder for access, make sure it rises to at least 1 m (or three rungs) above the landing place. But make sure it does not project so far above that it could pivot around the landing point.

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Wherever possible, tie a ladder to prevent it from

slipping. This can either be at the top, the bottom or both, making sure both stiles are tied. Never tie a ladder by its rungs.

If you can’t tie the ladder use an ‘effective ladder’ or one with an ‘effective ladder-stability device’. This means a ladder or ladder-stability device that the suppliers or manufacturers can confirm will bstable enough to use unsecured in your worst casescenario.

If you cannot tie or use a stabilising device then you can wedge the stiles against a wall or other similar heavy object or, as a last resort, have a second person foot the ladder.

Avoid overstretching - it is easy to loose balance. If you have to carry out work along a wide area, move the stepladder rather than try to stretch. Your stomach should be kept within the stiles and both feet should be flat on the step.

Never place you foot on another surface, e.g. a window ledge to extend your reach.

When climbing up and down the ladder, take one step at a time. Where possible ensure you have 3 points of contact with the ladder at all

times (i.e. two feet and one hand) On nearing the bottom, watch where you place your feet.

Avoid carrying large or long items up and

down ladders. You should avoid carrying items over 25kg and where possible keep items to less than 10kg.

If you have to carry items up and down ladders, ensure you maintain at least one hand on the stepladder.

Tools and other light items should be carried in a tool belt or bag or placed on the ladder (see paint can opposite).

Only one person at a time should work off a ladder.

Do not throw things to the floor or colleagues from a ladder.

Ensure stepladders are stored in an appropriate place, away from areas where they can be accidentally damaged or cause trips hazards.

Where possible, stepladders should be secured so that they cannot be accidentally knocked over.

SUMMARY

Carry out a risk assessment to determine what ladders you need Only purchase and use stepladders that meet relevant British and

European standards. Plan the work before using a ladder. Carry out pre-checks on the ladder before use. Use in accordance with good practice. Store ladders safely before and after use.