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1 Ladders are not banned
Choose the right equipment for work at height based on risk assessment. If it’s right to use a ladder, use the right ladder and get trained to use it safely.
A ladder training course in action |
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2 Use the right ladder
Ladders are classified as BS2037/BS1129 Class 3 for domestic use and should NEVER be used in any workplace. EN131 is for trade and light industrial use and BS2037/BS1129 Class 1 for heavy duty and industrial use. |
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3 Use them safely
Make sure you have a ladder tall enough to do the job. Position it correctly at the right angle and tie it in whenever possible. Do not overreach – your belt buckle should always be inside the sides of the ladder. Be especially careful when carrying out tasks that can apply unbalancing loads, such as drilling. |
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4 What’s the acid test for ladders?
Quite simply, low risk and short duration. |
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5 How do you define short duration?
Single tasks that take longer than 30 minutes in one position are not suitable for ladders. You can undertake a series of tasks that take longer, but each individual task should not last longer than 30 minutes. |
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6 And if it’s longer than 30 minutes for a single task?
Consider if another type of work equipment would be more appropriate |
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7 Take the right measures
Eliminate or minimise the risks before proceeding. For example, use the Ladder Association’s risk assessment cards. |
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8 Plan ahead
Make sure the work is correctly organised and planned. Remember, you also need to plan for the possibility of things not going right. |
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9 Make sure you’re competent
A competent person is defined as someone who by virtue of qualification, experience and training is able to perform a specific activity in a safe and proper manner. |
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10 Training is key
Demonstration of competence is a key requirement of the Work at Height Regulations (WAHR), and successful completion of the Ladder Association’s industry standard training course contributes significantly to providing that proof of competence. |
