Working at Heights
4. Ladders
4.2. Preventive Measures
Choice
- The first thing to consider before using a ladder is the type of work to be done. Ladders should be replaced by other means such as scaffolding, mobile platforms, etc., in jobs that require an effort and the use of both hand, jobs outdoors under unfavourable weather conditions or with reduced visibility or other hazards.
- When a particular place must be accessed frequently, it is better to use a fixed ladder.
- Ladders must be of sufficient length to offer support for hands and feet, in all the positions in which they are to be used, so that you never need to climb above the third step from the top when working on them.
- Insulating ladders must be used with the appropriate electrical insulation in electrical work or in the vicinity of electrical installations.
Transport
- Transporting ladders by hand.
- Put them down, do not throw them down.
- Do not use them to transport materials.
- One single person must not transport the ladder horizontally, it should be carried with the front end downward.
- Transport step ladders folded.
- Extension ladders are to be transported with their locking devices activated.
- Do not drag the cords on ladders along the floor.
- Transporting ladders in vehicles.
- Protect them by resting them on rubber supports if possible.
- Fasten them securely to the vehicle rack, preventing them from hanging or sticking out sideways.
- The ladder should not stick out more than 2 m ahead of the vehicle in the case of automobiles.
 Incorrect forms of transporting ladders |
|
 |
The correct way to transport a ladder |
Road Regulations:
- When loaded onto vehicles of over 5 m in length, they may stick out up to 3 m behind the vehicle. In shorter vehicles, the load must not stick out more than 1/3 of the total length of the vehicle at either the front or the back.
- When ladders stick out behind the vehicle, at night they are to carry a red light or reflective device that reflects the light it receives in this colour; during the day they are to carry a piece of bright red cloth.
Workplace
Choice of the place to put up the ladder:
- Clear away any objects in the vicinity of the place where the ladder is to rest.
- Do not position it in a place of transit in order to avoid the risk of pedestrians or vehicles colliding with it. In all cases, mark it with cones, protect it from knocks and impede people from passing below it; or place a person there to warn of the circumstance, when necessary.
