1. Working at Heights - Ladders
Falls are the number one cause of fatality in the work place.
Working at Heights - Ladders
Safety, Health and Environment

2. Working at heights
Work in any place where a person could be injured if they fell from that place.
For example:
Working on a roof
Working from a ladder
Working next to an excavation

3. When can ladders be used?
Where there is low risk
The job is no more than 30 minutes in duration.

4. When using a ladder make sure:
The ladder is right for the job.
It is the right height for the job.
Is in good condition.
There are no overhead hazards.
The weather is suitable.
Somerset College - Safety, Health & Environment Representatives

5. Somerset College - Safety, Health & Environment Representatives
The ladder MUST be:
On a firm, level base.
Angled 4 up – 1 out. (Stand with feet against base of ladder – stretch out hands. Perfect 4 to 1 ratio)
Rise at least 1 metre beyond the landing place.
Secured near the top.
Somerset College - Safety, Health & Environment Representatives

6. When climbing/working:
Before you climb the ladder make sure your shoes are free of grease and mud.
Keep your hands free and tools in a shoulder bag or tool belt.
Always face the ladder.
Use both hands to climb the ladder.
Keep 3 point contact (2 feet + 2 hands – 1 = 3).
When working with both hands, hook one leg over or use a safety harness.
Somerset College - Safety, Health & Environment Representatives

7. Common types of falls: You over-reach Keep your body in the centre
Keep 3 points of contact

8. Common types of falls: You slip from the ladder Keep ladder clean
Clean shoes of mud and grime
Don’t use the ladder if you are not fit to work at heights.

9. Common types of falls: The ladder wobbles slips and falls
Make sure ladder is on a firm, level surface
Fasten the ladder at top and bottom
Position the ladder correctly

10. Remember: Do NOT: Use a damaged ladder
Do NOT: Put the ladder on something to gain height
Do NOT: Put the ladder in front of a doorway
Do NOT: Have more than one person on the ladder at a time
Do NOT: Lean too far over to one side
Do NOT: Stand on the top rung of the ladder
Do NOT: Use aluminium ladders where there are electric wires