1. General User Information Ladders in
accordance with EN 131-3
1.1 Before using the ladder
a) Does your health allow you to use the ladder? Certain
medical conditions and medication, as well as alcohol and
drug misuse, can jeopardise your safety when using a ladder;
b) When transporting ladders on roof racks or in a heavy-
goods vehicle, ensure that they are secured or mounted
appropriately to prevent damage;
c) Inspect the ladder after delivery and before using it for the
first time, in order to check the condition and that all parts are
good working order;
d) Visually inspect the ladder for damage to ensure that it is
safe to use at the start of each working day that the ladder will
be needed;
e) For commercial users, a regular check is required;
f) Ensure that the ladder is suitable for the respective activity
in each case;
g) Never use a damaged ladder;
h) Remove all forms of contamination from the ladder, e.g.
wet paint, dirt, oil and snow;
i) Before using a ladder for work, first carry out a risk
assessment in accordance with the legal regulations applying
in the country of use.
1.2 Positioning and setting up the ladder
a) The ladder must be set up in the correct position, e.g. at
the correct set-up angle for single-section ladders (tilt angle
approximately 1:4);
b) Where fitted, locking devices must be fully secured before
use;
c) The ladder must stand on a flat, level and stable surface;
d) Single-section ladders should placed against flat, firm
surfaces and secured before use, e.g. by securing the ladder
or using a suitable stability device.
e) Never re-position the ladder from above;
f) When setting up the ladder, take care that there is no
potential risk of it being hit by pedestrians, vehicles or doors,
for example. Lock doors (but not emergency exits) and
windows in the working area, wherever possible;
g) Assess all existing risks in the working area posed by
electrical equipment, e.g. high voltage overhead power lines
or other bare electrical equipment.
h) The ladder must be set up on its feet and not on the rungs
and/or steps;
i) The ladder should not be set up on slippery surfaces (e.g.
ice, polished surfaces or obviously soiled but firm surfaces)
where no additional measures have been taken to prevent the
ladder from slipping or where the soiled areas are sufficiently
clean to allow it.
1.3 Using the ladder
a) Do not exceed the maximum load capacity of the respective
type of ladder;
b) Do not overreach; users should keep their belt-buckle (i.e.
their navel) between the beams and stand with both feet on
the same step/rung.
c) Do not climb up a single-section ladder to work at an
elevated height without additional safety measures, e.g. by
securing the ladder or using a suitable stability device.
d) Do not use stepladders for climbing up onto another level.
e) Do not use the top three steps/rungs of a single-section
ladder as a support surface.
f) Do not use the top five rungs of a stepladder and hold on to
the ladder for your safety and to ensure comfortable standing.
On a partially extended ladder with a set of rungs on top, do
not go not higher than 1 metre below the end of the ladder;
g) Ladders should only be used for light jobs of short duration;
h) For essential work which involves live parts do not use
ladders which conduct electricity;
i) Do not use ladders outdoors in adverse weather conditions,
e.g. strong winds;
j) Take precautionary measures to ensure that children cannot
play on the ladder.
k) Lock doors (but not emergency exits) and windows in the
working area, wherever possible;
l) Ascend and descend towards the ladder facing the work
activity and ensure you have a firm handhold on the ladder
m) when climbing up and down;
n) Do not use the ladder as a bridge;
o) Wear suitable footwear when climbing ladders;
p) Do not impose excessive side loading, e.g. when drilling into
masonry and concrete;
q) Do not work on the ladder for long periods without regular
breaks (tiredness is a risk);
r) When accessing a higher level, single-section ladders should
project or be pushed out at least 1 metre above the landing
point;
s) Any objects to be carried whilst climbing up the ladder
should be light and easy to handle;
t) Avoid activities which impose a side loading on stepladders,
e.g. drilling to the side into solid materials (e.g. masonry and
concrete);
u) When working on a ladder, ensure one hand is firmly on
the ladder or if this is not possible undertake additional safety
precautions.
1.4 Repair, maintenance and storage
Maintenance and repair work for ladders must be carried out
as required by a specialist and in
accordance
with the manufacturers’ instructions. Ladders should be
stored according to the manufacturers’ instructions.
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