DOCUMENT CONTROL Version: 6 Ratified by: Estates and Facilities Sub-Committee Date Ratified: 9 October 2018 Name of originator / author: Health and Safety Lead Name of responsible committee/individual:

Estates and Facilities Sub-Committee

Date Issued: 14 December 2018 Review Date: October 2021 Target Audience: All managers with responsibilities derived from

the policy and all staff who may be required to work at height

Safe Working at Height Policy

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CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE 1. INTRODUCTION 3 2. PURPOSE 3 3. SCOPE 3 4. RESPONSIBILITIES, ACCOUNTABILITIES AND DUTIES 4 4.1 Chief Executive 4 4.2 Managers 4 4.3 Head of Estates and Facilities 5 4.4 Health and Safety Lead 5 4.5 Staff 5 4.6 Contractors 6 5. PROCEDURE/IMPLEMENTATION 6 5.1 Equipment 6 5.1.1 Ladders and stepladders 7 5.1.2 Scaffolding 7 5.1.3 Mobile access equipment 8 5.2 Special Situations 8 6. TRAINING IMPLICATIONS 8 7. MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS 9 8. EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT SCREENING 9 8.1 Privacy, dignity and respect 9 8.2 Mental Capacity Act statement 9 9. LINKS TO OTHER ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS 10 10. REFERENCES 10 11. APPENDICES 10 Appendix 1 Planning and organising work at height 11 Appendix 2 Pre-use checks and detailed visual inspections 12 Appendix 3 Risk assessment form 15 Appendix 4 Trust working at height – Ladder safety guidance 19

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1. INTRODUCTION

A fall from height is one of the most common causes of serious injury or death in the workplace. Whilst working at height should be avoided where possible there will be occasions when it is unavoidable. Where this is the case, arrangements must be put into place to minimise the risks of falling persons or items. Working at height includes any place above or below ground level which “if a person fell they would be likely to suffer injury” (Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 2014). Examples include: An opening in the floor, working up a ladder or where someone could fall through a fragile surface, such as a roof. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 place duties on employers to ensure that any work carried out at height is done in a safe manner that prevents persons or equipment falling from height. The selection of access equipment, such as ladders or mobile work platforms must be carefully considered and should be suitable for the task it is designed to be used for. Access equipment includes step stools, stepladders, leaning ladders, scaffold and specialist access equipment such as ‘cherry pickers’.

2. PURPOSE

The purpose of the policy is to ensure that where work at height cannot be avoided: • A suitable and sufficient risk assessment is carried out by a competent

person before work is carried out. • Work is properly planned, appropriately supervised and safely carried out. • The correct access equipment is selected for the type of work being

carried out. See section 5.1 for more information. • Employees who are required to work at height are appropriately trained. • Suitable controls are put in place to reduce the risks of working at height.

These should include control measures to prevent persons not involved in the work from being struck by falling objects.

3. SCOPE

The policy applies to all Trust staff working in any part of the Trust or in other organisations’ premises. Contractors working on behalf of the Trust will also be required to comply with the standards described within the policy. They will be informed of this when they sign in before starting work and receive a site induction. A permit to work may be required for work at height. Trust staff must, in the first instance, report any concerns or non-compliance to either the Estates or Health and Safety Teams.

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4. RESPONSIBILITIES, ACCOUNTABILITIES AND DUTIES 4.1 Chief Executive

The Chief Executive has overall accountability for ensuring compliance with statutory regulations including the Work at Heights Regulations and to ensure that a suitable management structure is in place to manage health and safety. The responsibility for implementation of the policy is delegated to Directors, Heads of Service, Modern Matrons and Service Managers.

4.2 Managers

Where working at height may take place, all managers who are involved in supervising staff, volunteers or engaging contractors have a duty to ensure that the standards within this policy are adopted. Duties of managers include, but are not limited to: • Carrying out a risk assessment of all tasks that could be classed as

working at height. • Determining the most appropriate means of access/egress and involving

staff/contractors and others in the decision of a safe system of work. It is important to note that working from ladders should only be used for light work undertaken for periods up to a maximum of 30 minutes.

