SGTT14 - ladders & stepladders - using them safely

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Carrying, moving, positioning ladders and what you can safely do from them.

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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.

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All the company’s ladders have been individually identified. Don’t use any other ladder, including any brought from home or belonging to other companies.

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Positioning all types of ladder

Do not position a ladder: 
•    where it can be knocked by a door or window – unless the door or window is secured. If this is impractical, have a person standing guard at a doorway, or inform workers not to open windows until they are told to do so;
•    where it may get struck by a passing vehicle;
•    within 6 m of an overhead power line (unless the lines have been temporarily disconnected or insulated).

 

Check each foot is on a clean, level, firm footing and look out for oil, grease or loose material, including plastic packaging and sheeting.

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Make sure the ladder is at the correct height, never use boxes or bricks etc to gain extra height.

 

 

 

Positioning leaning ladders

Avoid placing ladders on side or back slopes, particularly if the surface is wet. Ladders should not be used on a suitable surface where the side slope is greater than 16° or the back slope is greater than 6°, unless the manufacturer states otherwise. The rungs should always look horizontal and appropriate levelling devices may be used.

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 it is 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.
When erected, the ladder must be at an angle of 75° as this is the best angle for stability. Use the angle indicator marked on the stiles of some ladders or the 1 in 4 rule (1unit for every 4 units up).

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.

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

Don’t stand on the top three rungs. Always try and make sure a 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 1m (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.

 

 

Positioning stepladders

• Check all four feet are in contact with the ground.

• Try and position stepladders with the rungs facing the work activity and not side-on, as this is less stable.

• Make sure the stepladder is the correct length. Don’t use the top two steps of a stepladder unless it has a suitable handrail.

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Safe use of all types of ladders

Only use ladders for light-duty, short duration work which has been approved by the responsible person.
You could, for example, use a ladder for wiring a security light or replacing a bulb. However, avoid strenuous work such as freeing a seized nut, installing a run of cable trays or removing a heavy object as any sudden release can cause you to lose your balance and fall.

Discuss the work that has been identified on your site that ladders can and cannot be used for and agree the tasks involved. Explain who needs to approve ladder work and make sure everybody understands and is happy with this.

Do not use a ladder if you have a medical condition, or are taking medication that could affect your safety, or you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Make sure you have the right footwear, ie clean, in good condition and without dangling laces.

When going up or down a ladder, take each rung one at a time and don’t rush. Use both hands to grip the ladder whenever possible.

On nearing the bottom, watch where you place your feet. Make sure you do not miss the lower rungs as you step off.
 

When working from a ladder, try and maintain three points of contact with it at all times (eg both feet and one hand).
 

Don’t carry heavy or awkward shaped objects on a ladder. Never carry loads heavier than 25 kg - any over 10 kg should be avoided if possible. This includes long lengths of lightweight material such as plastic guttering, which can be passed up by a second person instead. If you have to carry an item up or down, you must keep one hand free to grip the ladder. 

 

Do not overreach. Move the ladder so that you can keep your belt buckle (navel) inside the stiles and both feet on the same rung throughout the task. Do not place a foot on another surface, such as a window frame, to extend your reach.

When working on or close to electrical equipment that is live or may become live, use ladders that will not conduct electricity, such as those with fibreglass stiles.

Do not throw things from ladders.

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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’. 
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.

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​Checks to make

• The ground is level, firm and free from anything that may cause the ladder to slip.

• The ladder is at the correct 1 in 4 angle.

• You can hold on with both hands when climbing up or down.

• Make sure the work does not involve using both hands, overreaching or working above three rungs from the top.

Safe use of stepladders

• Make sure the legs are fully open before you go up.

• When working from a stepladder, always make sure you have an available handhold. This means having a suitable handrail or not working off the top two or three rungs, depending on the design of the stepladder.

• Avoid working side-on from a stepladder, especially when applying force, such as when drilling.

• For higher-risk work, such as applying a side-on-force that cannot be avoided, you should prevent the steps from tipping over, for example by tying the steps to a suitable point.

• Stepladders should not be used as a means of access to another level, such as a roof (unless they have been designed for this) as they can become unstable when you are stepping on or off them.