1. PREVENTION OF FALLS LEANING LADDERS AND STEPLADDERS
PRESENTED BY:
(type your name here) 1

2. TRAINING OUTLINE Introduction and what the law says
Hazards and pre-use checks
Positioning
Safe use
Quiz
Slide 3 Outline of the Training
This training has five parts. The whole presentation will take about minutes. I encourage you to ask questions.
There will be a Quiz at the end of the session to test everyone’s knowledge.
Notes for speaker: The Quiz can be delivered to the whole group orally or via a written handout - photocopy the Quiz contained at the end of the Speaker’s Notes and hand out at the end of the talk.
You may wish to offer a small prize as an incentive to participants. 2

3. WHY TALK ABOUT LADDERS ?
Falls from heights are one of the most common causes of serious injury in the construction industry.
In the last five years, approximately 1600 workers in the construction industry in NSW were injured when they fell from a ladder, mobile ramp or stairway.
Slide Why talk about ladders?
 In the last five years, 1600 workers in the construction industry in NSW alone fell from a ladder, mobile ramp or stairway.
 You do not need to fall from a great height to be badly injured. Many people suffer broken limbs falling less than 2 m from a ladder. For example, a person was killed when they lost their footing on the second rung of a ladder and fell backwards, hitting their head on the floor.
 Case Study
A roof plumber working from a leaning ladder to replace a gutter applied force to the guttering to free it from a bracket, lost his balance and fell 4 metres. He broke a bone in his back resulting in 10 days in hospital and 6 months off work. He can now only do light work.
  By listening to this talk and putting what you hear into practice, you can help to make sure that these types of incidents do not happen to you. 3

4. WHAT THE LAW SAYS
The consequences of falling from a height are so great that Clause 56 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 sets out a descending order of control to protect persons working at heights.
This must be considered before you start work.
Slide 6 What the law says
 The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 regulate workplace safety in NSW. WorkCover NSW administers this legislation.
 WorkCover NSW champions sensible health and safety. The Regulations don’t ban ladders but say they should be used only when all other safer alternatives for work at height have been ruled out.
 Do you understand what a descending order of control means, in practical terms, when you are working on a construction site and considering how to do a job safely?
 Notes for speaker: Answers should include:
o       working from the ground if you can
o       doing the job in a safer way
using safer ways to access a job like scaffolding or fencing or a cherry picker 4

5. LADDERS 5

6. BEFORE YOU START WORK ELIMINATE THE RISK
Ask yourself:
Can the job be done from the ground using extension tools?
Can construction or repair of the item be done on the ground?
Can the item being accessed be relocated to the ground temporarily or permanently to eliminate the need to work from a height?
Slide 4 Before you start work - eliminate the risk
 The primary obligation is to eliminate any reasonably foreseeable risks altogether [clause 11(1) of the OHS Regulation 2001].
 Can you think of practical examples of how you might eliminate the risk of falling from a height?
 Answers might include:
o       painters can use an extension handle on a paint roller to paint ceilings [Note: this may not be appropriate for very high ceilings]
o       light bulbs can be changed using an extension handle 6

7. BEFORE YOU START WORK REDUCE THE RISK
Before you start work consider:
using a scaffold either fixed or mobile
using secure perimeter screens, fencing, handrails or other form of barrier protection
using an elevating work platform - a scissor lift or cherry picker
installing fixed stairs or steps.
Slide 5 Before you start work - reduce the risk
If it is not possible to eliminate the risk then you are required to reduce the risk by looking at safer ways of working at height before you start work.
 Before you start work, ask yourself:
 •Can we use a stable and securely fixed platform eg a scaffold?
• Can we use secure perimeter screens, fencing, handrails or other form of barrier protection?
• Can we use an elevating work platform such as a scissor lift or cherry picker?
•Can we install fixed stair or steps that comply with the relevant Australian Standards and building codes?
Notes for speaker: Check that everyone knows what a cherry picker and a scissor lift are. A Certificate of Competency is required to operate a boom type cherry picker (Elevated Work Platform) where the boom is greater than 11 metres. 7

