(GN02) LADDERS & STEP LADDERS

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1 WHEN PLANNING WAH, THE HEIRARCHY OF CONTROLS NEED TO BE APPLIED. The selection of ladders & step ladders MUST only be considered where a RISK ASSESSMENT has identified that it is NOT REASONABLE to use equipment that PREVENTS FALLS, preference MUST be given to the use of scaffolding, MEWP s mobile towers etc. LADDERS AS A MEANS OF ACCESS ONTO SCAFFOLDS, ETC Access onto scaffolds is to be selected in accordance with the following hierarchy: 1. Proprietary system scaffold stair towers (see Image 1) 2. Ladder access bays with single lift ladders (see Image 3) 3. Ladder access bays with multiple lift ladders 4. Internal ladder access with a proprietary protected ladder trap (see Image 4) 5. External ladder access using a proprietary self closing safety gate (see Image 5 & 6) General requirements with regard to these methods of scaffold access are: All external ladder access points are to be protected by proprietary self closing safety gates All internal ladder access points within working platforms are to be protected by proprietary ladder traps All scaffold gates/traps are to default to the closed position and not be held open Only Class 1 ladders which are in sound condition are to be used All ladders to be securely tied by both stiles, inclined at an angle of 1:4 (75 angle) projecting 1 metre minimum above the platform but not excessively and so creating a hazard All ladders to be founded on a firm level base, with access free from trip hazards or materials Where appropriate the base of ladder bays/stair towers are to be secured with Heras fencing or similar and a lockable gate to deter unauthorised access (see Image 2) Where appropriate first lift ladders are to be removed or have their rungs blocked off to deter unauthorised access (see Image 7) Stair towers/ladder bays and other ladder access points to be located away from loading bays, hoists, rubbish chutes and vehicle routes. (Should this not be possible, segregate and protect pedestrian approaches to first lift stairs/ladders with clearly visible physical barriers) Stairs/ladders which form part of a scaffold are required to be included in the scaffold handover/ inspection regime Where ladders are to be used as a means of access other than onto scaffolds, e.g. into cofferdams, excavations, etc. the principles detailed in this process are to be applied.

2 SYSTEM SCAFFOLD STAIR TOWERS These should ALWAYS be considered as the first choice for access onto scaffolds etc. Image 1 Proprietary System Scaffold Stair Tower Image 2 Base of stair tower enclosed by Heras Fencing & a lockable gate Additional requirements to those previously listed on page 1 & 2: Erected by competent persons trained in that particular system scaffold (where part of a scaffold by CISRS scaffolders) Erected and tied in accordance with manufacturers instructions which MUST be readily available on site Subject to issue of a handover certificate, prior to first use and subsequent weekly scaffold inspection by a competent person Flights of stairs constructed from tube and fitting scaffold components are NOT considered to be an appropriate choice due to the time and effort involved in their construction, inspection and maintenance. Also the inherent common problem of inconsistent riser heights and inadequate foothold on treads.

3 LADDER ACCESS BAYS Where limited space prevents selection of system scaffold stair towers consideration is to be given to the provision of ladder access bays. Bays with single lift ladders similar to that shown in Image 3 are preferred to those with multiple lift ladders. Additional requirements to those previously listed on page 1 & 2 Erected by competent CISRS scaffolders in accordance with TG20 standard solutions or to specific design criteria. Image 3 Ladder Access Tower with single lift ladders INTERNAL/EXTERNAL LADDER ACCESS Only in circumstances where it can be demonstrated that it is not reasonable to provide access to scaffold working platforms from a system scaffold stair tower or ladder access bay, should these last resort options be considered. Selection being made in the following order of preference: 1. Internal ladder access with a proprietary protected ladder trap (NB to be positioned where possible away from the main work area, e.g. at end of scaffold platform) 2. External ladder access with a proprietary safety gate (NB to be restricted to first and second lifts only) Image 4 Internal ladder access using a protected ladder trap Image 5 External ladder access using a safety gate Additional requirements to those previously listed on page 1 & 2: 1. Installed at the time of erection/alteration of the scaffold by a competent CISRS scaffolder.

4 Image 6 Illustrates the minimum requirement for a ladder access to a scaffold platform: Ladder inclined at 1:4 (75 angle) Correctly secured at top by both stiles (NB. tying wire, nylon banding from packaging and putlog fittings are NOT suitable for securing access ladders) Self closing safety gate fitted Clear access to base of ladder and platform landing Should it not be possible to locate a ladder access point away from a vehicle route the base of the ladder and approach MUST be segregated and protected with a rigid, clearly visible physical barrier Image 7 Demonstrates restricting access to a first lift ladder when not in use, as an alternative to removal of the ladder

5 LADDERS AND STEP LADDERS AS A PLACE OF WORK Where limited space prevents selection of system scaffold stair towers consideration is to be given to the provision of ladder access bays. Bays with single lift ladders similar to that shown in Image 3 are preferred to those with multiple lift ladders. The selection of a ladder or a step ladder as a place of work MUST be determined by risk assessment which MUST be able to justify why safer alternatives were ruled out. Preference MUST be given to equipment that prevents falls; MEWPS, mobile towers etc. Lone working using ladders should where possible be avoided. ALL persons authorised to use ladders and step ladders MUST have been instructed in their safe use (HSE pocket card Top Tips for Ladder & Step Ladder Safety is a useful instruction aide) Only class 1 heavy duty industrial grade ladders and step ladders are to be authorised for use. These are usually indicated by a blue label. STEP LADDERS The following illustrations show alternatives to conventional step ladders. These and other similar advances in technology MUST where possible be selected in preference to conventional steps. Image 8 Platform Steps Image 9 Podium Steps

6 LADDERS Almost half of accidents involving ladders happen because the ladder was not prevented from falling or slipping. The options for securing a ladder follow in order of preference: 1. Tie the ladder to a suitable point by both stiles 2. Where this is not possible, use an unsecured ladder supplemented with an effective proprietary ladder stability device (e.g. a ladder stay and anti-slip device) 3. Securely wedge the bottom of the ladder to prevent it sliding e.g. against a wall 4. Footing the ladder is the last resort and should where possible be avoided The following illustrations demonstrate examples of incorrect and correct use of a ladder as a place of work. Image 10 Incorrect overreaching position Image 11 Short duration work, minutes in one position Light work, no strenuous tasks involving carrying/supporting materials Three points of contact maintained Person & equipment combined do not overload highest stated load No overreaching both feet on same rung, belt buckle inside the stiles