Construction

Understand how to minimise risk while using a ladder.

Welcome
This course will help you understand how to safely use a ladder


## You should only use ladders in situations where they can be used safely, e.g. where the ladder will be level and stable, and the ladder can be secured.


# Check your ladder before you use it
Before starting a task, you should always carry out a ‘pre-use’ check to spot any obvious visual defects to make sure the ladder is safe to use.


Introduction and Checks

Once you've done your checks, here are some tips on how to use the ladder safely. 

Once you have done your ‘pre-use’ check, there are simple precautions that can minimise the risk of a fall.


Don’t overload the ladder and consider your weight and the equipment or materials you are carrying before working at height
Check the pictogram or label on the ladder for information
Make sure the ladder angle is at 75°. you should use the 1 in 4 rule. (1 unit out for every 4 units up)
Always grip the ladder and face the ladder rungs while climbing or descending – don’t slide down the stiles.


✅  Ladder showing the correct 1 in 4 angle
Means of securing omitted for clarity


✅ User maintaining three points of contact


❌ Overreaching and not maintaining three points of contact


✅ Use of a stand-off device to ensure a strong resting point. Do not rest a ladder against weak upper surfaces such as glazing or plastic gutters.


Where can you find the most reliable information for a ladder you are about to use?


Try to position the stepladder to face the work activity and not side on. However, there are occasions when a risk assessment may show it is safer to work side on, for example; in a retail stock room when you can’t engage the stepladder locks to work face on because of space restraints in narrow aisles, but you can fully lock it to work side on
Try to avoid work that imposes a side loading, such as side-on drilling through solid materials (e.g. bricks or concrete).
Where side-on loadings cannot be avoided, you should prevent the steps from tipping over, eg by tying the steps. Otherwise, use a more suitable type of access equipment.


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Ladder Safety

Ladder Safety Lessons

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