Ladders
Watch the video below
Ladders should be considered as a primary means of access and egress to a work area but should not be your first option for conducting the work at heights.
Many falls take place while people are working from ladders, therefore any work should be limited to light work of a short duration that can be carried out safely while on the ladder.
Elevating work platforms or scaffolds are a safer and more efficient option.
Portable ladders are available in two grades – industrial and domestic. All work carried out at heights should use a ladder that is rated to 120kg and is manufactured for industrial use.
Never use a domestic grade ladder for industrial use because it is not required to be as robust and strong as an industrial grade ladder.
When selecting a ladder for use, make sure it is in good condition. Check for faults, such as broken rungs, stiles, and footing before you use it.
Guidance on the selection, safe use and care of portable ladders is set out in AS/NZS 1892 Portable ladders series.
The manufacturer’s recommendations on safe use should also be followed.
Ladder Access or Egress:
Where fixed or extension ladders are used for access or egress, you should check that:
• There is a firm, stable work platform, free from obstructions, to step onto from the ladder.
• The ladder extends at least one metre above the stepping-off point on the working platform.
• Fall protection is provided at the stepping-off point where people access the working platform.
Watch the video below
Anchorage Lines or Rails
Anchorage lines or rails can be temporary or permanent fall-arrest systems.
They are designed to provide continuous fall protection for workers using ladders or climbing towers on plant (e.g. tower cranes) as well as buildings or structures.
Safety considerations include that:
• The locking device is attached to the front of the harness.
• The lanyard (including all components/parts) is a maximum of 30 cm length.
• The point of connection onto the line or rail system is near the base of the ladder where a worker can safely access it before climbing up.
• The system must provide continuous connection all the way to the top (disconnecting point).
• Free fall is limited to a maximum of 60 cm.
• Permanent systems must be made of wire or rail construction and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If a fall occurs, the system must be removed and inspected by a competent person before it can be re-installed and used again.
Temporary anchorage line or rail systems must comply with AS/NZS 1891.
