Working at Height – Ladders and Stepladders
One of the most common types of equipment used for work at height activities are ladders and stepladders. But ladders and stepladders are also involved in more falls from height than any other kind of work equipment. Therefore, it is imperative to carefully plan work and use risk assessment to identify the tasks/activities that can be completed safely from a ladder or stepladder.
Ladders or stepladders should only be used:
- In one position for a maximum of 30 minutes
- Where a handhold is available
- For ‘light work’
- Where the worker can maintain three points of contact (hands and feet) at the working position
