SAFE USE OF LADDERS

PERSONNEL DIVISION

CONTENTS Page 1 2 3 4 5 PLACING AND SECURING A LADDER WORKING FROM A LADDER INSPECTION MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR CONCLUSION 1 2 3 4 4

PLACING AND SECURING A LADDER Safe use of ladders depends heavily on correct placement, especially as a ladder is most likely to slip when the weight on it is near the top. The foot of the ladder should rest on a firm, level, non- slippery surface. Ladders must not be stood on movable objects to gain extra height. On soil or earth three or four inch grooves should be scraped out and the ladder set in them. Also the ladder near the foot can be lashed to a ground stake. On hard, smooth surfaces offering little grip, sandbags or other weights can be used to keep the stile ends in position. Various ladder accessories are available to make safer and easier the task of using a ladder, i.e. feet, shoes, spikes. Ladders should be lashed or clamped near the top to some convenient, secure anchorage, to prevent the base from slipping outwards and the top from sliding sideways. The correct slope for a ladder is about 75 to the horizontal i.e. one foot at the base for every four feet of height. In the odd case where lashing at the top is not practicable, attaching guy ropes from each stile to an anchorage near ground level is to be preferred. If no other means of fixing a ladder to prevent slipping can be found, then someone must hold it at the base when it is being used, but this is only effective up to a height of 20ft (6.096m). Wherever a lengthy ladder is in use, an intermediate tie rope is necessary to prevent swaying.

Note: Ladders which are not more than 10ft (3.050m) in length, and are not used for communication purposes, do not have to be secured or held provided that they are securely placed to prevent them from slipping or falling. Ladders should always be placed so that there is space behind each rung for proper foothold i.e. there should be no obstruction in the way of a man's foot. All ladders must extend at least 3ft 6in (1.066) above any landing place or beyond the highest rung from which a man may be working to ensure adequate handhold.

WORKING FROM A LADDER Work that can be done in reasonable safety from a ladder is light and of short duration. At high working levels a safety harness should be worn. Always keep both feet and one hand firmly on the ladder. Any two-handed job demands the use of a platform and some means of guarding against falling. There may be exceptional circumstances whereby the use of a platform is not possible, in which case a safety harness must be worn and attached to a secure anchorage point. It is bad practice to climb higher than the third rung from the top of a ladder. No attempt should be made to push outwards unless the ladder is secured. Always remember people and property below and guard against dropping tools or debris. Portable hand tools should be of the type not requiring two-handed operation, unless a safety harness is being worn. The use of one hand to carry tools and materials should be discouraged. Light tools can be carried in pockets, in a shoulder bag or attached to a suitable belt. Heavier tools and materials can be hoisted on a hand line provided a platform is available for them at working level. Where a ladder is used in a public place or where there is traffic, an area around the base should be roped off and warning notices posted. Ladders should not be placed near live conductors or moving machinery, or placed in the vicinity of a door unless the door is locked or secured open with a man on guard.

Steps: Spread the steps to their fullest extent for stability and safety. Check that cords are of adequate length, in good condition, and firmly knotted. Whenever possible, place steps at right angles to the work so as to reduce the chance of a sideways push upsetting them. Do not stand on the top step unless it is constructed as a platform and has a secure handhold.

INSPECTION Ladders must be inspected when first purchased and thereafter every three months. In addition, whenever a user is issued with a ladder he must satisfy himself that it is serviceable and safe to use. Should the ladder fall or be subjected to overload or shock, it must be carefully inspected and repaired where necessary. Ladders should be destroyed when they are no longer capable of being effectively repaired and kept in a safe condition.

Inspection is intended to check the following: Defects - such as cracks, splits, gouges, splinters, cuts and decay in timber stiles, rungs and treads. Broken or inadequately repaired stiles. Wear on rungs or treads. Stile-to-rung fastenings (repairs carried out with spikes, nails or similar fastenings should be rejected). Wear on heads and feet of stiles. Insecure tie rods. Corrosion on tie rods, fastenings, metal rungs, metal stiles and rungs. Warpings or sagging.

On extension ladders, condition of ropes, pulleys and other metal parts. On trestles and step ladders the condition and length of cords and condition of hinges, swivels and sliding joints, also the presence of lubrication. Aluminium ladders should be very carefully checked for twisting or distortion and for excessive oxidation or corrosion.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Repairs should be carried out by skilled personnel only, and if it is not possible to repair a ladder properly it should be scrapped. Lash-up-repairs' such as nails to secure rungs or splints lashed to broken stiles must not be contemplated. The efficiency and safety of a ladder depend largely on the stiffness of the joints between the stiles and rungs and any repairs should ensure that this stiffness is maintained. Wear on heads and feet of stiles can be countered by reshaping them. Ladders should never be repainted but preservation can be obtained by applying a clear varnish or a rot inhibiting compound. Metal ladders which are warped or distorted should be returned to the manufacturer for repair, or scrapped. The cords and hinges of step ladders are vulnerable and sometimes need replacing. Cord can be replaced with chains if this is preferred. An extension ladder's pulleys, ropes and metal parts may need replacing. Pulleys should be lubricated regularly.

CONCLUSION No ladder should be used if it has: a missing, loose or defective rung or tread; a rung or tread supported solely on nails, spikes; an insecure tie-rod; a defective rope or associated fitting (rope operated extension ladders); any sign of warping; missing fastening or rivets, guide or latching hooks; make-shift repairs.