Safety Talk Ladder Use

1. Safety TalkLadder Use

2. Ladder Use Ladder Use introduction Ladders are one of the most used, and abused, pieces of equipment on work sites. When abused and misused, the potential for accidents and injuries is huge

3. Ladder Use Ladder Use Main points

4. Ladder Use Ladders are essentially a means of access / egress and should only be used as working platforms very short duration tasks, where alternative platforms would be impracticable , and where such tasks can be carried out safely using a ladder. If a safer means, other than a ladder, can be used, then it should be

5. Ladder Use Only industrial class ladders should be used, which are in good condition. This means they have no missing and broken rungs or spilt stiles

6. Ladder Use Ladders must be placed at a suitable angle (1 unit out for every 4 units up) and suitably secured. Preferably they should tied off at the top using both stiles to prevent both sideways slip and rotation

7. Ladder Use Ladder Use other points to consider

8. Ladder Use Ladders must extend sufficiently beyond working platforms to allow for safe access / egress.

9. Ladder Use Ladders must not be painted as this will hide defects, should be stored correctly, and be regularly inspected

10. Ladder Use The serviceability of a ladder shover never be taken for granted. Always carry out a visual check before use. Report any defects immediately

11. Ladder Use Never care out home made repairs on a ladder. Never use a ladder with existing home made repairs. Never use a home made ladder

12. Ladder Use Always place ladder on a fire base. Never crates, oil drums, etc., to gain extra height. If the ground is soft use suitable support

13. Ladder Use Never use rungs as a support for planks, or rungs on planks

14. Ladder Use Remove excessive mud and other dirt from footwear before climbing or descending a ladder

15. Ladder Use Always use both hands to climb and descend. Always face the ladder ensuring three points of contact are maintained at all times

16. Ladder Use Do not carry loads up ladders – use hoists or alternative means of lifting

17. Ladder Use Never over reach from ladders – dismount and move them

18. Ladder Use Avoid using metal ladders against metal surfaces – the reduced friction makes them move liable to slipping

19. Ladder Use Look out for overhead obstructions, especially overhead power lines.

20. Ladder Use Ladder Use conclusion When working on a ladder never step back to admire your work!