Sierra Support Services Group

Standard Operating Procedure

Document Title: Use of Ladders
Ref. No.: SOP-014-FIBRE-CT
Document Users / Security Class: All Users

1 Purpose
Standard operating procedures (SOP’s) are prepared to assist staff in carrying out their day-to-day
tasks in a safe manner. The following document is to ensure that all technicians have clear
instructions on how to appropriately use ladders while working on poles in the Fibre, Caribbean
Trinidad (CT) project.

2 Scope & Contents

This applies to Sierra employees and contractors working under the control of Sierra on all fibre
projects. Only personnel who have successfully competed Sierra’s work at height training course
are permitted to carry out work at height on the fibre project.

It is mandatory that only insulated ladders (i.e. fibre glass ladders) are to be used on electrical
utility poles and that only equipment specified for use in this SOP are to be used, and are subject
to periodic inspections. If there are issues regarding the implementation of these work methods, it
must be brought to the attention of the Supervisor or SHEQ Department.

3 Hazards
The hazards associated with ladder work on poles include, but are not limited to the following:
Hazards Controls
Falls from a height R/A – 11 & R/A - 12
Access & Egress R/A – 2
Electrocution R/A – 8
Manual handling R/A – 17
Slips, trips & falls R/A - 1
Falling objects R/A - 11
Vehicles & traffic R/A - 16
Housekeeping and storage R/A - 9
Weather R/A - 15
Members of the public R/A - 4

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4 Procedures
Sierra has conducted a risk assessment of work at height activities for the inspection,
installation, and maintenance of equipment and cabling and has determined that the use of
insulated ladders is the most practical method for working at height on electrical utility poles.

The work at height tasks undertaken are of short duration (typically 30 minutes or less), at
multiple locations and are generally light to moderate in effort. To ensure the highest safety
standards while working at height on ladders it is mandatory to use approved ladder to pole
stabilising methods/device along with fall protection equipment where required. Exceptions
however apply:
 Where another SOP defines a different safe system of work for example: SOP-004-FIBRE-
CT MEWP, which applies exclusively to the use of this type of equipment.
 For all heavy work, long duration works, or works which cannot be completed in
accordance with this SOP, a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP)/Aerial Lift Truck will
be used to access the poles. This will be established though pre–planning or via the
Escalation Procedure as defined in this document.

A site specific risk assessment (Job Site Safety Plan, JSSP) must be completed by the team prior
to carrying out any work activity (for more specific instructions on JSSP completion, refer to SOP-
001-FIBRE-CT Site setup). Environmental factors must be taken into account when determining
site safety, such as vehicular and pedestrian traffic, weather conditions (wind, rain, lightning
etc.), ground surface conditions and alike.

The majority of ladder work will be done from a leaning ladder. The procedures outline
precautions and the work method for a typical leaning ladder set up, however, this exact set
up may not always be possible based on site conditions. Refer to the Escalation Procedure if
this occurs.

4.1 Pre-Start Pole Checks

4.1.1 External Inspection for Pole Rot or Pole Damage

Verify the condition of the pole to be worked on and the condition of the adjacent poles. If the pole
is concrete or galvanize, ensure that it is not leaning or damaged. Check for evidence of:
 Lightning damage
 Infestation or activity from termite mud deposits on the pole or within splits or cracks on the
pole.

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 Cracks on the pole

 Any poles leaning how many degrees
 Any decay visible above or below the ground level
 Any pole twisting (slight, medium or great); this is the degree the pole top has twisted in relation
to the line of conductors (slight = up to 10°, medium = 10° to 20°, great = 20 ° to 50°)
 The compaction of the soil around the pole.
 Damage to stays or stay wires.
 Mechanical damage to the pole in any way.
 For wooden poles inspect the pole over its full length where possible to identify evidence of pole
rot or damage.

