Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411:front:0:p17
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 41425–44118

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 or tool specifically designed to be operated with two hands, such as concrete cutting saws and circular saws
    * use tools that require a high degree of leverage type force which, if released, may cause the user to over balance or fall from the ladder, such as pinch bars
    * 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, any person using a ladder should not:
    * 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 3-rung step ladders).

Figure 7 Examples of unsafe ladder use

Figure 8 Example of acceptable ladder use

Ladder maintenance
Ladders should be regularly inspected by a competent person. Ladders with any of the following faults must be replaced or repaired:
    * timber stiles warped, splintered, cracked or bruised
    * metal stiles twisted, bent, kinked, crushed or with cracked welds or damaged feet
    * rungs, steps, treads or top plates that are missing, worn, damaged or loose
    * tie rods missing, broken or loose
    * ropes, braces, or brackets that are missing, broken or worn
    * timber members that are covered with opaque paint or other treatment that could disguise faults in the timber.

Ladder Checklist

If a ladder is used for short-term light duty work, check that:
          the type of ladder is appropriate to the task. Do not use 'domestic' or 'home-made'
  ladders. Further information on portable ladders is available in AS/NZS 1892 series and
  users must follow the manufacturer's/supplier's recommendations on safe use
          the ladder is in good condition. Before it is used, the ladder should be inspected for faults, such as broken rungs, rails and footing
          damaged ladders are removed from service
          the ladder is on firm, stable and level ground
          the ladder is the correct height for the task to avoid reaching or stretching
          the ladder is not too close or too far from the support structure. The ratio must be 4:1. For
  example, the distance between the ladder base and the supporting structure should be
  about one metre