subject: Safety Principles- The Appropriate Usage Of Portable Step Ladders [print this page] Step ladders are utilized extensively within the construction business. However, many falls take place whenever people are working on ladders. In addition, when making use of a ladder:
" the working space and range of motion is restrained
" the work-time involved in transporting and assembling ladders is typically undervalued as you're preparing your job
" the working situation on ladders is typically awkward (the necessity to stretch out laterally, work beyond shoulder height and get up on tiny steps for some time) and can cause musculoskeletal ailments.
For these reasons, you should think about whether or not an lifting work platform or scaffolding would certainly be safer and more reliable.
Step ladders should typically only be used as a method of the ability to access or egress from a workspace. All the work done from a steps needs to be light work of limited length which can include painting a downpipe, mending a gutter or undertaking minimal electrical installations
Before starting work
1. Specify the perils, look at the dangers and plan the exercise
Take precise observation of:
" power series or alternative electrical issues
" individuals working below or traffic pedestrians below
" vibrations coming from close by passenger cars, fixed or mobile plant
" high winds along with other radical atmospheric conditions
" unstable, slick or uneven types of surface
" weak or unstable vertical support
2. Stick with the appropriate step ladder for the job
Choose a step ladder taking into consideration the following:
" Altitude of task
To provide an example: If employing an 2.4 metre step ladder usually means you will need to do the job higher than the third top step, pick a 3.3 metre ladder.
" Height above landing
Whenever using a step ladder in order to access a functional foundation or roof, be sure the top of the ladder is 900-1100mm greater than the working framework or roof covering.
" Material
Aluminium, metal or wooden scaffold boards with exposed series reinforcement within the stiles mustn't be made use of in the proximity of power lines or any other electric hazards.
Timber ladders really should not be in contact with temps more than 66C for long periods of time.
Consult the producer or other competent person if step ladders are to be employed in a harsh conditions.
" As being a support for planks
Exclusively industrial graded trestle and trestle-backed ladders ought to be utilized to support a plank used as a work platform.
Only industrial rated extension ladders or single ladders fitted correctly with scaffold brackets and used according to the manufacturer"s instructions should be used to support a plank used as a work platform.
" As access to a surface
If a series of ladders are used to gain access to a surface, landing platforms should be provided at every 6 metre interval.
Portable single and extension ladders should not be used:
- in access parts or inside the arc of swinging doors, and
- on working platforms to gain height over the protected edge.
3. Set up two ladders if necessary
Supply safe access and egress for workers or for the movement of materials - use individual ladders for ascent and descent if appropriate.
4. Check the health of the ladder
" Check the ladder anytime you utilize it.
" Report any flaws quickly.
" Never make short-term maintenance. The ladder should be removed from service and repaired by a certified person.
" Never use a ladder you think is unsafe or not right for the work.
Ladders also needs to be inspected:
" when obtained and before being used for the first time,
" after drops or impacts, and
" as part of regular and documented maintenance methods.
5. Wear the correct gear & check it before you use it
" Fully enclosed, slip resistant footwear.
" Equipment for securing your tools - belt, lanyard, zippered pouch.
" A safety head protection if a particular person is working higher than you, if you could hit top of your head or make contact with an electric hazard.
6. Make sure the ladder is reinforced, steady and level
Base support:
" Ladders should be placed on a firm and level footing. Make use of a plank or board under the feet to stop them sinking into soft ground. Ensure the plank is stable and is wider as opposed to dense.
Vertical support:
" If an extension ladder is placed against framing or brittle material, a support needs to be placed against the stiles at the top to distribute the load.
" If an extension ladder is placed against a pole or tree, it needs to be fitted with a pole chain, strap or hoop.
If uncertain, start using a help and support individual to hold the step ladder from underneath.
Prior to climbing, test the ladder"s stability by jumping on the base rung.
7. Set the ladder at a downward slope of approximately 4 in 1
" For every metre in height, the ladder feet should extend from the vertical surface by about 250mm.
8. Position the ladder for safe work
" Assemble the ladder so you can actually work facing the ladder and the task without tilting over to the side or over-reaching.
9. Watch out above
" Watch out for utility lines, other electrical hazards or rigging when putting the ladder into place or moving it.
" If you must operate in close proximity to power lines or other electric hazards, follow the correct RTA treatments.
10. Keep an eye out beneath and near you
" Contain and sign post your work site and setup TCPs and VMPs if appropriate.
" Never work closer than 1.2 metres to traffic.
" Secure your equipment.
11. Clear the work area
" Clear the small area around the foot of the step ladder of gear and materials.
Safe use of ladders
A ladder should not be utilized as a substitution for guys, braces, struts, beams, skids, bridges, ramps or gangways or for some other use not developed by the company.
1. Three secured points of contact
" Either one foot and two hands or two feet and one hand at all times.
" Have both of your hands free to clutch the ladder whenever climbing. Have tools in a tool belt, holster or pouch - not your hands.
" In the event the ladder is not risk-free enough to allow you to maintain three points of contact (either by lashing and/or by a support person under), consider utilizing an EWP to perform the job.
2. No higher than the third stop step
" Don"t work any higher than the third top step.
" Go with a lengthier ladder or locate a much safer way to do the task - eg employing an EWP.
3. One ladder, one individual
Whenever a 2nd individual should be on the ladder (emergency situations only):
" just one single person to transport at a time
" use a steeper base angle than 4 in 1
" lash extension ladders in location
4. Relocation the step ladder
" Never ever 'walk" the ladder to reposition it.
" Clear away tools from the ladder prior to moving it.
" Watch above for power lines, additional electrical perils or rigging.
5. Don"t utilize a ladder to climb to an alternative step ladder
6. Don"t leave a ladder unattended in a public location