4.1.2 External Rot

 If there is evidence of external pole rot (e.g. sections of the pole missing), holes, or, loose or soft
soil, do not proceed to ascend the pole.
 The pole should be inspected for cracks. Horizontal cracks perpendicular to the grain of the
wood may weaken the pole. If there are cracks exceeding 1 centimeter, notify the Site
Supervisor and perform a spike test in the crack.
 Inspect around the butt of the pole by exposing the area with a shovel for examination. Do not
proceed if there is evidence of external rot around the pole base or if there are visible holes in
the fabric of the pole at or below ground level (Figure 1).
 Placement of ladders against such poles is prohibited. The pole provider, (Trinidad and Tobago
Electricity Commission, T&TEC) will be contacted if the pole is unstable and an alternative pole
will be installed and the rotten pole retired.
 If an alternative pole cannot be provided to complete work, access from a MEWP may be used
providing the JSSP is completed and the Escalation Procedure followed.

4.1.3 Internal Rot

 Rap the pole sharply with a hammer weighing approximately 3 pounds, starting near the ground
line and continuing upwards circumferentially around the pole to a height of approximately 6
feet (Figure 2).
 The hammer will produce a clear sound and rebound sharply when striking solid wood. Decay
pockets will be indicated by a dull sound or a less pronounced hammer rebound.
 At the worst location of pole rot, hit the pole a severe hammer blow. If the pole is damaged or
disintegrates at this point, do not proceed with climbing the pole.
If there is no resultant damage but there is evidence of rot continuing above the point of highest
reach, do not proceed with climbing the pole.

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Figure 1: Inspection of Pole Base Figure 2: Inspection for Pole Rot

4.2 Routine Inspection of Ladders

Ladders are required to be inspected weekly by a competent person and results recorded on a GA3
form. A daily pre-use visual inspection must be conducted by the user or supervisor and recorded
on the JSSP prior to each use even if there are multiple usages per day (Table 1).

Any defects identified during the ladder inspections must be recorded on the GA3 form. Where a
defect may affect the safe use of the ladder or its attachments, the item must be removed from
service immediately. Where the item can be repaired, the repair must be carried out by a
competent person; otherwise the ladder must be removed from service and disposed of
appropriately.
Table 1: Schedule of Inspections

No. Name Time frame Completed by Results recorded

1. Through Inspection Weekly Competent Person WAH GA3 Form
2. Daily Inspection Daily Equipment User/Supervisor JSSP
3. Pre-Use Inspection As required User N/A

4.3 Pre-Use Ladder Inspections

Safe use of ladders greatly depends on correct placement, you must always inspect the area where
you intend to place the ladders for potential hazards and follow the guidelines below.
 Identify a safe location to set up the ladder; bearing in mind the need to avoid any overhead
objects such as power cables or other obstacles. The ladder should only be extended when the
ladder is resting against the pole. Ladders must be positioned on firm, level and stable surfaces
that are capable of supporting the ladder and the load on the ladder.

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 Ensure that the ground surface is clear of debris, stones or other items that may cause the
ladder to slip.
 The foot of the ladder should rest on a firm, non-slippery surface wherever possible.
 Do not stand the ladder on moveable objects such as bricks or vehicles to gain extra height. The
pole V-grip of the ladder must make direct contact with the pole, not against cables, electrical
boxes, guy wires, etc. All attachments for ladders including the pole V-grip as shown below must
be approved for use by the manufacturer of the fibreglass ladder. Unauthorized attachments
must not be used.

Figure 1: Pole V-Grip or V-Rung

 When operating from a ladder, the minimum safe work clearance must be maintained from live
conductors in accordance with the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission’s (T&TEC)
requirements which are as follows:

Voltage Clearance (meters)

Not exceeding 12kV 1.0m
Exceeding 12kV but not exceeding 33kV 1.2m
Above 33kV 1.8m

 Care should be taken to avoid positioning ladders on busy paths, streets or in front of doors,
windows or other entrances where people and/or animals may strike the ladder during their
normal activity at the premises.
 Use the ladder the correct way round, e.g. with extension ladders, the narrowest section must
be facing the user and V-Shaped top section against the pole
 Use only the required sections of ladder to access the work area safely
 Follow SOP-005 Manual Handling for correct ladder handling and erecting.

4.4 Carrying of Ladders

4.4.1 Carrying Ladders on Vehicles

 When transporting ladders, ensure that they are secured safely to either a roof rack or roof bars.
 Ensure that each ladder has an individual marking on them for identification purposes.

