1. FIXED LADDER SAFETY REVIEW
JAC Safety Committee
Meeting #36
Ian Wheeler
October 26, 1999

2. Background
Staff observations and cursory surveys prior to September 1999 prompted a more comprehensive review of the fixed ladders in the UKIRT, JCMT, and Hilo facilities.
Report titled Fixed Ladder Safety Review (21Oct99) is this comprehensive review.

3. Aim “Run through” report: methodology highlight some examples
potential costs

4. Discussion/Desired Outcome
Agreement on methodology, i.e., not strictly about compliance but risk assessment
Review recommendations

5. Report Scope
Intended as a review document, it identifies ladder deficiencies, outlines corrective action, and lists possible options.
Contains recommendations to replace or modify seven ladder assemblies.
Requires discussion to determine priority and action plan for any rectification work.

6. What makes a ladder Safe? - Analysis Methodology
The JAC Health and Safety Manual states:
“The minimum standards for safety will be those laid down by the State of Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health standards. The JAC is also required to comply not only with the state standards but, where the requirements are more stringent, and where it is reasonably practicable with UK standards encompassed by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974”.

7. Methodology - Standards
Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations (ACOP, paragraph13, page 21)
British Standards (BS-5395: 1985)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 3124, 1997 revised)

8. Methodology - Implementation
Significant criteria from standards were identified.
A risk assessment was performed in order to assess the implications of non-compliance with standards, allowing deviations to be placed into an appropriate risk category (low, medium, or high).
High risk deficiencies require corrective action.

9. Methodology - Application
Two possible approaches:
1. Complete an individual risk assessment for
each ladder. OR
2. Complete a general risk assessment based on
non-compliance with standards.

10. Results Total of 21 ladders surveyed.
No ladders surveyed fully complied with either BS or OSHA.
Extent of non-compliance and associated risks that determine whether corrective action is required.
7 ladders cited for corrective action.

11. Critical Ladder Dimensions

12. Example of an Acceptable Ladder
JCMT crane access ladder.
Associated risks are low, due to:
cage starting height 2.32m instead of 2.5m (BS)
clear space behind user 530mm instead of 760mm (BS and OSHA)

13. Ukirt South/North Column Access Ladders
High risk of falling due to the absence of a safety cage.
Exposes user to risk of strain-type injury and possible fall due to work envelope.

14. Ukirt Outside Roof Access Ladder
High risk of falling due to:
excessive string flexure
inadequate string extensions
absence of safety cage
Adjacent handrail is also deficient and should be upgraded.

15. JCMT Outside Roof Access Ladder
High risk of falling due to inadequate safety cage.

16. JCMT Control Room Roof Access Ladder
High risk of falling due to the absence of a safety cage.
High risk of falling objects due to the lack of landing platform toe plates.

17. JCMT Outside Carousel Escape Ladder
High risk of falling due to:
the absence of a safety cage
excessive lateral instability
Evacuation route documentation requires review.

18. Hilo Vehicle Bay Loft Access Ladder
High risk of falling due to:
the absence of a safety cage
excessive flexure
High risk of falling objects due to the lack of landing platform toe plates.

19. Recommendations Remove, replace or modify 7 ladders.
Conduct review of building evacuation route documentation.

20. Estimated Costs
Implementing all 7 recommendations as given would result in the following estimated costs:
Material costs range $4420 to $9120
Total effort range 23 days to 63 days (installation and design)
J1OBC has $1k provision for ladder work in FY99

22. FIXED LADDER SAFETY REVIEW
Talked about:
methodology
highlighted some examples
outlined recommendations
listed potential costs
To be discussed:
Agreement on methodology
Review recommendations
Thank you...