• Procuring or checking that any access equipment provided by contractors is suitable for the task and of an appropriate standard.

• Checking that staff carrying out the task are competent to use the equipment. This includes correct assembly, appropriate fixing and securing.

• Providing suitable training to all Trust staff using such equipment, where appropriate. For example, scaffolds and access equipment would require documented formal training by a manufacturer/supplier or similar, whereas a stepladder/step stool could be by local demonstration by a supervisor.

• Ensuring that suitable and sufficient measures are put into place to minimise the risk of falling objects whilst work at height is being undertaken. The fitting of toe boards, netting and cordoning off zones underneath working areas should be implemented where appropriate.

• Making staff and others aware of any fragile areas and ensuring that such areas have signage to that effect displayed.

• Monitoring the regular inspection of any system of access equipment in use for extended periods to ensure it remains safe. In the case of scaffolding this will be weekly.

• Ensuring that access equipment undergoes a regular formal inspection by a competent person and that the inspection is recorded.

• Engaging specialist contractors where heights are considered beyond the capability of untrained staff.

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• Seeking advice from either the Health and Safety Team or Estates Team where required on the suitability of equipment.

4.3 Head of Estates and Facilities

Duties of the Head of Estates and Facilities include, but are not limited to:

• Ensuring that all working at height equipment which is owned by the Trust is registered and recorded and subject to regular inspection and maintenance as required.

• That any person, including contractors, undertaking work at height is competent to do so.

• Ensuring that suitable and sufficient planning and risk assessments are completed that recognise work at height can be performed safely in a number of different ways, using a wide range of work equipment.

Some of these duties are delegated to others managers in the estates team.

4.4 Health and Safety Lead

Duties of the Health and Safety Lead include, but are not limited to:

• Advising on the suitability of any system intended to be used for working at height.

• Developing a policy for working at height.

Some of these duties are delegated to other members of the Health and Safety Team.

4.5 Staff

Any member of staff who is required to work at height must:

• Carry out a pre-use check of any equipment for visible damage or defects before use on every day where the equipment is used.

• Immediately take the equipment out of use if it is damaged. • Immediately report any defects to their manager. • Report any difficulty or danger regarding the height or the means of access

to it. • Make use of any equipment designed to prevent individuals or objects

falling. • Be trained to use any access equipment or work at heights system. • Use the equipment properly, in accordance with training and instructions. • Assist in the inspection of equipment which is subject to a periodic

maintenance regime, and check that it has been maintained before using

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it. Formal inspections must be recorded. For ladders the form in Appendix 2 should be used.

• Report any accidents or near miss incidents using the Trust’s incident reporting system.

4.6 Contractors

All work undertaken by contractors must only be carried out following approval of relevant risk assessments and method statements detailing how the work will be carried out in a safe manner. Approval will usually be by an Estates manager. Contractors working on behalf of the Trust must: • Carry out and provide suitable risk assessments for any activities requiring

work at height. • Work to approved method statements with adequate controls to prevent

injury to themselves or others who may be affected by their work. • Provide suitable maintained access equipment to carry out the required

work and check that it has been correctly installed before use and at appropriate periods thereafter.

• Prevent unauthorised entry to access equipment when not in use. • Report all accidents or near miss incidents to their contact in the Trust.

5. PROCEDURE / IMPLEMENTATION

Managers must survey all tasks where working at height is required and ensure that: • All work at height is properly planned and organised – Refer to Appendix

1. • All work at height takes account of weather conditions that could endanger

health and safety. e.g. High winds or thunder storm. • Those involved in working at height are trained and competent. • The location where work at height is carried out is safe to work from. • Equipment for work at height is appropriately inspected and maintained –

Refer to Appendix 2. • A risk assessment of the task is carried before any work is undertaken.

This should include controls to minimise the risk of persons falling from height or through fragile surfaces and the risks associated with falling objects. Refer to Appendix 3.