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 Ladders must be carried on an appropriate ladder rack. When securing ladders to the ladder
rack, care must be taken to ensure that the securing clamps are not over tightened thereby
damaging the stiles or the support bar of the rack. Ladders must not be secured using cable ties,
cable or rope. Ladders may also be secured in trailers.
 Where ladders extend beyond the length of the vehicle a red warning flag must be positioned at
the end of the ladder if it projects more than one and a half metres in front or behind, or in such
a manner which can obstruct, endanger or interfere with traffic (Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic
Act, Ch. 48:50). Care must be taken of the overall swing that may be present at the rear of the
vehicle when turning the vehicle due to the extended swing.

4.4.2 Carrying Ladders Manually

 Prior to moving ladders by hand, the appropriate PPE must be worn, this must include the
wearing of a safety helmet with chinstrap/chin lanyard engaged and gloves.
 Observe proper manual handling procedures at all times including the controls identified in the
manual handling risk assessment.
 Be aware of any overhead power lines that may be present when transporting or moving
ladders. Always ensure that two stage or three stage ladders are closed prior to moving.
 Tyres/wheels of the vehicle or any other un-approved method must not be used as a form of
step to remove the clamps from the ladder. The recommended access would be by means of
accessing the trailer and standing on a flat level surface and removing the clamps then lowering
the ladder to the ground.

4.4.3 Unloading the Ladder from a Top Ladder Rack

 When removing the ladder from the rear of the rack, pull it only to the point where the
ladder’s weight will allow it to gravitate to the ground.
 Set the feet of the ladder on the ground and then using proper body mechanics, lift the
ladder to the shoulder to remove it completely off the vehicle.

4.4.4 Unloading the ladder from a Side Ladder Rack

 When removing the ladder from the side of the vehicle grab the lower part of the ladder
and rotate it to the ground.
 Once the feet are resting on the ground use proper body mechanics to lift the ladder off
the vehicle.

4.4.5 Ladder Carrying Techniques

There are three generally accepted methods of carrying a ladder. The method will be determined
by the distance of the site, and obstacles encountered in route.

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1. The Shoulder Carry – The ladder is balanced on the shoulder and carried in a horizontal
position to the work site (Figure 3).
2. The Waist Carry Method – Figure 4 shows the proper waist carry method for one or two
workers. This is the preferred method to use during high wind situations. Do not lift or carry a
ladder by grasping the ladder rope. Always use proper lifting techniques when lifting a ladder
by this method.
3. The Vertical Carry – This should only be used for short distances. The ladder is carried vertically
from one work location to the next providing that there are no overhead hazards or obstacles.

Note: Where feasible, it is highly recommended two people transport 32-foot ladders. All ladders
longer than 32 feet require two persons for transport.

Figure 2: Shoulder Carry Method for Ladders

Figure 3: Waist Carry Method

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4.5 Ladder Angle

 Ladders should be placed in a position where the horizontal distance from the top support to the
foot of the ladder is ¼ of the working length of the ladder. This is referred to the 1:4 Rule.
 This means that for every four feet one ascends vertically, the ladder should extend one foot
horizontally (Figure 5).

Figure 4: The 1:4 Ladder Rule

For straight ladders the correct set-up angle from horizontal is 76 degrees; however 5 degrees either
way from 76 degrees is generally acceptable. At 76 degrees the anti-slip feet of the ladder provide
the maximum resistance to sudden outward ‘kick-out’ of the ladder feet. Angles greater than 80
degrees expose the user to falling over backwards, while angles less than 70 degrees significantly
increases the likelihood of ‘kick-out’ (Figure 6).

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(A) (B) (C)

Figure 5: Illustration of correct ladder set-up - (A) Less than 70 degrees; (B) Greater than 80 degrees; (C) Correct
set-up at 76 degrees

4.6 Three rung overlap

Where a double or triple stage ladder is used, the rungs of each section must overlap by at least
three rungs. Some ladders may be provided with straps or restrictors that prevent the ladders being
extended beyond the minimum overlap. These safety devices must be engaged at all times and
must not be interfered with or removed.

