National Training Scheme
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 

The Ladder Association progressing safety and best practice step by step.

As a natural and logical extension of its activities, the Ladder Association, formerly the British Ladder Manufacturers Association (BLMA), now operates a national training scheme for users, supervisors and managers wanting to equip themselves with the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to use ladders legally and safely.

Written with guidance from the UK's leading experts on ladder manufacture, maintenance and safety, the Ladder Association scheme addresses all the issues raised by the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and, more recently, the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Under the regulations every person in the chain leading up to, and including, the final user, has a duty of care to both themselves and others to know and understand the practical implications of working safely at height.

Demonstration of competence is a key requirement of the new regulations and successful completion of the Ladder Association training course provides proof of such competence.  Delivered only by Ladder Association approved training centres, the course objectives aim to enable delegates to:

• Select appropriate work at height equipment for a task
• Assess and determine when it is appropriate to use ladders and stepladders
• Correctly locate and safely use ladders and stepladders
• Inspect ladders and stepladders for damage

And ensure delegates have an understanding of:

• Legislation and regulations affecting work at height
• Product standards and classifications for ladders and stepladders
• Hazards affecting the use of ladders and stepladders

Upon successful completion every delegate receives a certificate and Ladder Association photo card as objective proof of competence.  All centres are audited annually to ensure their continuing compliance with the high standards of the scheme.