Since the safe use of ladders, stepladders and step stools requires that you consult safety notices and read and thoroughly understand the manufacturer’s instruction manual, literacy and language comprehension are important requirements for any user.

Similarly, since the assembly and use of ladders and stepladders can by physically demanding, users should be physically fit and in good health, and should generally not have problems with eyesight or hearing, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, fear of heights, vertigo, giddiness, difficulty with balance, impaired limb function, alcohol, or drug dependence, including prescribed drugs or psychiatric illness.

You should also consider how the effects of extremes of temperature – heat and cold; lack of nutrition – fasting; and lack of water – dehydration, can impair your ability to work effectively.

If you have any problems with literacy or language comprehension, are pregnant, or have any doubts about your fitness to use ladders, stepladders or step stools, you must bring them to the attention of your employer. This need not preclude you from using ladders, stepladders or step stools, provided your employer conducts an assessment and is able to put into place adequate measures to take account of any difficulties you may have.