INDG455 `Safe use of ladders and stepladders – a brief guide`
Contents
1. Figure 8 Correct tying near the base 1 m above the landing point to provide a secure handhold Safe use of ladders and stepladders Page 5 of 7 Health and Safety Executive What about the condition of the equipment Employers need to make sure that any ladder or stepladder is both suitable for the work task and in a safe condition before use As a guide only use ladders or stepladders that m have no visible defects They should have a pre use check each working day m have an up to date record of the detailed visual inspections carried out regularly by a competent person These should be done in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions Ladders that are part of a scaffold system still have to be inspected every seven days as part of the scaffold inspection requirements m are suitable for the intended use ie are strong and robust enough for the job HSE recommends British Standard BS Class 1 Industrial or BS EN 131 ladders for use at work See Further reading m have been maintained and stored in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions A detailed visual inspection is similar to pre use checks in that it is used to spot defects It can be done in house by a competent person pre use checks should be part of a user s training and detailed visual inspections should be recorded When doing an inspection look for twisted bent or dented stiles cracked worn bent2. stepladder two feet on the same step where you cannot maintain a handhold eg to put a box on a shelf hang and the body knees or chest walloaper install a smoke detector on a ceiling this needs to be justified supported by the stepladder taking into account to maintain three points of contact Make sure a safe m the height of the task handhold is available m whether a handhold is still available to steady yourself before and after the task m whether it is light work m whether it avoids side loading m whether it avoids overreaching m whether the stepladder can be tied eg when side on working What about the place of work where the ladder will be used As a guide only use a ladder m on firm ground m on level ground refer to the manufacturer s pictograms on the side of the ladder Use proprietary levelling devices not ad hoc packing such as bricks blocks timbers etc onclean solid surfaces paving slabs floors etc These need to be clean no oil moss or leaf litter and free of loose material Sand packaging materials etc so the feet can grip Shiny floor surfaces can be slippery even without contamination m where they will not be struck by vehicles protect the area using suitable barriers or cones Safe use of ladders and stepladders Page 4 of 7 Health and Safety Executive m where they will not be pushed over by other hazards such as doors or windows ie secure the doors not fire exits and w
3. 3 of 7 Health and Safety Executive Stepladders When using a stepladder to carry out a task m check all four stepladder feet are in contact with the ground and the steps are level only carry light materials and tools don t overreach don t stand and work on the top three steps including a step forming the very top of the stepladder unless there is a suitable handhold ensure any locking devices are engaged try to position the stepladder to face the work activity and not side on However there are occasions when a risk assessment may show it is safer to work side on eg in a retail stock room when you can t engage the stepladder locks to work face on because of space restraints in narrow aisles but you can fully lock it to work side on try to avoid work that imposes a side loading such as side on drilling through solid materials eg bricks or concrete where side on loadings cannot be avoided you should prevent the steps from tipping over eg by tying the steps Otherwise use a more suitable type of access equipment m maintain three points of contact at the working position This means two feet and one hand or when both hands need to be free for a brief period two feet and the body supported by the stepladder see Figure 5 Figure 5 Example where two and associated text hands need to be free for a brief period for light work Keep When deciding if it is safe to carry out a particular task on a
4. E priced publications are also available from bookshops British Standards can be obtained in PDF or hard copy formats from BSI http shop bsigroup com or by contacting BSI Customer Services for hard copies only Tel 0845 086 9001 email cservices bsigroup com This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive Following the guidance is not compulsory unless specifically stated and you are free to take other action But if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this guidance This leaflet is available at www hse gov uk pubns indg455 htm Crown copyright If you wish to reuse this information visit www hse gov uk copyright htm for details First published 01 14 Published by the Health and Safety Executive 01 14 INDG455 Page 7 of 7
5. Health and Safety Executive Safe use of ladders and Stepladders A brief guide Safe use of ladders and stepladders A Erg giy This is a web friendly version of leaflet INDG455 published 01 14 Ladders and stepladders are not banned under health and safety law In fact they can be a sensible and practical option for low risk short duration tasks Introduction This guidance is for employers on the simple sensible precautions they should take to keep people safe when using ladders and stepladders in the workplace This will also be useful for employees and their representatives Following this guidance is normally enough to comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 WAHR You are free to take other action except where the guidance says you must do something specific Ladders and stepladders are not banned under health and safety law In fact they can be a sensible and practical option for low risk short duration tasks although they may not automatically be your first choice Make sure you use the right type of ladder and you know how to use it safely The law calls for a sensible proportionate approach to managing risk and further guidance on what you should do before deciding if a ladder is the right type of equipment for a particular task is provided in Working at height A brief guide see Further reading References to ladders in this leaflet unless otherwise indicated refer to lean
6. ift trucks tower scaffolds excavator buckets vans or mobile elevating work platforms avoid holding items when climbing consider using a tool belt don t work within 6 m horizontally of any overhead power line unless it has been made dead or it is protected with insulation Use a non conductive ladder eg fibreglass or timber for any electrical work maintain three points of contact when climbing this means a hand and two feet and wherever possible at the work position see Figures 2 and 3 where you cannot maintain a handhold other than for a brief period eg to hold a nail while starting to knock it in starting a screw etc you will need to take other measures to prevent a fall or reduce the consequences if one happened for a leaning ladder you should secure it eg by tying the ladder to prevent it from slipping either outwards or sideways and have a strong upper resting point ie do not rest a ladder against weak upper surfaces eg glazing or plastic gutters see Figure 4 m you could also use an effective stability device Figure 3 Incorrect overreaching and not maintaining three points of contact means of securing omitted for clarity Safe use of ladders and stepladders Figure 4 Correct use of a stand off device to ensure a strong resting point Do not rest a ladder against weak upper surfaces such as glazing or plastic gutters Follow the manufacturer s instructions Page
