Our most popular webinar event yet! The Health & Safety Executive and Ladder Association have joined forces to release two new ladder safety guidance documents. In this one-off event, they introduce the guidance and walk through the key steps to preventing ladder accidents in the workplace, including how to select (and maintain) safe equipment and ensure all workers are competent.

1. new guidance for employers
Ladder safety today:
Ladder Association
#LadderSafety 1
© The Ladder Association, 2021 – all rights reserved

2. #LadderSafety 2
Gail Hounslea
Chairman, Ladder Association
Director, Test & Research Centre
Managing Director, Ladderstore
Introduction

3. #LadderSafety
• Pop your questions in the Q&A box
Welcome
3

4. #LadderSafety
• Pop your questions in the Q&A box
• We’ll share a recording with you afterwards
Welcome
4

5. #LadderSafety
• Pop your questions in the Q&A box
• We’ll share a recording with you afterwards
• We’ll also send a CPD Certificate
Welcome
5

6. #LadderSafety
• Pop your questions in the Q&A box
• We’ll share a recording with you afterwards
• We’ll also send a CPD Certificate
• Post on social media using #LadderSafety
Welcome
6

7. #LadderSafety 7
Paul Cook
Head of Web Services, Content & Design,
Health & Safety Executive
The importance of
industry guidance

8. Webinar: New guidance on ladders and stepladders
2020/21
HSE
Head of Web Services, Content and Design
Paul Cook
8

9. 9

10. Falls from height statistics
10
2020/21

11. Ladder accidents-common causes
Leading causes of ladder accidents we see include:
 Unsafe equipment
 Untrained users
 Poor management
11

12. 05
Paul Cook- Head of Web and Design Unit
We have an important role contributing to
HSE’s vital mission to prevent work place ill
health, injuries and deaths, by providing advice
and guidance on health and safety law.
Our web and design approach helps to ensure
we deliver the right content, through the best
channels, at the right time targeting the right
audiences.

13. New updated suite of
ladders guidance
• New industry detailed Code of Practice supported by HSE
• New updated ‘Safe use of ladders and stepladders’ guidance
booklet for everyone
• HSE website- new user-tested guidance
- Generic, simple web-only guidance
- SEO friendly for Google search
- Top task or Brilliant Basics approach- step-by-step
- Pages signpost to more detailed, expert information and
guidance publication

14. 05
‘Don’t make me think’
• Online guidance should be intuitive to use
• If you make people do the work to find info
themselves, you erode confidence in your site and its
content
• Website use is often motivated by the desire to save
time. So, save them time.
14

15. #LadderSafety
Ladder Association
Manufacturers
Suppliers
Training
companies
15

16. #LadderSafety
1. The importance of industry guidance
2. How to select a safe ladder
3. Training for users and managers
4. Height safety
5. Q&A
On the agenda today
16

17. #LadderSafety 17
Don Aers
Technical Director, Ladder Association
How to select a safe ladder

18. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
What do these objects have
in common?
18

19. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
19

20. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
20
Ladder standards are created when groups of
ladder experts channel their diverse collective
knowledge and experience on ladders and
ladder use into setting out the minimum safety
standards required to protect ladder users.

21. #LadderSafety
1. Choose certified ladders
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
21

22. #LadderSafety
1. Choose certified ladders
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
22

23. #LadderSafety
1. Choose certified ladders
• There’s no legal obligation for ladders to comply with the standard
• But employers do need to provide safe work at height equipment –
standards help you do this!
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
23

24. #LadderSafety
1. Choose certified ladders
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
24

25. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
2. Choose the right type of ladder
25

26. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
Leaning
ladders
EN 131
Parts 1, 2 & 3
Stepladders
EN 131 Parts 1, 2 & 3 Combination
EN 131
Parts 1, 2 & 3
Multi hinge joint
EN 131 Part 4
Telescopic
ladders
EN 131 Part 6
Step stools
EN 14183
Warehouse
steps
EN 131 Part 7
Roof ladders
BS 8634
26

27. #LadderSafety 27
Francis Camilleri
Technical Committee Chair, Ladder Association
Director, TB Davies
How to select a safe ladder

28. #LadderSafety
3. Choose the right class
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
Professional Non-Professional (Domestic)
Designed for more demanding workplace
conditions. Can be used at work and at home.
Intended for lighter, occasional use. Can be
used at home but not at work.
28

29. #LadderSafety
4. Choose the right material
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
Aluminium Fibreglass
Wood
Steel
29

30. #LadderSafety
5. Choose the right height
• Standing height – how high you can stand
• Maximum length – how far the ladder extends
• Safe working height – how high you can reach
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
30

31. #LadderSafety
5. Choose the right height
• Check the safe working height and keep in mind:
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
Leaning ladders
• Don’t stand on last 3 rungs
• Set at 75 degrees
Stepladders
• Don’t stand on top 3 treads
• If it’s a combination ladder,
don’t stand on top 4 treads
31

32. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
32

33. #LadderSafety
5. Choose the right height
• Never over-reach
• Never try to gain extra height
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
33

34. #LadderSafety
1. Choose a certified ladder
2. Choose the right type of ladder
3. Choose the right class of ladder
4. Choose the right material
5. Choose the right height
6. Do pre-use checks
7. Do detailed inspections
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
34

35. #LadderSafety 35
Steve Booker
Training Committee Vice-Chair, Ladder Association
Group Managing Director, Kentec Training
How to select a safe ladder

36. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
Two types of ladder inspections are required:
1. Pre-use
2. Detailed
1. Pre-use checks
USER is responsible
NOT documented
Is the ladder safe to use
NOW?
2. Detailed inspections
EMPLOYER is responsible
MUST BE documented
Is the ladder safe for
CONTINUED USE?
36

37. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
6. Do pre-use checks
• At the beginning of the working day; and
37

38. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
6. Do pre-use checks
• At the beginning of the working day; and
• After something has changed, for example:
• The ladder is dropped
• Left unattended
• Transported on a vehicle
• Moved from a dirty area to clean area
38

39. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
6. Do pre-use checks
• Check the feet
39

40. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
6. Do pre-use checks
• Check the feet
• Check the stiles
40

41. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
6. Do pre-use checks
• Check the feet
• Check the stiles
• Check locking mechanisms
41

42. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
6. Do pre-use checks
• Check the feet
• Check the stiles
• Check locking mechanisms
• And so on…
42

43. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
6. Do pre-use checks
Spot a defect?
Do NOT use the ladder!
Isolate, tag, report to employer
43

44. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
7. Do detailed inspections
• Completed by a competent person
• Scheduled and planned at regular intervals
using a ladder register
• Result documented
• Followed up with action, where necessary
44

45. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
7. Do detailed inspections
Detailed inspections must be completed by a
competent person, who has been trained
for the task.
45

46. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
46
When ladders are used… Inspect them at least every…
Frequently (daily) 3 months
Occasionally (weekly) 6 months
Infrequently (less than monthly) 12 months
Plus, interim inspections may be needed in between scheduled inspections.

47. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
7. Do detailed inspections
47

48. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
7. Do detailed inspections
• Mark as unfit for use
• Withdraw from use
• Destroy – cut down the centre and recycle
• Repair – by manufacturer or their authorised agent
48

49. #LadderSafety
1. Choose a certified ladder
2. Choose the right type of ladder
3. Choose the right class of ladder
4. Choose the right material
5. Choose the right height
6. Do pre-use checks
7. Do detailed inspections
How to select a safe ladder
1.
Certification
2.
Type
3.
Class
4.
Material
5.
Height
6.
Pre-use
checks
7.
Detailed
inspections
49

50. #LadderSafety
How to select a safe ladder
50

51. #LadderSafety 51
Who can use a ladder
at work?
Paul Cook
Head of Web Services, Content & Design,
Health & Safety Executive

52. Who can use a ladder at work?
52

53. #LadderSafety 53
Dennis Seaton
Training Committee Chair, Ladder Association
Regional Training Manager, HSS Training
Training for ladder users
and managers

54. #LadderSafety
Training for ladder users and managers
Good ladder training for users is:
• Assessed
• Hands on
• Led by instructors who are
subject matter expert
54

55. #LadderSafety
Training for ladder users and managers
1.
Ladders & Stepladders for
Users
2.
Ladders & Stepladders
Inspection
3.
Steps & Step Stools for
Users
4.
Ladders & Stepladders for
Managers
Ladders & Stepladders for Users
For people using ladders and stepladders
as part of their regular duties
1. How to assess the risks of using a ladder
2. When it’s right to use a ladder (and when it’s not)
3. Which type of ladder to use and how to use it
55

56. #LadderSafety
Training for ladder users and managers
1.
Ladders & Stepladders for
Users
2.
Ladders & Stepladders
Inspection
3.
Steps & Step Stools for
Users
4.
Ladders & Stepladders for
Managers
Ladders & Stepladders Inspection
For people carrying out detailed
ladder inspections
1. When to inspect a ladder
2. How to inspect a ladder
3. How to record their findings
4. What to do if they find a fault
56

57. #LadderSafety
Training for ladder users and managers
1.
Ladders & Stepladders for
Users
2.
Ladders & Stepladders
Inspection
3.
Steps & Step Stools for
Users
4.
Ladders & Stepladders for
Managers
Steps & Step Stools for Users
For people who don’t use leaning
ladders
1. When it’s right to use a step or step stool
2. How to use them safely
3. How to visually inspect them for damage
57

58. #LadderSafety
Training for ladder users and managers
1.
Ladders & Stepladders for
Users
2.
Ladders & Stepladders
Inspection
3.
Steps & Step Stools for
Users
4.
Ladders & Stepladders for
Managers
Ladders & Stepladders for Managers
For people who supervise ladder users
1. Support your teams better on site
2. Send them home safe after every shift
3. Meet all your legal obligations
58

59. #LadderSafety
Training for users and managers
Contact your nearest Ladder Association
training centre for:
• Prices
• Dates
• Availability
Search for training members:
ladderassociation.org.uk/find-members
59

60. #LadderSafety
Ladder Association
60

61. #LadderSafety 61
Peter Bennett OBE
Executive Director, Ladder Association
Chair, No Falls Foundation
Chair, Access Industry Forum
Chair, Test & Research Centre
Managing Director, PASMA
Improving height
safety for all

62. #LadderSafety
Ladder Association
62
Now fully
updated and
revised!

63. #LadderSafety
Any questions?
Gail Hounslea Paul Cook Don Aers Francis Camilleri
Steve Booker Dennis Seaton Peter Bennett OBE
63

64. Thank you!
We’ll send the recording,
follow-up resources and your
CPD certificate next week.
Thank you to our members who
provided images for this
presentation (all images are
subject to copyright), including
Bratts Ladders, Clow Group, LFI,
Lyte Ladders & Towers, TB Davies
and Werner.
Some images were also taken from
EN 131 Part 3.
© The Ladder Association, 2021 – all rights reserved