Working at Height

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Working at Height

• Stepladder Safety

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Falls from height a serious problem

• Main cause of workplace fatalities
• 53 died
• 3800 serious injuries
• 60 falls from below head height
• From ladders/stepladders
• 14 died
• 1200 serious injuries
• HSE data 2004/5

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Before you start ...

• STOP!
• The TASK
• The USER
• Not every job can be done with just a stepladder
  - or by you alone. 

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The TASK

• Is a STEPLADDER right for the job?
• Plan ahead to what you'll have to do
• Will you need to
• move around while you're up there?
• carry lots of materials/handle bulky objects?
• use heavy equipment?
• work for more than 30min?

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The USER

• Are YOU up to the job?
• Physically fit enough?
• Not much good at heights?!
• Don't kid yourself by overestimating your
  abilities. 
• If you're not completely certain that you can
  manage everything involved in doing the job
  properly, get help.

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Which type?
Type Advantages Disadvantages
Aluminium Light Strong Robust Low maintenance Conducts electricity Conducts heat May fail suddenly after extreme heat exposure
Wood Does not conduct electricity when dry Natural insulator against heat/cold Can dry split need regular maintenance (clear varnish) Heavy Can fail suddenly
Fibreglass Does not conduct electricity Withstands short exposure to high temps Can tell if heat applied Heavy Can crack fail suddenly if overloaded Chip or crack under severe impact
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Parts of a stepladder

• Before each use check
• Is it sound? Not wobbly, cracked, dented,
  deformed, split, frayed, sharp edges?
• Is there damage to stiles, rungs, steps or
  platform?
• Are all non-slip feet in position?
• Is it clean and dry (especially steps hand
  holds)?
• Date of last safety inspection?
• Faults found? Dont use!
• Professionally repair or replace!

handle
platform
rung
ladder lock (or cords)
stile
non-slip feet
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Is ladder suitable for use?

• Built to current BS or EN Standard?
• BS EN 1311993 applies to wood and metal
  ladders (Euro)
• BS 11291990 wooden ladders (Brit)
• BS 20371994 metal ladders (Classes 1 3)
  (Brit)
• BS 73771994 step stools (Brit)
• Correct Class?
• Industrial Duty (Class 1)
• Trade Duty BS EN 131 (Previously Class 2)
• Domestic Duty (Class 3) not suitable for work
  use!

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Is it strong enough?

• New ladders generally marked with the safe
  working load -
• EN - Maximum Static Vertical Load (weight of user
  additional weight carried e.g. equipment)
• BS - Duty Rating
• (frequency general conditions)

EN 131
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Working Loads
Standard Class Max vertical static load kg (st) Duty Rating kg (st)
BS 2037 (metal) BS 1129 (wood) BS 7377 (step stools) Class 1 (Industrial) Class 3 (Domestic) 175 (27.5) 125 (19.5) 130 (20.5) 95 (15)
BS EN 131 (all types) Old Class 2 (Trade) 150 (23.5) 115 (18)
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Is it long enough?

• Will you have to over-reach (up, down or
  sideways)?

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Getting ready

• Footwear flat, firm-soled shoes. No high heels,
  bare feet (or slippers!).
• Clothing nothing to catch your feet in, get
  caught, e.g. skirt, wide trousers
• Check area - no overhead hazards, other workers,
  firm base, sufficient room, near doors, etc.
• Cordon off work area if necessary

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Stepladders - setting up

• Is it fully opened and locked into correct
  position?
• Is it on a firm and level base?
• Is it positioned with steps front-on to the work?
• Never work sideways, if avoidable
• Follow manufacturer's instructions for use.
• Multi-way design ladders are they set up the
  right way for the job you are doing?

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On the stepladder

• DO keep a secure grip at all times.
• DO have both your feet on the step at all times.
• DONT put loose items where they could fall and
  cause injury. Use a work tray if necessary.
• DONT use top platform unless stepladder is
  designed with special handholds.
• DONT stand on the top handrail to gain extra
  height! 

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On the stepladder

• DONT be lazy
• Move the stepladder
• DONT over-reach !

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Carrying stepladders

• Short sets carry vertically
• If carried horizontally - front end higher than
  the back.
• Be aware of what is in front behind watch you
  dont hit anything!

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Storing stepladders

• Vertical (recommended)
• Secured, so they
• cant fall over or
• be borrowed by other people
• Dont hang by the rungs

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Summary

• Plan properly, don't underestimate the risks.
  Simply taking care is not enough.
• Avoid work at height where possible by using
  different equipment or work methods.
• Select the most appropriate equipment for the
  task. Making do to save money can result in
  injury and possibly prosecution.
• Train those doing the work to use the equipment
  properly.
• Inspect and maintain all equipment regularly and
• Supervise the work effectively.

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Now please click on the button below to record
your details.

• Adapted with the permission of Catherine
  Davidge, Health and Safety Services.