7. indows where possible m where the general public are prevented from using it walking underneath it or being at risk because they are too near use barriers cones or as a last resort a person standing guard at the base where it has been secured What are the options for securing ladders The options are as follows Figure 6 Correct ladder tied at top stiles correct for working on but not for gaining access to a working platform roof etc m tie the ladder to a suitable point making sure both stiles are tied see Figures 6 7 and 8 where this is not practical secure with an effective ladder stability device if this is not possible then securely wedge the ladder eg wedge the stiles against a wall if you can t achieve any of these options foot the ladder Footing is the last resort Avoid it where reasonably practicable by using other access equipment What about ladders used for access In general m ladders used to access another level should be tied see Figure 9 and extend at least 1 m above the landing point to provide a secure handhold At ladder access points a self closing gate is recommended stepladders should not be used to access another level unless they have been specifically designed for this Figure 7 Correct tying part way down i TE Figure 9 Correct access ladders should be tied and extend at least inn Ath SSRREEEEEE To H mt
8. ing ladders sometimes known as extension ladders and stepladders and the guidance applies similarly to both More specific requirements that only apply to a leaning ladder or a stepladder are covered in detail under the relevant headings When is a ladder the most suitable equipment The law says that ladders can be used for work at height when a risk assessment has shown that using equipment offering a higher level of fall protection is not justified because of the low risk and short duration of use or there are existing workplace features which cannot be altered Short duration is not the deciding factor in establishing whether use of a ladder is acceptable or not you should have first considered the risk As a guide if your task would require staying up a leaning ladder or stepladder for more than 30 minutes at a time it is recommended that you consider alternative equipment You should only use ladders in situations where they can be used safely eg where the ladder will be level and stable and where it is reasonably practicable to do so the ladder can be secured Page 1 of 7 Health and Safety Executive Who can use a ladder at work To use a ladder you need to be competent ie have had instruction and understand how to use the equipment safely Appropriate training can help If you are being trained you should work under the supervision of somebody who can perform the task competently Training can often take place on
9. loyer Use your ladder safely Once you have done your pre use check there are simple precautions that can minimise the risk of a fall Leaning ladders When using a leaning ladder to carry out a task m only carry light materials and tools read the manufacturers labels on the ladder and assess the risks m don t overreach make sure your belt buckle navel stays within the stiles m make sure it is long enough or high enough for the task Safe use of ladders and stepladders Page 2 of 7 Figure 1 Ladder showing the correct 1 in 4 angle means of securing omitted for clarity Figure 2 Correct user maintaining three points of contact means of securing omitted for clarity Health and Safety Executive m don t overload it consider workers weight and the equipment or materials they are carrying before working at height Check the pictogram or label on the ladder for information m make sure the ladder angle is at 75 you should use the 1 in 4 rule ie 1 unit out for every 4 units up see Figure 1 m always grip the ladder and face the ladder rungs while climbing or descending don t slide down the stiles m don t try to move or extend ladders while standing on the rungs m don t work off the top three rungs and try to make sure the ladder extends at least 1 m three rungs above where you are working m don t stand ladders on moveable objects such as pallets bricks l
10. or loose rungs missing or damaged tie rods cracked or damaged welded joints loose rivets or damaged stays Make pre use checks and inspect ladder stability devices and other accessories in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions Further reading Working at height safely A brief guide Leaflet INDG401 rev2 HSE Books 2014 www hse gov uk pubns indg401 Atm Work at height web pages on the HSE website www hse gov uk work at height index htm You can access the Work at height Access equipment Information Toolkit WAIT at www hse gov uk work at height wait index British Standards provide more information on current product standards see Further information eg BS 1129 Specification for portable timber ladders steps trestles and lightweight stagings British Standards Institution BS 2037 Specification for portable aluminium ladders steps trestles and lightweight stagings British Standards Institution BS EN 131 Ladders Specification for terms types functional sizes Specification for requirements testing marking User instructions Single or multiple hinge joint ladders British Standards Institution Safe use of ladders and stepladders Page 6 of 7 Health and Safety Executive Further information For information about health and safety or to report inconsistencies or inaccuracies in this guidance visit www hse gov uk You can view HSE guidance online and order priced publications from the website HS
11. the job Check your ladder before you use it Before starting a task you should always carry out a pre use check to spot any obvious visual defects to make sure the ladder is safe to use A pre use check should be carried out m by the user m at the beginning of the working day m after something has changed eg a ladder has been dropped or moved from a dirty area to a clean area check the state or condition of the feet Check the stiles make sure they are not bent or damaged as the ladder could buckle or collapse Check the feet if they are missing worn or damaged the ladder could slip Also check ladder feet when moving from soft dirty ground eg dug soil loose sand stone a dirty workshop to a smooth solid surface eg paving slabs to make sure the foot material and not the dirt eg soil chippings or embedded stones is making contact with the ground Check the rungs if they are bent worn missing or loose the ladder could fail Check any locking mechanisms if they are bent or the fixings are worn or damaged the ladder could collapse Ensure any locking bars are engaged Check the stepladder platform if it is split or buckled the ladder could become unstable or collapse Check the steps or treads on stepladders if they are contaminated they could be slippery if the fixings are loose on steps they could collapse If you spot any of the above defects don t use the ladder and notify your emp
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