News for Tool Hire, Equipment Hire & Plant Hire and Rental Professionals

Ladder safety guidance

15 July 2021

Ladder safety guidance

Two new guidance documents on the safe use of ladders and stepladders have been published by the Ladder Association. 

The organisation’s revised Code of Practice and new Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders booklets give details on the selection, inspection and safe usage of these products.  

Speaking during a webinar today to launch the publications, Steve Booker, managing director of Kentec Tool Hire and of its sister Kentec Training business, explained seven criteria for ladder safety. 

Steve, who is also vice-chair of the Ladder Association’s training committee, said these include ensuring products meet a recognised standard, choosing the correct type, class and height of equipment and checking it was of the right material, such as fibreglass for work in environments near electrical services. 

He said it was important for the user to carry out pre-use ladder checks and for managers to make regular, documented inspections. Employers should also ensure that staff were adequately trained in doing these checks. 

Dennis Seaton, a regional training manager with HSS and chair of the Ladder Association training committee, said it was important to avoid complacency: some users wrongly believe that ladders are too simple to warrant training. He added that the association will soon launch a new course on ladder and stepladder safety targeted at those managing and supervising users. 

Peter Bennett, executive director of the Ladder Association, said that 99 people fall from a ladder or stepladder every day in the workplace and that adequate training would reduce the risk. 

Picture: Rene Asmussen/Pexels

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