Page 81 - RIIWHS204E Learner Guide

RIIWHS204E-Work safely at heights

LADDERS, ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS
Ladders should be securely fixed to prevent movement, pitched at a gradient not less
than 1 in 4 nor more than 1 in 6, and extend at least 900 mm above the platform so they
can be safely climbed.

Ladders should be considered as a means of access and egress to a work area, but
are not the first choice for working at heights. Many falls take place while people are
working from ladders. Work from a ladder should be limited to light work of a short
duration that can be carried out safely while on the ladder.

Elevating work platforms or scaffolds are a safer and more efficient access option. It is
important to ensure that there is adequate fall protection between the structure and the
scaffold.

USING PORTABLE LADDERS FOR ACCESS

Whenever you are using a portable ladder, you should adhere to the following safety
precautions:

 Ladders should be set up so that they are fixed at the top and base and on

stable ground
 Only use a step-ladder when it is fully opened with the legs locked into

position

 Set up the ladder with at least 1 meter of ladder extending past the floor you
are moving to

 The angle of the ladder should be 1m out for every 4m up

 Never use metal ladders near electrical hazards
 You may need to use a fall prevention system that is connected to a ladder,

depending on the type of work you are doing

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