A Risk Assessment must be undertaken before a work at height activity is carried out to identify any hazards associated with that task, the degree of risk present and the control measures to eliminate or reduce that risk to as low as is reasonably practicable.
Ladders should only be used for low risk, short duration tasks.
Consider whether there is an alternate way of doing the job which avoids working at height. It may be possible to carry out cleaning work, for example, from the ground, using long-handled cleaning tools. Ladders, step ladders and kick stands do not prevent or mitigate a fall like other preventative working at height processes (e.g. guard rails, scaffolding and scaffolding tower), if reasonably possible alternative methods of access should be chosen.
All work at height must comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Ladders should only be used for low-risk, short-duration tasks where no safer alternative is available.
Identification of Ladders:
Each ladder must be individually identified as part of your inspection and maintenance system. This ensures that inspection records are accurate and that defective ladders can be tracked and withdrawn from use promptly.
Inspection Records:
- Visual inspections should be carried out before and after normal use.
- Formal inspections must be completed at set intervals, depending on usage frequency.
- Use the official Ladder Inspection Form (HS F27) to record all inspections and findings.
Storage and Labelling:
- Store ladders in a covered, well-ventilated area, protected from damp and weather.
- Defective ladders must be clearly labelled and removed from service until repaired or disposed of.
Reporting:
- Any damage or defect must be reported immediately.
- Communicate the withdrawal of defective ladders to all staff with access to ladder storage areas.
Actions for Premises Managers:
- Ensure all ladders are clearly identified and logged.
- Complete and retain inspection records using the Ladder Inspection Form.
- Withdraw and label any defective ladders immediately.
- Share this guidance with all staff involved in work at height.
For further information, refer to the Ladders info Sheet 20 and SC’s Working Safely at Height Guidance.