• Work at height in areas where patients are present is risk assessed and appropriate precautions taken to prevent patients gaining access to the equipment.

5.1 Selecting access equipment

Only equipment that meets British and European standards and is suitable for

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the work should be purchased. Advice on suitable equipment can be provided by the Health and Safety Team or Estates Team. When purchasing new equipment consideration must be given to: • Likely ground conditions – most equipment needs a firm solid surface that

is able to withstand the weight of the equipment and any load it may carry. • The expected weight of any load that might need to be carried. E.g. The

combined weight of the worker, materials, tools and equipment. Equipment will be marked with a maximum load capacity by the manufacturer.

5.1.1. Ladders and stepladders

Ladders may be used where a risk assessment has shown that the risk is low and any work to be carried out is of short duration (usually up to a maximum of 30 minutes). Only light materials and tools should be used. Class 1 ‘industrial’ or EN 131 ladders or stepladders must be used at work. Class 3 ladders are designed for domestic use and are not suitable for work purposes. They must not be used. Ladders or stepladders must be: • A suitable size or length for the intended work so that over reaching is

avoided. • In good condition with no damage to any part of the ladder and no oily or

slippery substances on the rungs or stiles. • Tied at the top to a fixed structure, using a ladder stabiliser or anti-slip

device at ground level. • Used on a firm flat surface. Some stepladders have a top platform. This should only be used if the ladder has a handrail that extends above the height of the platform. Appendix 4 provides further information on the Trust’s standards when using ladders and stepladders.

5.1.2. Scaffolding General access scaffold Scaffold must only be assembled, dismantled or modified by competent persons who have received training in the type of scaffold to be installed. Less experienced Scaffolders must be supervised. Scaffold must be braced and tied to a fixed structure and located on firm ground, avoiding grates or manhole covers. Once installed scaffolding must be inspected before first use, then at least every 7 days and following any situation that might have jeopardised the

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integrity of the scaffold, such as high winds. Inspections must be recorded. Tower scaffold Persons erecting tower scaffold must be trained and competent and familiar with the type of scaffold to be installed. They should be trained by the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA).

5.1.3. Mobile access equipment There are a variety of different types of equipment including ‘cherry pickers’ and scissor lifts that are collectively termed as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). They are suitable for roof access and short duration work such as inspection or maintenance. Equipment must be used on firm solid ground. If there is a risk of people falling from the platform, a harness with a short work restraint lanyard must be secured to a suitable manufacturer-provided anchorage point within the basket.

5.2 Special Situations

Managers and staff must take into consideration any loading that access equipment may be subject to. This may arise with items being taken on to the equipment as part of a repair job. Alternatively it could arise with external access due to wind conditions. Where the activity for which the access is required is considered hazardous, for example ‘tree surgery’, it will be necessary to have a barrier to form an exclusion zone whilst the work is ongoing, this may include sealing access routes off. Such work must include a method statement, which details training, equipment and all safety measures to be taken. Similarly managers involved in minor contracts such as window cleaning must ensure that the equipment being used is suitable and working methods are safe.

6. TRAINING IMPLICATIONS

Training will vary from simple demonstration of a stepladder to more formal training on specialist access equipment. All staff who use tower scaffolds, ladders and stepladders must undertake training which gives them awareness of the hazards of using the equipment and what to inspect, including pre-use visual inspection checks to ensure such equipment remains in good working order. As a minimum, all staff who use ladders or stepladders as part of their work must be made aware of the HSE information on leaning ladders and stepladder safety leaflet INDG455 (2014) that may be accessed via: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg455.htm Where managers are unsure of the suitability of equipment, advice should be sought from either the Health and Safety Team or Estates Team.

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7. MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS

Area for monitoring

How Who by Frequency Reported to

Adherence to Policy

Safety inspections / observations /incident reports

Managers/ Safety Team

On-going Health and Safety Forum / Estates and Facilities Sub-Committee

8. EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The completed Equality Impact Assessment for this policy has been published on this policy’s webpage on the Trust website.

