1. Working at Height Stepladder Safety

2. Falls from height – a serious problem Main cause of workplace fatalities 53 died 3800 serious injuries 60% falls from below head height From ladders/stepladders 14 died 1200 serious injuries HSE data 2004/5

3. Before you start... STOP! 1.The TASK 2.The USER Not every job can be done with just a stepladder - or by you alone.

4. 1.The TASK Is a STEPLADDER right for the job? Plan ahead to what you'll have to do Will you need to: move around while you're up there? carry lots of materials/handle bulky objects? use heavy equipment? work for more than 30min?

5. 2.The USER Are YOU up to the job? Physically fit enough? Not much good at heights?! Don't kid yourself by overestimating your abilities. If you're not completely certain that you can manage everything involved in doing the job properly, get help.

6. TypeAdvantagesDisadvantages AluminiumLight Strong Robust Low maintenance Conducts electricity Conducts heat May fail suddenly after extreme heat exposure WoodDoes not conduct electricity when dry Natural insulator against heat/cold Can dry & split – need regular maintenance (clear varnish) Heavy Can fail suddenly FibreglassDoes not conduct electricity Withstands short exposure to high temps Can tell if heat applied Heavy Can crack & fail suddenly if overloaded Chip or crack under severe impact Which type?

7. Parts of a stepladder handle platform stile rung non-slip feet ladder lock (or cords) Before each use check: Is it sound? Not wobbly, cracked, dented, deformed, split, frayed, sharp edges? Is there damage to stiles, rungs, steps or platform? Are all non-slip feet in position? Is it clean and dry (especially steps & hand holds)? Date of last safety inspection? Faults found? – Dont use! Professionally repair or replace!

8. Is ladder suitable for use? Built to current BS or EN Standard? BS EN 131:1993 – applies to wood and metal ladders (Euro) BS 1129:1990 – wooden ladders (Brit) BS 2037:1994 – metal ladders (Classes 1 & 3) (Brit) BS 7377:1994 – step stools (Brit) Correct Class? Industrial Duty (Class 1) Trade Duty – BS EN 131 (Previously Class 2) Domestic Duty (Class 3) – not suitable for work use!

9. Is it strong enough? New ladders generally marked with the safe working load :- EN - Maximum Static Vertical Load (weight of user & additional weight carried e.g. equipment) BS - Duty Rating (frequency & general conditions) EN 131

10. StandardClassMax vertical static load kg (st) Duty Rating kg (st) BS 2037 (metal) BS 1129 (wood) BS 7377 (step stools) Class 1 (Industrial) Class 3 (Domestic) 175 (27.5) 125 (19.5) 130 (20.5) 95 (15) BS EN 131 (all types) Old Class 2 (Trade) 150 (23.5) 115 (18) Working Loads

12. Is it long enough? Will you have to over-reach (up, down or sideways)?

14. Getting ready… Footwear – flat, firm-soled shoes. No high heels, bare feet (or slippers!). Clothing – nothing to catch your feet in, get caught, e.g. skirt, wide trousers Check area - no overhead hazards, other workers, firm base, sufficient room, near doors, etc. Cordon off work area if necessary

15. Stepladders - setting up … Is it fully opened and locked into correct position? Is it on a firm and level base? Is it positioned with steps front-on to the work? Never work sideways, if avoidable Follow manufacturer's instructions for use. Multi-way design ladders – are they set up the right way for the job you are doing?

16. On the stepladder … DO keep a secure grip at all times. DO have both your feet on the step at all times. DONT put loose items where they could fall and cause injury. Use a work tray if necessary. DONT use top platform unless stepladder is designed with special handholds. DONT stand on the top handrail to gain extra height!

17. On the stepladder … DONT be lazy… Move the stepladder – DONT over-reach !

18. Carrying stepladders Short sets – carry vertically If carried horizontally - front end higher than the back. Be aware of what is in front & behind – watch you dont hit anything!

19. Storing stepladders Vertical (recommended) Secured, so they cant fall over or be borrowed by other people Dont hang by the rungs

21. Summary Plan properly, don't underestimate the risks. Simply taking care is not enough. Avoid work at height where possible by using different equipment or work methods. Select the most appropriate equipment for the task. Making do to save money can result in injury and possibly prosecution. Train those doing the work to use the equipment properly. Inspect and maintain all equipment regularly and Supervise the work effectively.

22. Now please click on the button below to record your details. Adapted with the permission of Catherine Davidge, Health and Safety Services.