WORKING AT HEIGHT FOCUS
MYTH BUSTING
“
The Health & Safety Executive have banned the use of
ladders on building sites.”
FALSE. Ladders and stepladders can be a sensible and
practical option. They can be used for work at height
when the use of other work equipment is not justified
because of the low risk and short duration (short duration
means working on a ladder for no more than 30 minutes
at a time); or when there are existing workplace or site
features which cannot be altered.
“
You need to be formally ‘qualified’ before using a ladder
at work.”
FALSE. While you do not need to be formally qualified
before using a ladder at work, you do need to be
competent. This means having the necessary skills,
knowledge and experience to use a ladder properly for the
work you will carry out, or, if you are being trained, you
work under the supervision of somebody who can perform
the task competently. Training often takes place on the
job and does not always have to take place in a classroom.
What matters is that an individual can apply what they
have learned in the workplace.
“
Walking up and down a staircase at work is classified as
working at height.”
FALSE. Work at height does not include walking up and
down a permanent staircase in a building.
44
HSE INTERNATIONAL
“
You must have two feet and one hand on a stepladder at
all times when carrying out a task.”
FALSE. When you need to have both hands free for a
brief period to do a job using a stepladder (e.g. putting
a box on a shelf, hanging wallpaper, installing a smoke
detector on a ceiling) you need to maintain three points
of contact at the working position. This is not just two
feet and one hand, it can be two feet and your body (use
your knees or chest to help with stability) supported by
the stepladder. Ensure a handhold is available to steady
yourself before and after.
“
The Health & Safety Executive has banned the use of
ladders to access scaffolds. You will be fined if you ignore
this ban.”
FALSE. Ladders can be used for access, as long as they
are of the right type (i.e. a suitable grade of industrial
ladder), in good condition and effectively secured (tied)
to prevent movement. You should ensure they extend at
least one metre above the landing point to allow for a
secure handhold when stepping off.
KEY MESSAGES TO REMEMBER
• Do as much work as possible from the ground.
• Ensure workers can get safely to and from where
they work at height.
• Ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong
enough for the job, maintained and checked regularly.
• Not overload or overreach when working at height.
• Take precautions when working on or
near fragile surfaces.
• Provide protection from falling objects.
• Consider emergency evacuation
and rescue procedures.