8.1 Privacy, dignity and respect The NHS Constitution states that all patients should feel that their privacy and dignity are respected whilst they are in hospital. High Quality Care for All (2008), Lord Darzi’s review of the NHS, identifies the need to organise care around the individual, ‘not just clinically but in terms of dignity and respect’. As a consequence the Trust is required to articulate its intent to deliver care with privacy and dignity that treats all service users with respect. Therefore, all procedural documents will be considered, if relevant, to reflect the requirement to treat everyone with privacy, dignity and respect, (when appropriate this should also include how same sex accommodation is provided).

Indicate how this will be met There are no additional requirements in relation to privacy, dignity and respect

8.2 Mental Capacity Act statement

Central to any aspect of care delivered to adults and young people aged 16 years or over will be consideration of the individuals capacity to participate in the decision making process. Consequently, no intervention should be carried out without either the individuals informed consent, or the powers included in a legal framework, or by order of the Court Therefore, the Trust is required to make sure that all staff working with individuals who use our service are familiar with the provisions within the Mental Capacity Act. For this reason all procedural documents will be considered, if relevant to reflect the provisions of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to ensure that the interests of an individual whose capacity is in question can continue to make as many decisions for themselves as possible.

Indicate How This Will Be Achieved.

All individuals involved in the implementation of this policy should do so in accordance with the Guiding Principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. (Section 1)

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9. LINKS TO OTHER ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS

• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment (PUWER) Policy • Policy for the Prevention and Management of Staff and Visitors Slips, Trips

and Falls • Estates Guidance - Trust Safety Rules and Guidance for Contractors and

Sub-Contractors • Management and Control of Contractors Policy • Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website provides further information on

Working at Height – http://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/the-law.htm

10. REFERENCES • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 • The Work at Height Regulations 2005 • Safe use of ladders and stepladders, INDG 455, HSE 2014 • Working at height – a brief guide INDG 401 (rev 2), HSE 01/14

11. APPENDICES

Appendix 1 – Planning and organising work at height Appendix 2 – Pre-use checks Appendix 3 – Risk assessment form Appendix 4 - Trust working at height – Ladder safety guidance

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APPENDIX 1 PLANNING AND ORGANISING WORK AT HEIGHT

Can work at height be avoided? Carry out work safely from ground level

Monitor effectiveness of controls to ensure protection of all persons that may be affected

e.g. By inspections, spot checks, reviewing accidents and near miss incidents

Set an appropriate review date(e.g. After a set period, when new technology is introduced or where the situation changes

significantly or following an accident or near miss)

Inform, instruct, supervise and train staff(use HSE guidance, staff briefings and other guidance from the Health and Safety Office)

Can you adapt/modify it to suit your needs?

Does a risk assessment and Safe System of Work(SSOW) already exist

Identify who will carryout the task

No

Yes

Complete a Risk Assessment and

SSOW for the activity

Yes

No

Yes

No

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APPENDIX 2

PRE-USE CHECKS AND DETAILED VISUAL INSPECTIONS FOR TOWER SCAFFOLDS, LADDERS AND STEPLADDERS

Tower scaffolds, ladders and stepladders are subject to pre-use checks and detailed visual inspections. Both are looking for obvious visual defects but differ in the detail they go into; both can be carried out in-house. Pre-use checks should be part of a user’s training and detailed visual inspections should be formally recorded. Pre-use Checks Every tower scaffold, ladder and stepladder must be checked by the user of the equipment prior to each day of intended use to make sure it is safe to use. If frequently used during a day, equipment only needs to be checked once at the start of the day, unless moving equipment from soft / dirty ground to a solid / smooth / clean area. The following pre-use checks must be carried out: Do the tower scaffold / ladder / stepladder have any of the following? ♦ Missing, damaged or worn anti-slip feet on metal and fibreglass ladders /

stepladders (essential for good grip) ♦ Items stuck in or adhered to the feet such as stones, grease, dirt or other debris,

