Step Ladder Safety Procedure & Control Measures for Safe Work

A ladder is a simple, versatile and relatively inexpensive piece of equipment to use on a construction project or at home level.

The temptation therefore is to use it for all sorts or work without considering whether the risk warrants an alternative method of work before it is used for this purpose.

However, the circumstances need to be critically examined, to ensure that any associated ladder safety risks are controlled.

The following list contains details of the most common types of high risk situations which may exist when using ladders as a mean of access or to carry out work from ladders, which are not secured.

i. Ladder unsuitable for task.

ii. Damaged or defective equipment.

iii. Incorrect length, position and angle of ladder.

iv. Incorrect or misuse of equipment.

v. Wet, muddy conditions.

vi. Unsecured ladders

vii. Home made ladders

Risk Associated with Step Ladder

The following list contains details of the most common type of risks which may exist when working from a step ladder:

i. Steps unsuitable for task.

ii. Damaged or defective equipment.

iii. Incorrect or misuse of equipment.

iv. Unstable or unsuitable ground conditions.

v. Incorrect procedures when climbing up and down ladders.

Ladder Safety Control Measures

a) Only use ladders at a workplace after careful consideration to its suitability and level of risk involved. Use the correct classification:

i. For construction work

ii. For lighter work such as decorating.

b) Aluminum ladders and extension ladders should be used where the ladder is used as a working place but the former should not be used where electrical hazards exists.

c) Ladders which are used to gain access to scaffold platforms, should be single pole ladders, either timber or aluminum. Extension ladders of either type should not be used.

d) When using an extension ladder, the overlap of rungs of any two adjacent sections should be as follows:

Length of ladder less than 5m – 1½ rungs.

between 5m and 6m – 2½ rungs.

over 6m – 3½ rungs.

e) Ladders should not be used to support a working platform other than that which is supplied part of a proprietary system.

f) Implement a system of inspection and removal of damaged equipment from the workplace.

g) Do not paint timber ladders.

i. Timber ladders need to be provided with a manufacturer’s information.

ii. No site fabricated ladders to be used.

h) The ladder should be placed at a suitable angle ideally at 75° i.e. approximately 1 horizontal to 4 vertical measurements.

i) Rest on a sound base.

j) Preferably secure the ladder at the top, if not practicable restrained by the following means:

i. Spreader arms attached to top of ladder.

ii. Securely anchored near base.

iii. Person footing base of ladder (not suitable for ladders in excess of 5m).

k) Extend at least 1.0m above stepping off point unless there is an alternative suitable handhold.

l) Placed so that there is clear space behind each rung to permit the secure placement of the user’s feet.

m) A resting platform should be provided at vertical intervals of 9m. Where persons can fall more than 2m from these platforms they should be provided with high and low rails and toe boards.

n) If a ladder protrudes through a working platform, then the opening should be as small as possible, and in any case 500mm maximum width. Minimum platform widths as set out in the scaffold section should be maintained.

o) Suitable access to a working place should be provided at the stepping off point. Persons should not be required to climb over or through guardrails. Gaps in toe boards and guardrails should, however, be kept as small as possible.

p) Single board runs to ladders should not be used.

q) Only one person should be permitted on a ladder at any one time.

r) Carry light tools in a holster or in a tool belt. If site conditions are wet or muddy, ensure footwear and ladder rungs are clean before climbing.

s) Always secure ladders and make use of co-workers.

Step Ladder Safety Control Measures

i. Aluminum type should not be used if electrical hazards exist.

ii. A system of inspection and removal of damaged equipment is required.

iii. The stays, chains or cords to prevent spreading should be in good condition and equal in length.

iv. Ensure step ladder is extended to its fullest.

v. Do not work from the top tread unless the steps are designed with an extension to provide a handhold.

vi. Only one person to use the ladder at any one time.

vii. Ensure loose materials are not placed at the base.

viii. If used in a doorway the door should be wedged open and sign posted.

Safety Checklist for Safe Ladder Use

i. Has an assessment been carried out to determine the suitability of the equipment?

ii. Is there a system of inspection to ensure broken items are taken out of service?

iii. Are ladders secured as appropriate?

iv. Are loads, tools etc. being transported to the work area in a suitable manner.

v. Is the position of the ladder suitable in order to eliminate over reaching?

vi. Are ladders equipped with non slip skid pads?

Step Ladder Usage Checklist

i. Are step ladders high enough in order that workers do not have to use the top step?

ii. Is there a system of checking condition?

iii. Is the area at the foot of the steps clear of debris, tools and equipment?

iv. Are ladders equipped with non slip skid pads?

v. Are only wooden steps used where electrical risks exist?

vi. Are ground conditions suitable for support of ladder?

vii. Independent checklist?