Ladders

4. (1988)

Work from ladders is inherently dangerous because of the ever-present risk of a fall, and the generally serious consequences of such an event. Ladder work should be carefully planned and undertaken with the utmost care at all times.

Portable ladders should only be used for temporary access jobs and only when it is safe to do so. For jobs that require regular access for operational or maintenance purposes, alternative means of access should be established or the system redesigned to eliminate the need for access.

Ladder work should not be undertaken when in a physically-tired or hungry condition. People with the following disabilities should not be permitted to use a ladder: physical disability, heart disease, epilepsy, vertigo, fear of heights.

Marking on ladders: All ladders should have the following information permanently marked in a prominent position, as per AS 1892 'Portable Ladders':

• Manufacturer's name
• Duty rating (Industrial or Domestic)
• Load rating (in kg)
• Working length of the ladder
• For metal ladders (or ladders with a wire reinforcing strip), in the largest letters practicable, 'DO NOT USE WHERE ELECTRICAL HAZARD EXISTS'
• For step ladders, 'TO BE USED IN THE FULLY OPEN POSITION ONLY'
• A warning against standing so high as to create an unsafe working position,
  • for a step ladder: not above the second top tread
  • for a ladder: not above the third top tread

Maintenance of ladders: All ladders should be inspected on delivery, after suspected damage, and in all cases once every six months. Any ladder found to be defective should be taken out of service immediately and replaced (or repaired by sound components of the same design).

The safety inspection of ladders should include the following details, Rungs or treads: missing, broken, split, cracked, decayed, worn, dirty

• Stiles: broken, split, cracked, decayed
• Fittings: broken, worn, loose, defective
• Spreaders and ropes: broken, worn, decayed
• Safety feet: broken, worn, defective.

Storage of ladders: When not in use a ladder should be stored in a suitable location, such that the ladder is

• Secure from use by unauthorised persons
• Safe from mechanical, gravitational, water, chemical or heat damage
• Not a trip or bump hazard to people

Working area of ladder: The working area around the base of a ladder should,

• Provide a firm and stable physical support
• Be free from obstructions
• If at a doorway, the doorway to be locked or guarded
• If in a people or vehicle access, the access to be restricted by a guard employee or a barrier with suitable signposting.

Climbing the ladder: Ladders should be ascended and descended carefully and with the person facing the ladder. Remember,

• Climb and descend carefully
• Face the ladder
• Both hands must be free; do not carry tools etc. in the hands
• Only move one rung at a time
• Grasp rungs or styles hand over hand
• Place feet well forward on each rung
• Tools should be carried in a waist or shoulder bag or hoisted by rope from the working position.

For SINGLE LADDERS, the additional guidelines to ensure a stable ladder are as follows:

• Place the foot of the ladder on firm even support at one-third the working height from the support wall
• Place the head of the ladder on firm, even support to both styles
• Do not support a ladder on a rung
• Lash the top of the ladder to the support, whenever practicable
• Keep steps dry and clean and wear non-slip shoes
• Do not stand above the third-to-top rung
• Keep body centred between both styles
• Do not over-reach

For STEP LADDERS, the guidelines for correct work practice are as follows:

• Set all four feet on a firm level surface
• Lock spreaders before climbing
• Keep steps dry and clean and wear non-slip shoes
• Do not stand above the second-to-top step. The top cap is not a step
• Keep body centred between both side rails
• Do not over-reach

For further information contact:
OHS Officer, e-mail: OHS.Officer@anu.edu.au