preventing the feet from making direct contact with the ground ♦ Mud, grease, oil or wet paint either on the rungs, stiles, steps or platform ♦ Cracks, splits, bends or warps in the rungs, stiles, steps or platform ♦ Missing, broken or weakened rungs or steps ♦ Missing or damaged tie rods ♦ Cracked or damaged welds, missing or loose screws or rivets, corrosion, sharp

edges, dents ♦ Painted surfaces - Ladders / stepladders should never be painted as this could hide

dangerous defects from view. If the answer to any of the above is “Yes” the tower scaffold / ladder / stepladder should be taken out of use until it is adequately cleaned, professionally repaired or replaced with a new one as appropriate. Defects should be formally reported to the Estates Department as a matter of urgency. Stability devices and other accessories should also be pre-use checked in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Detailed Visual Inspections These should be carried out by a competent person and formally recorded every six months for ladders used frequently or occasionally (daily / weekly) or every twelve months if used infrequently, say once a month. A copy of the inspection report should be retained on site. An example of a suitable inspection report follows.

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Detailed Visual Inspection Record for Tower Scaffold / Ladders and Stepladders Name of Department: ………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………. Type and identifying number / reference of equipment inspected: ………..……………………………………………………………….... Location on site: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………….……. Date of inspection: …………………………………………………………….…………… Name of person conducting inspection: …………………………………………....... Job Role: …………………………….…………….. Checks

Y N N/A Comments / Action

Are anti-slip feet on metal and fibreglass ladders / stepladders in-place, undamaged and not unduly worn?

Are the feet free of such items as stones, grease, dirt or other debris, thus preventing them from making direct contact with the ground?

Are the rungs, stiles, steps or platform free from mud, grease, oil or wet paint?

Are the rungs, stiles, steps or platform free from cracks, splits, bends or warps?

Are rungs or steps all in-place, unbroken and not weakened?

Are tie rods in-place and undamaged?

Are welds free of cracks / undamaged and all screws or rivets firmly in place?

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Checks

Y N N/A Comments / Action

Is the equipment free of corrosion, sharp edges and dents?

When set up on a flat surface, is the stepladder stable?

Are surfaces unpainted?

Other issues (specify)

Taking into account the findings above, is the Tower Scaffold / ladder / stepladder safe to use?

This Tower Scaffold / ladder / stepladder has been subject to a detailed visual inspection and has been found as follows; Safe for use / In need of maintenance / Requires disposal (delete as applicable) Signed: ……………………………………………….………………… Job role: ………………………………………..…………………… Maintenance carried out: …………………………………(date) Disposed of: …………………………………………..(date) Signed: ………………………………………………………………… Job role: ……………………………………………………………..

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APPENDIX 3

Risk Assessment Form Assessment Reference No. Area or

Activity assessed:

Total number of sheets used:

Assessment date Persons who may be affected by the activity and are at risk:

SECTION 1: Identify Hazards - Consider the activity or work area and identify if any of the hazards listed below are a significant risk. Additional hazards can be added in boxes 29 and 30 (tick the boxes that apply). 1 Fall of

person (from work at height)

6 Display

screen equipment work

11 Condition of

building & glazing

16 Noise at

work 21 Hazardous

fumes, chemicals, dust

26 Lone

working / work out of hours

2 Fall of objects

7 First Aid / First Aid Facilities

12 Electrical

hazards or Equipment

17 Vibrating

tools or equipment

22 Hazardous

Substances 27 Violence to

staff / verbal abuse

3 Slips, trips & falls, housekeeping

8 Layout,

storage, space, obstructions

13 Use of

portable tools / equipment

18 Fire hazards

& flammable material

23 Confined

space / asphyxiation risk

28 Work

experience students

4 Manual handling operations

9 Heating,

lighting & ventilation

14 Fixed

machinery or equipment

19 Pressure

vessels or stored energy

24 Food

preparation 29

5 Mechanical Lifting operations

10 Staff welfare

facilities 15 Transportin

g / Escorting Patients on visits / driving at work

20 Outdoor

work / extreme weather

25 Occupational

stress 30

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SECTION 2: Risk Controls For each hazard identified in Section 1, complete Section 2 (list any additional hazards in the spare boxes 29 – 30). Hazard Number

