PLUMBING

Presentation on

Ladder Safety

At the end of this lesson you should know :

Common accidents caused by incorrect use of ladders

How to visually inspect a ladder for safe use

How to erect a ladder safely

Correct storage of a ladder

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• Know which Regulation controls the use of ladders

The Work at Height Regulations 2005

Ladder Safety - Regulations

In 2005/06 falls from height accounted for 46 fatal accidents at work and around 3350 major injuries. They remain the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the main causes of major injury.

For you to do (at home) :

Make a list of as many points as possible about what The Working at Height Regulations 2005 cover

Why are moveable ladders important? At work -

14 Fatalities per year to workers (averaged over 6 years)

1226 Major injuries – 32% (02/03)

40% High fall major injuries – 02/03 (high fall - 2 metres of greater fall height)

30% Low fall major injuries – 02/03 (low fall – less than 2 metres fall height)

Ladders are the piece of access equipment that was being used at the time of the fall.

Ladder Safety - Accidents

Common hazards associated with ladder use

Falls stepping off and on lower rungs

Ladder slipping sideways at upper resting point due to overreaching or instability.

Ladder slipping outwards at the bottom due to unsuitable ground conditions or incorrect angle.

Ladder failure

Electric shock due to overhead electrical hazards

Injury when handling ladders

Injury to others from falling tools

Working from too short a ladder.

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Ladder Safety - Accidents

All ladders should meet the required British or European standards.

New ladders are generally marked according to their safe working load.

In the British Standard it is "Duty rating" taking into account the general conditions and probably frequency of use for each type.

The European Standard uses "Maximum static vertical load".

British Standard ladders to either BS 2037 (Aluminium) or BS 1129 (Wood).

Ladder Safety – Ladder Requirements

Class 1(Industrial) Duty rating 130kg (20 stone) = Maximum vertical static load 175kg.

Class 3(Domestic) Duty rating 95kg (15 stone) = Maximum vertical static load 125kg.

European Standard ladders to BS/EN 131 (All types).

(Previous Class 2)Duty rating 115kg (18stone) = Maximum vertical static load 150kg.

Ladder Safety – Ladder Requirements

Ladders should be free from defects such as :

Cracks

No rungs missing, loose or dirty

Not paintedLadders should never be painted, as this could hide dangerous defects from view. A wooden ladder can be protected with clear varnish or transparent rot-proofer.

No stiles damaged, bent or have missing tie rods (wood)

No warping or splitting (wood)

No wood rot or corrosion

No temporary repairs

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Ladder Safety – Ladder Requirements

Ladder Safety – Ladder Requirements

Ladder showing maximum angles at 16° on a side slope and 6° on a back slope

Levelling device

16°

6°

Ladder showing correct 1 in 4 angle (means of securing omitted for clarity)

Ladder Safety – Ladder Requirements

Correct - user maintaining three points of contact

Incorrect - user not maintaining three points of contact

Ladder Safety – Ladder Requirements

Correct- ladder tied at top stiles (correct for working on, not for access)

Correct - securing at the base

Tying part way down

Tying near the base

Ladder Safety – Ladder Requirements

Access ladders should be tied and extend at least 1m above the landing point to provide a secure handhold

Ladder Safety – Ladder Requirements

Some actual in use ladders

Split stile – beyond repairDented and twisted rungs – beyond repair

Ladder Safety – Beyond repair

Dent in stiles – Beyond repair

Ladder Safety – Beyond repair

Twisted stile – Beyond repair

Missing ladder feet – critical for slip resistance. As the stiles are damaged, this ladder cannot be repaired.

Bent ladder – How? Possibly used as a ladder beam and overloaded? Beyond repair.

Ladder Safety – Beyond repair

Missing rungs – baling twine to replace rungs.

Ladder Safety – Beyond repair

Ladder Safety – Your turn