Stepping up safely

20 May 2010

The Ladder Association has published a new Code of Practice about how to use ladders sensibly and safely

Now completely revised and updated, the Ladder Association’s new 40-page Code of Practice contains a wealth of information for ladders users and employers alike. Timed to coincide with the launch of the association’s ‘Don’t be a ladder lightweight’ campaign promoting training, the Code covers everything from the Work at Height Regulations and managing risk, to ladder selection, safe use and inspection.
Intended to encourage safety and best practice amongst the UK’s estimated 2 million ladder users, the code contains a foreword from HSE welcoming the Ladder Association’s contribution to helping minimise and avoid falls from height. Complete with a risk assessment template covering planning, setting up the job, carrying out the task and inspecting and maintaining ladders, the code offers easy-to-follow, practical advice in five distinct sections that will be welcomed on site and as a handy reference in the office. Whilst the document may be used as a stand-alone reference, it is not intended to replace professional ladder training.
Ladder Association chairman, Chris Ball said: “This is a supplementary resource which should serve as a useful reminder to all those delegates who have attended Ladder Association training courses.”
The Code of Practice costs £5 including postage from www.ladderassociation.org.uk
Ladder Lightweight Campaign: Running from now until the end of June, the campaign sets out to combat the over-confident and often-dangerous mentality of ladder users who rely solely on learning on the job. Training is the key to improving ladder safety and best practice in the workplace and is a significant factor in helping to ensure that ladder users and their managers and supervisors are competent as required by the Work at Height Regulations. The campaign promotes an informed and professional approach to ladder use, just like any other piece of access equipment. Falls can be avoided by sensible and proportionate management of the risks. For more information please visit www.ladderassociation.org.uk