Hazard Description

Existing controls in place to reduce the risk of the hazard causing actual harm (check that these controls are actually working)

INITIAL Risk Scores

Further action / controls needed to reduce risks

Residual Risk

S L R S L R

Name of Assessor(s) Signed Department Service Unit

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2.1 Best Practice Standards Are there any relevant best practice standards or legal requirements which should be followed for the hazards being assessed? E.g. Trust Policies, or guidance (corporate or departmental), legislation, HSE guidance or Approved Codes of Practice, British or European Standards, professional or trade guidance.

List these: Trust Safe Work at Height Policy

2.2 VULNERABLE STAFF Are there any staff who may be particularly vulnerable and at risk. If so, a personal risk assessment should be carried out. E.g. Young persons (under 18); new and expectant mothers, Lone workers, staff with disabilities or health conditions that might increase risk.

List these:

SECTION 3 - Action Plan– list how the further action required, as identified in Section 2, will be undertaken. Hazard Action Required Costs / Resources

Required Target Date Action by

whom? Completion Date

I confirm that this risk assessment is an accurate reflection of the risks and controls in place YES / NO The further action required, as outlined in the Action Plan above, will be achieved by the target dates YES / NO – see below* *Manager’s comments (for example if further resources are required etc.)-_________________________________________________________________________________ Signed by responsible manager:

NAME _________________________ SIGNATURE __________________________

DATE _________________________ REVIEW DATE ________________________

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SECTION 4: ASSESSMENT REVIEW RECORD This form is to be completed each time the risk assessment is reviewed. It is not necessary to re-write the assessment unless significant changes are made. Date of review

Name of Reviewer Hazard Reviewed Comments Next review date

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APPENDIX 4

Working at Heights- Ladder safety guidance Workers familiar with ladders can become complacent of the hazards associated with working on ladders. For many years these hazards were accepted as an inevitable part of the job. However, much can be done to reduce the risks of these hazards and many well-proven and tested methods exist to control or minimise the associated risks. The use of ladders as a means of access and as a working platform is an acceptable practice, which with appropriate safety systems in place, is acceptable to the health and safety enforcement authorities in the UK. Failure to take appropriate precautions to control the risks involved with work at height is a contravention of the Work at Height Regulations and other health and safety law and may result in enforcement action being taken by the Health and Safety Executive. Such action may result in prosecution, with the potential for an unlimited fine or even a custodial sentence in the most severe circumstances. This document sets out the Trust’s minimum standard safety system for working at height on and from ladders which should ensure compliance with legal requirements, principally the Work at Height Regulations. It applies to both in house staff and contractors. The precautions required by the Regulations will depend on a number of factors such as the duration and complexity of the work, the weather conditions etc. However in all cases the selection of precautions to reduce the risk of falling must take into account the following hierarchy: • Where possible, eliminate the need to work at height • Prevent falls by providing a fixed means of access - E.g. The use of existing

means of access, access scaffolding, working platforms, mobile elevating working platforms, etc.

• Fall restraint-make it difficult or impossible to fall using additional equipment • Fall arrest – if a fall may occur, stop that fall as quickly and as safely as possible

by use of appropriate equipment The Regulations allow for the use of ladders as a means of access and as a place of work, but only if it is reasonable to do so having regard to the nature of the work and its duration, and only when the ladder is adequately stabilised and secured. For many tasks it will be acceptable to use ladders, and in all cases it will be reasonably practicable to use them with a fall protection system. The fall protection system described below provides protection for persons working from ladders. All Trust staff and contractors who work at height must be trained in risk assessing and planning work at height tasks, including the use of ladders, techniques for securing ladders, ladder stabilisation devices, fall protection systems, PPE,

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emergency procedures and be capable of inspecting their own ladders and safety equipment. 1. Securing and Stabilising a Ladder

Only ladders to an appropriate industrial standard should be used. Ladders designed for domestic purposes are generally not suitable. A ladder should be used such that the bottom of the ladder makes an angle of 75 degrees with the horizontal surface that it is resting on. This is often referred to as the “1 in 4” rule - the distance the ladder reaches up the wall should be 4 times the distance the bottom is out from the wall.