4.7 Ladder assembly

The sequence of activities when assembling the ladder system should be as follows:
 Place the ladder on the ground
 As required attach the stabilising device (pole V-grip, Figure 3) to the appropriate rungs
according to the particular manufacturer’s instructions
 Attach the endless sling to the top rung as illustrated below. Connect a karabiner to the
endless sling and make a Y-Hang to attach the 6’ single adjustable shock absorber
 Check for overhead lines and obstructions and place the ladder against the pole, once the pole
V-grip is properly seated on the pole the ladder will be raised to the appropriate height
 Secure rung locks
 Correct the angle of the ladder according to 4:1 Rule
 Secure base of ladder using rope
 Ascend ladder and secure adjustable lanyard to Y-Hang then proceed to tie off top of ladder
using ratchet strap
 The 4-6m ratchet strap or rope should be fitted through a rung of the ladder at approximately
head height and tightened so the ladder cannot move away from the pole

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 Do not over tighten the ratchet strap, as this will cause excessive strain and pull the ladder
towards the pole
 Never extend ladders while standing on them. Ladders must be erected with both feet on the
ground
 Always verify the ladder is secure before attempting access it
 Ladders should not be left un-attended and unsupervised for any extended period of time.

4.8 Ladder securing

4.8.1 Ratchet Straps & Rope

 Secure base of ladder utilizing rope.
 Use ratchet strap to secure the ladder at the top of the pole it will only be installed after the
Technician has secured himself in his harness with adjustable lanyard. Once the fall
protection is in place the Technician will feed the ratchet strap through the top rung of the
ladder and around the pole, where the ratchet will be tightened so the ladder cannot come
away from the pole.
 Only when both the top ratchet strap and lower rope have been secured and tightened will
the work commence on the pole.

4.8.2 Slings
Y-Hang System
Fit the 1.2m endless sling while the ladder is on the ground as shown below.

Figure 7 ` Figure 8 Figure 9

4.8.3 Ratchet Straps

 Ratchet straps are used to secure a ladder to a pole. A Technician should have a minimum of
1x2M, 1x4M or 1x6M luminous Ridgegear ladder restraint ratchet straps.
 2M strap: secures the leaning ladder to a pole at high level
 4M or 6M straps: secures the leaning ladder to a pole at low level

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Fitting a ratchet strap

Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12

 Open the ratchet about 1/3 and insert the loose end of the strap through the slot on the
spindle. Make sure there are no twists or knots in the strap then pull any slack through.
 Pull through any slack.
 Opening and closing the ratchet a number of times will now tighten the strap correctly.

 Caution: Over tightening can damage the mechanism or the ladder.

Figure 13 Figure 14

 To release the tension on the ratchet pull back the spring loaded catch on the ratchet arm. This
should be sufficient to release the strap. If this is not sufficient, release the secondary spring
loaded catch on the opposite side to the main handle. With both these catches pulled back the
strap will release.
 To secure ladder the ratchet strap must be threaded through the rung of the ladder at
approximately head height and at chest level on the pole. Once fitted the strap must be
tensioned to remove slack and to secure the ladder.
 Caution: Avoid over tensioning the strap this will result in the ladder buckling inwards and cause
structural damage.

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4.9 Working from a leaning ladder

 When climbing ladders, three points of contact must be maintained at all times.
 The maximum working load of the ladder must not be exceeded (maximum static load for EN
131 ladder is 150kg). This includes the weight of the Technician, tools and equipment.
 When working from a ladder, the Technician must not overreach on the ladder. The rule of
thumb is that the belt and buckle must not go beyond the stiles of the ladder.
 Only one person is to climb or work from an individual ladder at any time unless the ladder has
been designed for multiple person use.
 Carrying tools and equipment while ascending and descending leaning ladders must be done
so that hands are always free to hold the ladder and prevent items from falling or being
dropped. Equipment must be carried over the shoulder and connected to a lanyard; tools must
be secured within a tool belt or lanyard.
 Never attempt to move the ladder while the Technician is utilizing the ladder.

5 References
Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Ch. 48:50
Occupational Safety and Health Act, Chapter 88:08
PL-002-FTTH Sierra Support Services Group Safety Statement

6 Document Control & History

Document Author: Reisha Prudhum-Ali
Document Approver: Kevin Reid Controller: SHEQ

Revision Amendment Date

Number

1.0 New Document November 2014

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