8. SAFE ALTERNATIVES
You should only consider using a ladder if other alternatives cannot be used or are not reasonably practicable and a ladder can be used safely.
There are many more factors to consider before you decide to use a ladder.
Slide 7 Safe Alternatives
 The decision to use a ladder cannot be made until you have ruled out safer alternatives.
 What are some of the practical things that you consider on a job when you are faced with a decision to use or not use a ladder?
Notes for speaker: Answers might include:
o       the length of the job
o       the nature of the work being done
o       can the ladder be secured?
o       can you maintain three points of contact?
o       the cost
o       time
o       will the alternative fit in the space available?
Notes for speaker: Participants, particularly those who have experience in the construction industry, are likely to raise the issue of the cost of scaffolding versus using a ladder. It is important to stress that the cost of safe work practices need to be taken into account when planning a job. Cost should never be the determining factor when considering how to work safely. 8

9. BEFORE DECIDING TO USE A LADDER
Consider the following:
heavy work
duration of the job - fatigue
proximity of the work to heights such as adjacent to fixed handrails - ie mezzanine floors, balconies etc.
worker experience
wet weather or slippery surfaces
windy weather
work near powerlines or live wires
anything likely to hit the ladder when it is set up.
Slides 8 & 9 Before deciding to use a ladder
  There are other factors that should be considered before using a ladder.
This assessment should be done in consultation with workers, contractors and others on site.
 It is important to always remember that ladders should only be used for light duty, short duration work.
Before deciding to use a ladder, ask yourself:
 §        Does the job involve heavy work? Are both hands required to hold something eg a power tool
§        Will the person be required to be on the ladder for several hours, increasing the likelihood of fatigue?
§        Is the person new to the job? Still in training? Not trained at all?
§        Does the job need to be undertaken in wet weather or is the surface likely to be slippery?
§        Does the job need to be conducted in windy weather?
§        Does the job involve work near powerlines or live wires?
Is anything likely to hit the ladder when it is set up eg other workers, traffic, cables?
 §        Does the job require the person to work outside the ladder styles and possibly over-reach?
§        Are the ground surfaces unstable in any way?
Are there any other factors present that might increase the risk of a fall from a ladder? 9

10. BEFORE DECIDING TO USE A LADDER
Work outside the ladder styles/over reach.
Unstable ground surfaces.
Any other factors present that might increase the risk of a fall from a ladder.
Consult with workers, contractors and others on site to help you answer these questions.
If you cannot eliminate these factors, you will need to take additional precautions or else the work cannot be done safely using a ladder. 10

11. REMEMBER
Portable ladders should only be used to gain access to an area to carry out light duty work of short duration. 11

12. HAZARDS AND PRE-USE CHECKS
Why do people fall from ladders?
Section Hazards and Pre-Use Checks
5 minutes
Slide 10 Hazards and Pre-Use Checks
Has anyone ever fallen from a ladder? seen a colleague fall? Know anyone who has fallen from a ladder?
Discuss what caused the fall. Ask the participants what are the reasons people fall from leaning ladders and step ladders?
Answers should include:
§         Complacency - people are familiar with ladders at home or through work
§         Overstretching
§         Going above the third rung from the top
§         The leaning ladder slipping either at the top or the bottom
§         Slipping or losing your footing
A fault with the ladder 12

13. HAZARDS AND PRE-USE CHECKS
Choose the correct ladder for the job - use an industrial ladder, not a domestic one
Portable ladders are rated as either Industrial or Domestic in accordance with their designed service capability and are marked accordingly by a sticker. (Ref. AS 1892)
Industrial ladders have a load rating of not less than 120kg.
Domestic ladders have a load rating of not less than 100kg. 13

14. HAZARDS AND PRE-USE CHECKS
Do not use a metal ladder or a wire-reinforced timber ladder, where electrical hazards exist.
Don’t use a damaged ladder - what should you be looking for?
Damaged ladders - who do you report damaged equipment to?
Ladder storage.
Slide 11 Hazards and Pre-Use Checks
Speaker - if you are delivering this talk to a specific worksite, explain to participants how the company’s ladders are individually identified.
It is important that you only use industrial ladders not domestic ones. Look for the identifying sticker on the ladder that shows it is an industrial ladder.
Load Rating Kg-Domestic Kg industrial
 Don’t use a metal or wire reinforced ladder if there are electrical hazards.
When you are checking a ladder before you use it, what should be looking for?
Answers should include:
Missing, damaged or worn anti-slip feet on metal and fiberglass ladders (these are essential for a good grip)
Items stuck in the feet such as grit, stones or dirt – preventing the feet from making direct contact with the ground
Cracks in the rungs or stiles of the ladder
Missing, broken or weakened rungs
Missing or damaged tie rods
Check metal ladders for cracked or damaged welds and missing or loose screws or rivets
If you find a damaged ladder, it must be removed from use and reported to site management as soon as possible.
Ladders should be stored away from the weather/harsh elements and preferably stored on one edge on racks or hung from a stile with enough supports to prevent sagging. 14