1.1. Securing the base of the ladder

It is important that a ladder is set on a good, firm surface that is as level as possible. Where the surface is firm but not level, there are devices that can be used to make the surface more level. There are a number of devices that can be fitted to the bottom of the ladder that will assist in setting the ladder at the correct angle and for securing it as its base. See link below: https://www.ladders-999.co.uk/ladder-feet-bungs?limit=all

1.2. Securing the top of the ladder

When a ladder is on a firm, level, stable surface with safety feet intact and a clear area around the base, precautions at the top of the ladder must be considered. If lateral movement is going to occur and cause a fall most likely it will occur whilst at or toward the top. So, how do we make sure this doesn’t happen? Even with the perfect surface, the weight and motion of a person can cause something to go wrong (and we’re assuming they haven’t even overloaded up with tools, causing them to exceed the ladder’s limits). There are a few things that could help, the most important of which is making sure that the top of the ladder is secured every time it is used. This needs to be done by securing the

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top of the ladder to the structure by tying it to something sturdy with a rope or by some other means. Assuming this is done well, the ladder should not move at all. However, it is not always possible to find something to which to secure the ladder. In these situations, a ladder stabiliser or stand-off must be used. This device attaches to the top of the ladder making the area where the ladder contacts the structure much wider, and therefore much more stable. A stabilizer or stand-off must be fitted to the top of the ladder. A common type of stand-off is the Microlite. Other stand-off devices are available and may also be suitable. These devices must be fitted before the ladder is lifted into place on the wall and must be fitted between the third and fourth rung and attached according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. The figure below illustrates the system in place.

A range of other types of top stays is shown in the below link: https://www.ladders-999.co.uk/ladder-stabilisers/ladder-stays-and-stand-offs.html Many ladder accidents occur as a worker at height tries to cross from a roof or other surface to a ladder for descent. The ladder can kick out, shift laterally, or the worker can simply lose their footing or balance as they try to get around the side rails. It is easy to reduce this exposure with a simple ladder extension which allows the worker to step straight through the ladder side-rails and allow for a good handhold while mounting and dismounting.

1.3. Securing the ladder at mid-point to the wall The ladder should be secured in place by passing a ratchet strap through a rung roughly halfway up the extended length of the ladder and passing it through an eyebolt placed in a pre-drilled hole in the wall. There are a range of eyebolts, from 10mm to 20mm which can be used and all are considered to be sufficient to hold the loads imposed on a ladder during normal use for securing the ladder to a wall. A 20 mm eyebolt is considered strong enough if fitted correctly to act as an attachment point for a fall arrest rope.

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The rachet strap should be tightened until the load on the ladder is such that the ladder will not move, some light bowing off the ladder is acceptable.

2. Fall protection In order to protect those working a fall protection system is required.

2.1. Fall protection-Body Harness A semi static rope to EN1891 is the minimum standard when used as a fall arrest system. The rope should be attached to the ladder whilst it is still on the ground. The body harness should be worn and a rope grab used whilst climbing, descending and working from the ladder. When in the working position, a lanyard should be connected to the harness D ring.

2.2. The Use of Ladders without Fall Protection Devices A ladder can be worked from without fall protection if the following conditions are true: • The ladder can be securely fixed against slipping outwards or sideways; • The work is of short duration, and • Tools, equipment and material can be carried and the task completed

whilst maintaining three points of contact (e.g. two feet and one hand) with the ladder at all stages on the operation.

If the above criteria cannot be met, in particular if three points of contact cannot be achieved at all stages of the process, then a fall protection system is required.