References:  R Record keeping requirement | E An engineering/certification requirement | P A permit to work requirement | S A safe work method statement (SWMS) / written plan

Planning

The use of all types of ladders must be minimised as far as reasonably practicable by effective work planning and employing safer means of working at height, refer to:

• Section: Work at Heights

Ladders – General

All ladders must be:

• Industrial standard and have a capacity of at least 120 kg:
• Have a label indicating compliance with the Australian Standard.

Ladders marked “DOMESTIC” are not permitted on MPX projects.

Three (3) points of contact must be maintained at all times:

• E.g. two (2) hands and one (1) foot or two (2) feet and one (1) hand.

At least 900 mm should be maintained between the users feet level and the top of the ladder.

Standing on the on the top rung of any ladder is not permitted

Ladders are not permitted to be used to gain extra height off on an MEWP or scaffolding working decks /platforms

Ladders must be

• Non-metallic or fibreglass for electrical work (reinforced plastic or wooden).
• Inspected prior to use, defective ladders are not to be used on site.

Ladders must not be:

• Placed in the danger zone of an overhead wire.
• Used in adverse weather conditions.
• More than 6 (six) metres in length
• Setup within the arc of a swinging door or in the danger zone of an overhead powerline or the arc of a swinging door
• Used near an exposed edge or a guardrail where, if the ladder falls over/fails toppled, a person could fall over that edge.

Ladders – Single and Extension

Single/extension ladders must be:

• Located on a firm footing
• Placed such that the distance between the ladders base and the supporting structure is 1 metre for 4 four metres of working ladder height (1:4)
• Secured in position (top and bottom) and tied off
• Extend 900 mm above the work platform
• In good condition (check prior to use for damage rungs, styles, stays)
• Used for personnel access only.
• Not be suspended from a parapet hook