15. POSITIONING THE LADDER - GENERAL
Do not position a ladder:
where it can be knocked
where it may get struck by a passing vehicle
within 3m of overhead powerlines.
Make sure:
each foot of the ladder is on a clean, firm footing
the ladder is at the correct height.
Avoid placing ladders on side or back slopes.
Section 3 Positioning
5 minutes
 Slide 12 Positioning the ladder – general
 Do not position a ladder:
 Where it can be knocked by a door or window – if this is not practical you will need a person standing guard
Where it may get struck by a passing vehicle
Within 4m of an overhead power line
Make sure:
Each foot of the ladder is on a clean, firm footing. Check for oil, grease or loose material
The ladder is at the correct height - never use bricks etc to gain extra height 
Avoid placing ladders on side or back slopes 15

16. POSITIONING THE LADDER
Angle the ladder one out and four up. (means of securing omitted for clarity)
Slide 13 Positioning the ladder
Angle the ladder one out and four up. If you cannot achieve an angle of 75 degrees (1 in 4 Rule) because the ladder is too short, too long or something is in the way, then don’t use it.
If the ladder is 6 m up a wall how far out from the wall should the base be? [Answer 1.5 m] 16

17. POSITIONING THE LADDER
Secure the ladder firmly.
Attach ties to the stiles not the rungs of the ladder.
Do not place the top of a ladder against a fragile or unstable surface.
Slide 14 & 15 Positioning the ladder
Wherever possible tie a ladder to prevent it from slipping. This can be either at the top, the bottom or both, making sure both stiles are tied. Never tie a ladder by its rungs.
 Do not place the top of a ladder against a fragile surface such as plastic guttering.
If you can’t tie the ladder, then you can wedge the stiles against a wall or other similar heavy object or, as a last resort, have a second person foot the ladder.
 “Walking” a ladder
Do you understand what “walking” a ladder means? Why is this so dangerous?
Answer: “walking” a ladder describes the action of a person standing at the top of a ladder who, by moving his body, causes the bottom of the ladder to lift the ends of the stiles, alternately to cause the ladder to move. This is a very dangerous practice since the ladder is not under proper control. 17

18. POSITIONING THE LADDER
Foot the ladder.
Never ‘walk’ a ladder. 18

19. WORKING FROM A LADDER
Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times – do NOT over reach.
Section 4 Safe use
10 minutes
Slide 17 Working from a ladder - three points of contact
You must maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times. This can include leaning forward towards the ladder. Do not overreach – move the ladder so that you can keep your belt buckle (navel) inside the stiles and both feet on the same rung throughout the task. Do not place a foot on another surface such as a window ledge to extend your reach. 19

20. WORKING FROM A LADDER
Do not use the top three steps and only work on a job within easy arm’s reach of the ladder.
Slide 18 Working from a ladder
Don’t stand on the top three rungs of a leaning ladder. Always try and make sure a ladder extends at least 1m (or three rungs) above where you will be working.
Don’t use the top three steps of swing back or double sided stepladders where a step forms the very top of the stepladder. 20

21. WORKING FROM A LADDER
Position stepladders with the rungs facing the work activity.
Slide 19 Working from a ladder - face the ladder when working
Position stepladders with the rungs facing the work activity and not side on. Facing the work activity gives you more stability. 21

22. CASE STUDY
A 60 year old electrician was drawing cables for a new AC unit up a cavity on a domestic dwelling.
He was working by himself off an extension ladder approximately 1.8 m from the ground.
The draw wire became caught in the cavity so he used both hands to jerk the wire to free it.
The draw wire disengaged from the cable causing him to fall backwards over the fence into the adjoining property.
The electrician received fatal head injuries and died while being transported to hospital.
This is actual fatality investigated by WorkCover
Question: From the photograph, what can we see wrong with the set up of the ladder?
Answer:
The angle of the ladder is too vertical and less than the 4 : 1 ratio.
Question: What was wrong with the way he was working on the ladder?
While pulling the cable with two hands he did not maintain three points of contact with the ladder.
Question: What was wrong with the system of work he was using?
Because the process he was performing it was not light work and not of short duration, he shouldn’t have been working off a ladder in the first place.
Because of the narrow passageway, he could not set the ladder up at the right angle.
He should have set up a scaffold to perform the work which would have included a handrail which would have prevented him falling into the property next door. 22

