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Check before using the ladder
Ensure that you are fit enough to use a lad-
der. Certain medical conditions or medica-
tion, alcohol or drug abuse could make lad-
der use unsafe;
• When transporting ladders on roof bars or in a
truck, ensure they are suitably placed to prevent
damage;
Inspect the ladder after delivery and before
first use to confirm condition and operation of
all parts;
• Visually check the ladder atthe start of each work-
ing day when the ladder is to be used;
• For professional users regular periodic inspection
is required;
• Ensure the ladder is suitable for the task;
• Do not use a damaged ladder;
• Do not use the ladder if contaminated, e.g. with
wet paint, mud, oil or snow;
• For professional use a risk assessment shall be
carried out respecting the legislation in the coun-
try of use.
• Do not modify the ladder design.
Positioning and erecting the ladder
The ladder shall be erected at the correct po-
sition, such as the correct angle for a leaning
ladder (65-75° angle of inclination. approxi-
mately 1:4) with the rungs or treads level and
complete opening of a standing ladder;
Leaning ladders with steps shall be used that
the steps are in a horizontal position.
• Locking devices, if fitted, shall be fully secured
before use;
• The ladder shall be on an even, level and unmov-
able base;
• A leaning ladder should lean against a flat non-
fragile surface and should be secured before use,
e.g. tied or use of a suitable stability device;
• The ladder shall never be repositioned from
above;
• When positioning the laddertake into account risk
of collision with the ladder e.g. from pedestrians,
vehicles or doors; Secure doors (not fire exits)
and windows where possible in the work area.
Identify any electrical risks in the work area,
such as overhead lines or other exposed
electrical equipment;
The ladder shall be stood on its feet, not the
rungs or treads;
• Ladders shall not be positioned on slippery sur-
faces (such as ice, shiny surfaces or significantly
contaminated solid surfaces) unless additional
effective measures are taken to prevent the lad-
der slipping or ensuring contaminated surfaces
are sufficiently clean.
• Ladder shall never be moved from the top.
Using the ladder
• Do not exceed the maximum permissible load for
the type of ladder;
• Do not overreach; users should keep their belt
buckle (navel) inside the stiles and both feet on
the same step/rung throughout the task;
• Do not step off a leaning ladder at a higher level
without additional security, such as tying off or use
of a suitable stability device;
• Do not use standing ladders for access to another
level;
Do not stand on the top three rungs of a lean-
ing ladder;
Do not stand on the top two steps/rungs of a
standing ladder without a platform and hand/
1
2
knee rail;
Do not stand on the top four steps/rungs of a
standing ladder with an extending ladder at
the top;
• Ladders should only be used for light work of
short duration;
• Use non-conductive ladders for unavoidable live
electrical work;
• Do not use the ladder outside in adverse weather
conditions, such as strong wind;
• Take precautions against children playing on the
ladder;
• Secure doors (not fire exits) and windows where
possible in the work area;
Do not ascend or descend unless you are
facing the ladder;
Keep a secure grip on the ladder when as-
cending and descending; Maintain a hand-
hold whilst working from a ladder or take ad-
ditional safety precautions if you cannot;
Do not use the ladder as a bridge;
Do not wear unsuitable footwear when climb-
ing a ladder;
• Avoid excessive side loadings e.g. drilling brick
and concrete;
• Do not spend long periods on a ladder without
regular breaks (tiredness is a risk);
• Leaning ladders used for access to a higher level
should be extended at least 1 m above the land-
ing point;
Do not carry equipment which is heavy or dif-
KG
ficult to handle while using a ladder;
Avoid work that imposes a sideways load on
ladders, such as side-on drilling through sol-
id materials (e.g. brick or concrete);
• Maintain a handhold whilst working from a ladder
ortake additional safety precaution if you cannot;
GB
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