The fundamental uses of ladders are for accessing height. At the workplaces it is useful to retrieve light and small items, marking and/or bulb change which are all minor scales. However it is not a stable foothold or handhold to carry out any heavy work which requires 2-hands. Use of ladder for work should be risk assessed to prevent falling from height. Hence the Fundamental rule:
Ladders shall not be used to work at situations where a person could fall >=2m
DO’s
Always inspect the ladder prior to using it, if the ladder is damaged, it must be removed from service and tagged until repaired and discarded.
Safe Working Load (SWL) of the Ladder shall be known. SWL and Identification Numbers shall be displayed in every Ladder. Read and follow all labels / marking on the ladder.
Set the proper angle for a straight ladder i.e. place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface.
Always maintain a 3 – point (two hands and one feet or both feet and a hand) contact on the ladder when climbing up and down.
Ladders must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps or feet.
Keep your body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing.
Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface
The type and length of the ladder shall be appropriate to the task.
Ladders shall be secured by lashing the top of the ladder to a suitable restraint or, if this is not practicable, by a person holding the bottom until the work is completed.
If a ladder is placed near a doorway, the door shall be blocked open, locked closed, or removed, as is most appropriate. Alternatively, a person may be placed on guard at the foot of the ladder. Appropriate warning signs shall be displayed if necessary.
Care shall be taken when handling ladders to avoid dropping or jarring of ladders, to avoid injury to any persons or bumping any objects in the vicinity of the ladder.
Don’ts
Avoid electrical hazards! – Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder.
Don’t exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder. Be aware of the ladder’s load rating and of the weight it is supporting.
Don’t keep any tools or any material in the hands while climbing up and down.
Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines exposed energized electrical equipment.
Don’t use ‘A’ Frame Ladder as a single ladder or in a partially closed position.
Don’t place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional heights.
Don’t use the top step/ rung of a ladder as a step.
Note: There must be at-least 1m extra or 3-steps additional available.
Ladders shall not be left unattended while erected in a public place.
Ladders shall not be used in hazardous wind or adverse weather conditions.
