When positioning the step, consider the risk of collision with the ladder, for example. Pedestrians, vehicles or doors. Secure
doors (not fire escapes) and windows if possible in the working area.
Use non-conductive stepladders for unavoidable live electrical work.
Repair, maintenance and storage
Repairs and maintenance must be carried out by a competent person and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
NOTE A competent person is a person who has the necessary skills to carry out repairs or maintenance, e.g. through training
by the manufacturer.
For repair and replacement of parts, e.g. legs, if necessary contact the manufacturer or distributor.
Ladders must be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
List of items to be inspected.
For regular inspection, the following items should be considered:
1)
Check that the uprights / legs (posts) are not bent, curved, twisted, dented, cracked, corroded or rotten;
2)
Check that the uprights/feet around the fixing points of other components are in good condition;
3)
Check that fixings (usually rivets, screws or bolts) are not missing, loose or corroded
4)
Check that the rungs/steps are not missing, loose, excessively worn, corroded or damaged;
5)
Check that the hinges between the front and rear sections are not damaged, loose or corroded;
6)
Check that the lock remains horizontal, the back rails and the corner braces are not missing, bent, loose, corroded or
damaged;
7)
Check that rung hooks are not missing, damaged, loose or corroded and engage correctly on the rung;
8)
that the step legs/tips are not missing, loose, excessively worn, corroded or damaged
9)
Check that the step assembly is free from contaminants (e.g. dirt, mud, paint, oil or grease);
10)
Check that the locking latches (if fitted) are not damaged or corroded and are functioning correctly;
11)
Check that the platform (if fitted) has no missing parts or fixings and is not damaged or corroded.
12)
If any of the above checks cannot be fully satisfied, you must NOT use the step.
Warning, electrical hazard
Do not use the ladder as a bridge.
Identify electrical hazards in the work area, such as overhead lines or other exposed electrical equipment and
do not use the ladder where electrical hazards occur.
Open the ladder fully before use
Do not descend the side of the step onto another surface
Only use the ladder with the restraints locked
Stand-up ladders should not be used as leaning ladders unless they are designed to do so
