Ladder Safety

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Permalink Reply by Terence (Terry) Kidd on January 31, 2010 at 9:48pm

Hello Jay,

Below is an extract on ladders from one of our construction safety plans .... it maybe of some use to you.

Ladders are not to be used as a work platform, except when there is no practical alternative and the potential fall is less than 1.8m. In these situations 3 points of contact must be maintained.

The following principles must be complied with when using ladders:
 only industrial rated ladders, compliant with Australian Standards and fit for purpose are permitted on site
 secured top and bottom to prevent movement
 fibreglass or wooden ladders shall be used for electrical work, or work near electrical conductors
 they must be inspected prior to use
 when using single/extension ladders: securely foot (and tie off) the ladder, tie off the top, set at an angle of 75 Degrees and ensure the ladder extends 1 meter beyond the level served.
 Climbed with 3 points of contact maintained
 Persons must not ascend beyond the third top rung of any ladder
 ladders must not be used near unprotected penetrations and where they cannot be adequately footed to be stable.
 Ladders must not be used to support scaffold planks.

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Permalink Reply by edilberto m luzano on February 1, 2010 at 8:04pm

hello jay, i hope this will you in your presentation......When working from a ladder, three points of contact should be maintained. [Three points of contact means both feet and one hand in contact with the ladder or stepladder.]

When working from a ladder where you cannot maintain a handhold other than for a brief period of time (eg to hold a nail whilst starting to knock it in, starting a screw), other measures will be needed to prevent a fall or reduce the consequences of one (eg a fall arrest system).

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