Ladders
Overview
There are a number of different types of ladders and materials from which they can be made. Some examples are:
- metal, extension ladders
- timber, step ladders
- reinforced plastic, portable non-self-supporting ladders.
To ensure that any risks associated with performing the intended task involving the ladder are minimised, it is important that the appropriate ladder is used for each job.
Responsibilities
All staff members that use ladders have the responsibilities to:
- inspect them before each use and ensure that the ladder that they are using is suitable for the job, and
- assess the work area and task that they are about to perform, in order to ensure that any risks are recognised and mitigated.
Managers and supervisors
Managers and supervisors of the facility in which ladders are located have the responsibility to:
- ensure that all ladders are regularly inspected with a frequency of at least once every 12 months, and
- maintain records of ladder inspections and a register of ladder maintenance in the same location that the ladder is stored.
Inspection and maintenance
All ladders should be inspected:
- When originally purchased, received and put into service.
- Before each use.
- After any mishaps, drops and impacts.
- Periodically, at least annually.
All ladders should be stored on racks out of the elements when not in use. They should be effectively supported and free of any hanging material to avoid sagging.
Any ladders that are identified as having a defect must be taken out of service immediately and a "Do Not Use" tag affixed. This tag must not be taken off the ladder until the ladder has been repaired or destroyed by cutting the ladder into sections approximately 1m, or no more than two rungs, in length. Any repairs should not reduce the ladder's structural integrity when compared to the original design.
Inspection checklist
It is a requirement that all ladders owned by UTS be inspected at a frequency of at least every 12 months.
A record of these scheduled inspections should be kept in the location or area in which the is assigned.
For this purpose you may use the:
Portable ladder safety inspection checklist (PDF, 100 kB)
Maintenance register
All testing, inspection and maintenance exercises undertaken should be outlined in a ladder register. A record for each ladder should include information such as a brief description of the ladder, the date of purchase, the date of introduction to service and general details of service.
For this purpose you may use the:
Portable ladder safety inspection and maintenance register (PDF, 115 kB)
Support at UTS
Contact Campbell Lee in Safety & Wellbeing if you require further information on ladder safety.
Resources
Australian Standard/New Zealand Standards
- AS/NZS 1892.1:1996 - Portable ladders Part 1: Metal
- AS/NZS 1892.2:1992 - Portable ladders Part 2: Timber
- AS/NZS 1892.3:1996 - Portable ladders Part 3: Reinforced Plastic
- AS/NZS 1892.5:2000 - Portable ladders Part 5: Selection, Safe Use and Care
