Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00425:body:0:p27
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00425
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 67609–70298

ladders, it is not safe to:

    * use metal or metal reinforced ladders when working on live electrical installations
    * carry out work such as arc welding or oxy cutting
    * work over other people
    * allow anyone else to be on the ladder at the same time.
Except where additional and appropriate fall protection equipment is used in conjunction with the ladder, it is not safe to:
    * use a stepladder near the edge of an open floor, penetration or beside any railing
    * over-reach (the centre of the torso should be within the ladder stiles throughout the work)
    * use any power or hand tool requiring two hands to operate, such as concrete cutting saws
      and circular saws
    * use tools that require a high degree of leverage force which, if released, may cause the user
      to over-balance or fall from the ladder, such as pinch bars
    * face away from the ladder when going up or down, or when working from it
    * stand on a rung closer than 900 mm to the top of a single or extension ladder
    * stand higher than the second tread below the top plate of any stepladder (with the exception
      of three-rung step ladders).
Guidance on the selection, safe use and care of portable ladders is set out in AS/NZS 1892 Portable ladders series. The manufacturer's recommendations on safe use should also be followed.

Figure 30: Examples of unsafe ladder use

7.2 Fixed ladders
Fixed ladders should be installed in accordance with AS 1657 Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders—Design, Construction and Installation.
Ladder cages in fixed ladders do not stop a fall but simply funnel a fall and, in some cases, more injuries can occur from striking the protective backguards on the way down. The cages may also hinder rescues. Therefore, fixed ladders with angles exceeding 75 degrees to the horizontal
should be fitted with a permanent or temporary fall-arrest system (anchorage lines or rails).
The angle of slope should not be less than 70 degrees to the horizontal and not greater than
75 degrees to the horizontal. In no case should the ladder overhang the person climbing
the ladder. If the angle is more than 75 degrees, a safe system of work to prevent falls should be provided such as a permanent fall-arrest system or a full body harness with double arm lanyard.
A specifically designed rescue procedure should be developed for use in ladder cage situations. Training in rescue procedures should occur before using the fixed ladder.

Figure 31: Example of a fixed ladder fitted with a ladder cage

7.3 Ladder maintenance
Ladders should be regularly inspected by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.