Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411:front:0:p16
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 38978–41673

using a ladder:
    * the working width and movement is limited
    * the time involved in moving and setting up ladders is often underestimated when planning work
    * the working position on ladders is often uncomfortable (the need to stretch sideways, work above shoulder height and stand on narrow rungs for a long time) and may cause musculoskeletal disorders.
For these reasons, you should consider whether an elevating work platform or scaffolding would be safer and more efficient.

7.1 Portable ladders
Ladders should generally only be used as a means of access to or egress from a work area.
Any work carried out from a ladder should be light work of short duration such as painting a downpipe, repairing a gutter or carrying out minor electrical installations.

Selection of ladders
It is important to ensure that portable ladders are correctly selected for the task to be undertaken (see Figure 5). In doing this, consideration should be given to the duration of the task, the physical surroundings of where the task is to be undertaken and the prevailing weather conditions. For example, metal ladders or metal reinforced ladders must not be used for live electrical work.
Ladder use for construction work typically involves repetitive use and handling, requiring ladders to be of robust design and construction. Accordingly, ladders used for construction work should be industrial grade, not domestic grade.

Figure 5 Common work tasks performed at low heights

Safe use of ladders
Any ladder used at a workplace should be set up on a surface that is solid and stable, and set up so as to prevent the ladder from slipping. Slipping of ladders can be prevented by:
    * placing single and extension ladders at a slope of 4:1, and setting up stepladders in the fully opened position
    * securing single and extension ladders at either the top or bottom, or if necessary, at both ends (see Figure 6).

Figure 6 Some effective ways of securing a ladder

Persons using ladders should not:
    * handle or use ladders where it is possible for the worker or the ladder to make contact with energised power lines, except where the person is qualified to do so
    * use metal or metal reinforced ladders when working on live electrical installations
    * set up the ladder in places where a person or vehicle could hit it, such as driveways and doorways. If necessary, erect a barrier or lock the door shut
    * use a stepladder near the edge of an open floor, penetration, or on scaffolding to gain extra height
    * over-reach (the worker's belt buckle must be within the ladder stiles throughout the work)
    * use any power (air, hydraulic, electric or battery) equipment