Ladders Buying Guide & Working at Height
Top Tip! Selecting the right ladder for the job ensures maximum safety and efficiency.
What are the most common causes of accidents?
Falls from roofs, through fragile roofs and roof lights are one of the most common causes of workplace death and serious injury. Fragile surfaces include but are not limited to glass, corroded metal sheets, rotted chipboard, and slates and tiles.
So which ladder is right for you?
Only use a ladder when:
- The ladder can be used as a hand hold and the operator’s navel can be kept within the stiles.
- The work can be carried out face on and not side loading.
- Nothing heavier than 10kg is to be carried up a ladder.
- The ladder is stood flat on level ground (which can be achieved using a levelling device).
- The top 3 rungs of the ladder are not to be used for standing on unless there is a suitable handrail.
- A working angle of 75 degrees can be achieved. A ladder stopper can give additional security on level ground.
- It can be tied if being used to transfer to another level. The top of the ladder is at least 1.1 meter above the step-off point.
- The ladder is the correct height for the job. the average person will work most comfortably at shoulder level which is about five feet from where they stand.
Knowledge and training – There is a basic level of skill and knowledge that the Health and Safety Executive or a Local Authority Inspector would expect people in your workplace to have.
What’s involved in the job – If there is a need to move around whilst up a ladder or to carry materials or heavy equipment, a ladder may not be suitable and could be unsafe. A mobile tower or scaffolding may be a better option. You must always be able to extend a ladder by at least 1.1m above any step-off height.
Explore all options – for safety and ease of use, standard ladders may not be the best solution.
Working at Height Regulations 2005 Legislation
You are working at height if you are working on a ladder or roof, you could fall through a fragile surface, or you could fall into an opening in a floor/hole in the ground.
Before working from height, you should consider the following:
- Can the task be completed without the need to work from a height?
- If unavoidable, prevent falls by ensuring the correct type of equipment is being used or use an existing place of work that is already safe.
- Minimise the distance and consequences of a fall by using the right type of equipment.
- The nature, frequency, and duration of the work.
- The weather conditions and how this could affect the task and the workers safety.
- Preventing materials and objects falling during the task, and if not preventable, work areas need to be blocked off to keep people away.
- Storing materials and objects safely.
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Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Please note that legislation and regulation information may not apply to your area and/or may have since been updated. Please check regulations and legislation with your local authority. You should also seek independent advice about any legal matter.
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