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Every month, more than a thousand people need hospital treatment because of accidents at home involving ladders...
...ABOVE ALL BE CAREFUL
Leaning Ladder Guide
1. Before Use
1.1 Read all instructions on and accompanying the ladder
1.2
Ensure that you are fit enough to use a ladder. Certain
medical conditions or medications, alcohol or drug abuse
could make ladder use unsafe
1.3 Ensure the ladder is suitable for the task
1.4
Visually check the ladder is not damaged and is safe to use
at the start of each working day when the ladder is to be
used
1.5
Remove any contamination from the ladder, such as wet
paint, mud, oil, water or snow
1.6
When transporting ladders on roof bars or in a truck,
ensure they are suitably placed to prevent damage
1.7
Inspect the ladder after delivery and before first use to
confirm condition and operation of all parts
1.8
Before using a ladder at work a risk assessment should be
carried out respecting the legislation in the country of use
1.9 For professional users regular periodic inspection is
required
1.10 Do not use a damaged ladder
2. Positioning and Erecting the Ladder
2.1 When positioning the ladder take 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
2.2
Identify any electrical risks in the work area, such as
overhead lines or other exposed electrical equipment
2.3
Ladders shall not be positioned on slippery surfaces
(such as ice, shiny surfaces or significantly contaminated
surfaces) unless additional effective measures are taken
to prevent the ladder slipping or ensuring contaminated
surfaces are sufficiently clean
2.4
Leaning ladders should lean against a flat non-fragile
surface and should be secured before use, e.g. tied or use
of a suitable stability device
2.5
Ladder shall be erected at the correct position, such as
the correct angle for a leaning ladder (angle of inclination
approximately 1:4) with the rungs or treads level
2.6
Locking devices, if fitted, shall be fully secured before use
2.7
Ladder shall be stood on its feet, not the rungs or steps
2.8 Ladder shall never be repositioned from above
2.9 Ladder shall be on an even, level and unmovable base
3. Using the Ladder
3.1 Do not exceed the maximum total load for the type of
ladder
3.2
Do not overreach, users should keep their belt buckle
(navel) inside the stiles and both feet on the same step/rung
throughout the task
3.3
Maintain a handhold whilst working from a ladder or take
additional safety precautions if you cannot
3.4
Avoid excessive side loadings e.g. drilling brick and
concrete
3.5
Keep a secure grip on the ladder when ascending and
descending
3.6 Face the ladder when ascending and descending
3.7 Wear suitable footwear when climbing a ladder
3.8
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
3.9
Leaning ladders used for access to a higher level should be
extended at least 1m above the landing point
3.10 The uppermost bar of this ladder is not classified, nor shall
it be counted, as a rung
3.11 Do not stand on the top three steps/rungs of a leaning
ladder
3.12 Ladders should only be used for light work of short
duration
3.13 Use non-conductive ladders for unavoidable live electrical
work
3.14 Do not use the ladder outside in adverse weather
conditions, such as strong wind
3.15 Take precautions against children playing on the ladder
3.16 Secure doors (not fire exits) and windows where possible in
the work area
3.17 Do not use the ladder as a bridge
3.18 Do not spend long periods on a ladder without regular
breaks (tiredness is a risk)
3.19 Equipment carried while using a ladder should be light and
easy to handle
4. Repair, Maintenance and
Storage
4.1
Repairs and maintenance shall be carried out by a
competent person and be in accordance with the producer’s
instructions
4.2
Ladders should be stored in accordance with producer’s
instructions
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10/18/18 5:03 PM
