NEW FOR 2026!
Ladders and Stepladders in the Professional Utilities Sector
Created in response to growing demand from the utilities sector, this new course provides a recognised, universal standard of ladder competence tailored specifically to the working environments of gas, water, electricity and telecommunications professionals.
This qualification expands upon the Ladder Association’s flagship Ladder & Stepladder for Users Course, delivering additional utility sector-specific content covering relevant regulations, legislation and practical considerations unique to utilities work, as well as advanced ladder safety methods when working in dangerous environments.
Delegates will gain a deeper understanding of specialist guidance, including BS EN 50528 (Insulating ladders for use on or near low voltage electrical installations), commonly applied to ladders used in utility settings.
At a glance:
• Current Legislation, Regulations & Guidance, specific to the utilities sector
• Roles & Responsibilities of Employers & Employees
• Equipment – Leaning Ladders, Stepladders & Combination Ladders
• Site > Task > Equipment > People
• Pre-Use Checks
• Storage, Transportation & Maintenance
• Personal Hazards
With a utilities focus, the course includes additional information on standards (BS EN 50528), ladder selection, securing ladders, use of personal fall protection systems and use of ladders on poles.
Course details
Duration
Minimum half day
Who Should Attend?
This course is aimed at individuals working within professional utility organisations such as: Gas, Water, Electricity and Telecommunications, who use ladders and stepladders as part of their daily activities.
Learning Objectives
Delegates will be competent to:
• Assess and determine when it’s appropriate to use a ladder or stepladder in the utilities sector
• Correctly locate and safely use ladders & stepladders in utility settings
They will have an understanding of:
• What they need to know about the law and standards relating to ladders & stepladders – with additional information on BS EN 50528 (Insulating ladders for use on or near low voltage electrical installations)
• Hazards in the use of ladders & stepladders in the unique and high-risk environments of the utilities sector
• Storage & handling of ladders & stepladders
Format
The course is planned to run over a minimum of half a day.
Training Activity
• Slide led – trainer providing information and asking questions
• An individual questionnaire on safe and effective use of Ladders & Stepladders in the Professional Utilities Sector
Assessment Process
There are assessment activities:
• Multiple Choice Questions
• Ladder & Stepladders fault finding
• Carrying, positioning & ladders and stepladders
Assessment
Open book exam with a pass mark of 80%
PPE
Suitable head / footwear and gloves during the practical session
Course Content
Current Legislation, Code of Practice, Regulations and Guidance affecting work at height, with a focus on utilities
Trainer / Delegate ratio
Maximum of 1:8
Venue Requirements
A suitable classroom and practical area to accommodate 8 delegates for the theory and assessment sessions
Supporting Documents
Ladder Association summary notes for each delegate
Award
A Ladder Association certificate and LadderCard will be issued to successful delegates who complete the theory and practical assessment sessions at the level they attend the course which has a five year validity period
Literacy, Fitness & Health
Delegates must be numerate, literate and have a good command of English. They should be fit and capable of lifting, carrying ladders stepladders
Pre-Requisites
No qualifications or experience are required for this course
