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Safe Working Practices for Access Equipment

Ladders

Ladders are designed for short duration work, due to this reason many accidents occur since the
ladders are not secured properly, as a result of this worker may fall due to ladder toppling or

overreaching, or due to loss of 3 point contact while climbing ladder with carrying loads.

Ladders are also used as access equipment for scaffold or excavation.

Rule of 3’s, the worker must face the ladder, as well as maintain three points of contact (two feet and
one hand, or one foot and two hands) always when at work position.

The hazards associated with ladders

• falls from ladder due to overreaching, ladder toppling
• base of the ladder tipping outward from the supporting structure.

• Falling of objects.

• Striking overhead powerlines
• Striking other persons or objects

• Musculoskeletal disorder from lifting loads while working on ladders.

Control measures to use ladders

• Ladders must be placed on a firm level ground and supported on a solid structure.
• the ladder must be secured at the top as well as at the bottom against a solid
structure to avoid toppling on the sideways.
• Use guy ropes to secure ladder or footed by the co-
worker at the bottom.
• Hold stiles, never on rungs while climbing and
descending.
• make sure the ladder angle is at 75° – you should
use the 1 in 4 rules (i.e. 1 unit out for every 4 units
up)
• Extend the ladder 3 feet above the landing, hence
the ladder must be extended 1 metre above the
landing level.
• Never carry tools by hand, use holster or hoists.
• Only one person at a time while climbing or
descending the ladder.
• Always maintain three-point contact.
• Extension ladders follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Avoid working with overhead powerlines.

ENSIGN | General Workplace Issues 12