23. CASE STUDY
A 27 year old worker fell 6.5 metres from a ladder while installing window awnings.
The ladder was leaning against a balcony railing, unsecured, on sloping ground.
The ladder slid, arc-like, down the building and hit a tree.
The worker is unlikely to ever work again and requires 24-hour care. 23

24. WORKING FROM A LADDER - GENERAL
Don’t carry anything in your hands when climbing or descending.
Don’t carry heavy or awkward shaped objects on a ladder.
Do not throw things from a ladder
Don’t rush.
Watch where you place your feet at the bottom - make sure you don’t miss the lower rung when you step off.
Slide 20 Working from a ladder – general
Don’t carry anything in your hands when climbing or descending the ladder - use a tool belt
Don’t carry heavy or awkward shaped objects on a ladder – this includes long lengths of lightweight material such as plastic guttering
Do not throw things from a ladder
Don’t rush – take one rung at a time and use both hands to grip the ladder
On nearing the bottom, watch where you place your feet. Make sure you do not miss the lower rung when you step off. 24

25. WORKING FROM A LADDER - GENERAL
Consider any medical conditions or drugs that could affect your safety.
Do not use tools that require a high degree of leverage.
One ladder = one person.
Wear the correct footwear.
Clean footwear and ladder rungs before using the ladder.
Use a stepladder in the fully open position.
Slide 21 Working from a ladder – general (cont’d)
Don’t use a ladder if you have a medical condition or are taking medication that could affect your safety or you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Do not use tools that require a high degree of leverage - eg. Stillsons and pinch bars - they may cause overbalancing
Never have more than one person on the ladder at a time
Make sure you have the right footwear - clean, good condition and without dangling laces
Clean footwear and ladder rungs before using the ladder
Use a stepladder in the fully open position 25

26. KEY MESSAGES REVISED
BEFORE you start work consider safer alternatives to ladders.
LIGHT work of short duration only.
CHOOSE the right ladder for the job.
POSITION the ladder correctly.
SECURE the ladder.
KEEP three points of contact at all times.
FACE the ladder when going up or down or when working on it.
WORK within the stiles - never over stretch.
NEVER go above the third step from the top.
USE both hands to grip the ladder when going up or down.
Slide 22 Key Messages Revised
1. BEFORE you start work consider safer alternatives to ladders
2. LIGHT work of short duration only
3. CHOOSE the right ladder for the job
4. POSITION the ladder correctly
5. SECURE the ladder
6. KEEP three points of contact at all times
7. FACE the ladder when going up or down or when working on it
8. WORK within the stiles – never over-stretch
9. NEVER go above the third step from the top
10. USE both hands to grip the ladder when going up or down 26

27. QUIZ
What must you do before you consider using a portable ladder for a job?
List three things you should be satisfied of before deciding to use a ladder.
When you are setting up a ladder, what ratio should you use?
Ties should be attached to the rungs of the ladder. True or false?
How many points of contact should you keep on the ladder at all times? 27

28. QUIZ
It is ok to use a domestic ladder for small jobs in the workplace. True or false?
List three things you should look for when you are inspecting a ladder for damage
You should always face the ladder when working, climbing or descending. True or false?
Working outside the ladder stiles is allowed if you can support yourself on a solid surface like a window ledge. True or false?
Where the work involves hand tools, they should be carried in a tool belt or bag. True or false? 28

29. QUESTIONS
Any short questions specific to the code can be asked now, but please keep more general questions for the panel session later. 29

30. 30 COPYRIGHT NOTICE Disclaimer
This document provides general information about the rights and obligations of workers and employers under the workers compensation and occupational health and safety laws. WorkCover NSW does not guarantee that the information is complete or correct.
These materials do not represent a comprehensive statement of the law as it applies to particular problems or to individuals or as a substitute for legal advice. Although all care is taken to ensure that the information is correct at the time of publication, laws change over time and you should check the current legislation to ensure that the information is up to date.
You should seek independent legal advice if you need assistance on the application of the law to your situation.
Acknowledgement
This is a NSW Construction Industry Reference Group project in partnership with WorkCover NSW
© WorkCover NSW 2007 30