Safety, Health and Environment

Working at Heights - Ladders

Falls are the number one cause of fatality in the work place.

Working at heightsWork in any place where a person could be injured if

they fell from that place. For example:

Working on a roofWorking from a ladderWorking next to an excavation

When can ladders be used?Where there is low riskThe job is no more than 30 minutes in duration.

When using a ladder make sure:

The ladder is right for the job.It is the right height for the job.Is in good condition.There are no overhead hazards.The weather is suitable.

Somerset College - Safety, Health & Environment Representatives

The ladder MUST be:

On a firm, level base.Angled 4 up – 1 out. (Stand

with feet against base of ladder – stretch out hands. Perfect 4 to 1 ratio)

Rise at least 1 metre beyond the landing place.

Secured near the top.

Somerset College - Safety, Health & Environment Representatives

When climbing/working: Before you climb the ladder make sure

your shoes are free of grease and mud. Keep your hands free and tools in a

shoulder bag or tool belt. Always face the ladder. Use both hands to climb the ladder. Keep 3 point contact (2 feet + 2 hands – 1

= 3). When working with both hands, hook one

leg over or use a safety harness.

Somerset College - Safety, Health & Environment Representatives

Common types of falls:You over-reach

1. Keep your body in the centre

2. Keep 3 points of contact

Common types of falls:You slip from the ladder

Keep ladder cleanClean shoes of mud and

grimeDon’t use the ladder if

you are not fit to work at heights.

Common types of falls:The ladder wobbles slips and fallsMake sure ladder is on a firm,

level surfaceFasten the ladder at top and

bottomPosition the ladder correctly

Remember:Do NOT: Use a damaged ladderDo NOT: Put the ladder on something to

gain heightDo NOT: Put the ladder in front of a

doorwayDo NOT: Have more than one person on

the ladder at a timeDo NOT: Lean too far over to one sideDo NOT: Stand on the top rung of the

ladderDo NOT: Use aluminium ladders where

there are electric wires