General precautions for using common work equipment to prevent falls

Ladders

• Make sure the ladder is in good condition. Check for bends and cracks before use.
• Make sure the ladder stands on stable ground.
• Do not use a ladder close to an open edge where someone could fall off.
• Do not overstretch from a ladder. Work only where you can reach comfortably, and instead of overstretching, climb down and reposition the ladder.
• Use a ladder of suitable length and rating. For access, HSE guidance calls for extension at least 1 metre above the landing unless another suitable handhold is provided; do not substitute a fixed rung count.
• Always observe the 4 to 1 placing ratio, one unit out for every four units up, to keep the ladder balanced.
• Only a trained worker should be allowed to use the ladder.
• Use a ladder only if it is safe to do so. If not, use another platform, such as a scaffold or a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP).
• Always keep three points of contact while working on the ladder.
• Always make sure the ladder is well secured while you work on it. Secure it at the stiles, not the rungs.
• Ideally the ladder should be secured at the top.
• If that is not possible, attach guy ropes and secure them to a firm support.
• Footing is a last resort only when better securing methods are not practicable and the assessed task allows it. Use the competent, agreed method; do not instruct someone simply to stand on the bottom rung.
• Only one person should climb the ladder at a time.
• Carry nothing in your hands while climbing, so that both hands are free to grip the stiles.
• Do not paint wooden ladders, because paint can hide defects.

Stepladders

Stepladders are intended for short-duration or light work. Precautions:

• Check the load rating marked on the stepladder. It should cover the person's weight and the weight of the tools to be used.
• Select a stepladder of suitable height, rating and design so the work is within comfortable reach using the manufacturer's permitted standing levels and handholds. A fixed one-metre-shorter rule is not a selection method.
• Do not stand and work on the top three steps, including a step forming the very top of the stepladder, unless there is a suitable handhold.
• Check for cracks, loose or corroded rivets, defective braces and parts in poor condition, including the slip-resistant feet. Make sure it is free of grease, oil and other slippery substances.
• Open the spreaders and shelf fully and lock the braces.
• Check stability. All feet should be on a firm, level, non-slip surface.
• Place the stepladder at right angles to the work, with either the front or the back of the steps facing the work.
• Keep the stepladder close to the work.
• Lift and carry the ladder when moving it. Do not push or pull a stepladder from the side. Repeated sideways movement can make ladders unstable because they are weaker in those directions.
• Face the stepladder when climbing up or down.
• Keep your body centred between the side rails. The ladder can become unstable if your body, or equipment you are holding, moves beyond the side rails.
• Work at a suitable height for the ladder. You have generally climbed too high if your knees are above the top cap of the stepladder or if you cannot keep a handhold.
• Keep a firm grip and use both hands when climbing.
• Keep both feet on the ladder. Do not stand on a ladder and another object at the same time.

Independent tied scaffolds and mobile tower scaffolds

Before using a scaffold, follow these general precautions:

• make sure a competent person has inspected the scaffold before you go up
• wear a hard hat whether you work on or under a scaffold
• wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles
• use a personal fall arrest system whenever required
• watch out for co-workers on the scaffold and for people below
• use common sense, and move around slowly and carefully
• ask a supervisor if you are not sure whether a scaffold or the working conditions are safe
• do not overload a scaffold
• do not leave debris or unneeded materials on a scaffold where someone could trip over them or knock them off the platform
• protect the scaffold from being hit by anything heavy, such as a truck, a forklift or a load of timber
• do not leave materials and equipment on the platform at the end of the day
• do not use an outdoor scaffold in stormy or windy weather, or when it is covered with ice or snow

For an independent tied scaffold, take these extra precautions:

• do not climb up or down the scaffold or enter it from an unapproved entry point
• do not climb or shimmy along the scaffolding steelwork
• do not climb onto standards (verticals), transoms below foot level, ledgers or transoms that are not fully fastened, or any type of bracing
• use personal fall protection only where the assessed scaffold work requires it, with verified suitable anchorage and a rescue plan; do not clip to arbitrary scaffold components
• do not remove any ties or bracing. If they need to be moved, consult the supervisor
• do not use makeshift platforms. Use the correct scaffold boards and bearers or transoms
• follow the safe working limits for the type of scaffold being built
• do not overload any scaffold or loading bay, and know the correct loading of boards, equipment and loading bays
• stack materials correctly so that they cannot fall, at the return end or at corner sections of walkways

For a mobile tower, take these extra precautions:

• check that it is vertical and square and that the horizontal braces and platforms are level
• check that outriggers or stabilisers are correctly positioned and secured
• check that all base plates or castor wheels are fully in contact with the ground, including those on stabilisers or outriggers, and that every castor is locked to prevent unintended movement
• do not move it if someone is at the top
• beware of overhead obstacles when you move it, and never use the tower near live electrical apparatus or unguarded machinery
• when moving it from one place to another, apply force as close to the ground as possible
• always climb from inside the tower

Summary notes for Element 8 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.