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Chapter 16 LADDER SAFETY

I don't think it is an exaggeration to say that everyone associates ladders with accidents - the cartoons and farces illustrate this again and again. However every year there are people killed and maimed from ladder use and mis-use. Ladders are used in many places around the Sportsground buildings, fences, trees as well as erecting signs.

The safety in the use of ladders comes under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992. This means we must consider the ladder as a piece of work equipment and follow the protocol required - including risk assessment.

The first questions to ask are :

• do you have a ladder?
• what do you use it for?
• do you need a ladder?

Ladders are an excellent piece of equipment to reach a point source. They are not suitable for anything which requires reach outwith normal arm reach - if you have to stretch you should not be on the ladder!! Scaffolding and trestles are for such work.

There are several different types of ladder each suited to a particular purpose. Ladders can be made of aluminium or wood. Ladders can be single or extension (double or triple) or step ladders.

When buying a ladder please consider what it is used for - there is a coding system

• Class 1 Industrial heavy duty
• Class 2 Light trades
• Class 3 Domestic

At work, we must always use either Class 1 or 2. In a work situation, Class 3 are not to be used.

Many of the problems of use of a ladder can be easily addressed by good management. Ladders must reach a minimum standard of safety - go through this checklist and confirm that your ladder complies:

INSPECTION OF LADDER

1. does the ladder carry an identification mark and does it identify its 'Class?
1. if aluminium, does it carry the warning sign 'not to be used near electrical equipment or supply '?
1. are the stiles (uprights) damaged or worn? - particularly at head & feet (top & bottom)
1. are the rungs complete ? - broken, missing, loose or worn are common!
1. is there mud or grease on the rungs?
1. are the rungs properly constructed? Are the rungs firmly held? - the use of nails or spikes to 'repair ' ladders is common.
1. is the timber decayed or metal parts corroded?
1. are the tie rods secure ( metal rung reinforcers in wooden ladders)?
1. are there signs of warping, sagging or distortion?
1. does the ladder stand firmly?
1. if the ladders are supposed to have them, are the rubber base plates in place and in good condition?
1. if there are ropes, cords, pulleys hinges - are they secure and in good condition?

In addition for step ladders stepladders

• are the steps secure and in good condition?
• if there are retaining ropes, are they equal and in good condition?
• are the step ladders stable when erected on a level base?

CARRYING

Ladders can be carried in basically two ways

1. Two people hold it at each end and carry it horizontally.
1. If there is only one individual, it should be carried by resting it almost vertically on the shoulder, using one hand to hold the rung just below reach, and the other hand steadying the ladder by the stile at around shoulder height.

One individual carrying it horizontally is the subject of cartoons!!!

ERECTING

There are two methods of erecting - the choice depends on the circumstances - work, ladder and individual.

Two people lay the ladder on the ground with the 'foot' of the ladder at the place where it is expected to be when erected. One person places his feet at the base of the stiles - the other person places himself at the head, raises the ladder above his head, and walks the ladder, using the rungs, until upright, then pushes the ladder over onto the wall or fixture.

For short ladders,this can be carried out by one person if he uses the base of the wall or fixture to act as a firm base

Extension ladders with long sections are raised as above and then are raised one section at a time and slotted into position - remember there must be an overlap on extension ladders - 2 to 4 rungs depending on length.

STORAGE

When you are finished with your ladder, put it back where it belongs. Always keep your ladder clean and free of excess material. Store it in a safe and dry place, out of direct exposure to the sun and the elements. Treat wood ladders periodically with a clear preservative such as clear varnish or linseed oil. Never paint a ladder as this will hide defects and deterioration.

When stored horizontally, support both ends and also in-between points to keep the middle from sagging, and perhaps loosening the rungs or cleats and warping the rails

If a ladder is set aside because of damage, or because it is unsafe, it should be labelled. The label should read "DO NOT USE, This ladder is damaged and unsafe." Better still, fix it or replace it.

Safe Working Practice

ALL OPERATORS USING LADDERS

The purpose of this guide is to highlight safe working practices for the use of ladders - IT MUST NOT BE TREATED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR TRAINING - All persons engaged in the use of ladders must receive appropriate training

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

• Operators must wear non-slip footwear. Hard Hat should be worn if appropriate.
• Never allow children or untrained operators to use.

BEFORE USE

• ensure the ladder is undamaged.
• ensure platforms and risers are free from oil, grease, water or ice.
• ensure the ladder is the correct length for the job.
• never stand the ladder on boxes, barrels, or other makeshift objects to increase height
• do not use metal ladders around electrical equipment
• a ladder shall not be used as a guy, beam, or for any use other than its correct use.
• at a landing point, the ladder should project at least a metre above the platform.
• be aware of overhead lines - especially with metal ladders.
• always carry ladders in a way that will not obstruct your vision.

DURING USE

• ensure the work area is free from obstacles.
• do not place a ladder in front of a door unless the door is fastened open, locked or guarded.
• where there is potential for accidental collision, do you need barriers or warnings?
• avoid work on slopes.
• ensure ladder is placed on a firm base and secured at upper end if practicable.
• if not secured at upper end - ensure another operator holds base during work.
• ensure the ladders are set at correct angle - 1 out to every 4 up.
• always face the ladder when climbing or descending.
• do not climb higher than the fourth rung from the top.
• do not stand on the paint shelf - it is liable to break
• never step on a rung above the upper support since it's liable to make the base of the ladder "kick out."
• only one person at a time may use or work from a single ladder
• sections of extension ladders fitted with ropes should not be separated and the ropes should never be removed.
• never over reach when working from a ladder.
• never lash two short ladders together to make a longer one.
• if possible do not carry material up a ladder - use a hoist line.
• do not place a metal ladder onto metal - it will slip.

AFTER USE

• clean ladder.
• report faults.
• store safely in a dry place.

YOUR EMPLOYER PLACES GREAT IMPORTANCE ON EVERYONE'S SAFETY :

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE MAY RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Lastly, I would like to consider First aid. If a person falls from a ladder, they could have multiple injuries, including damaged spine or broken pelvis - do not move unless the person is in immediate danger - Get help - bring the ambulance to them - stay with the victim and maintain the ABC - do not place them in the recovery position.

As you see from the above, it is important that proper thought is taken before ladders are used - it is essential that you instruct your staff on the safe use and actions to be taken when using ladders - people have died from falling 2 metres from a ladder!!!!

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