Using portable ladders in the workplace

Common hazards

Common hazards of workplace ladder use include:

• using damaged, poorly maintained or domestic-grade ladders
• ladders that are incorrectly set up or unsuitable for the task
• lack of controls to prevent a fall from a ladder.

Is a ladder the right tool?

Ladders should only be used for simple and short-duration tasks, temporary access or egress. It is best to work at ground level where possible.

Before choosing to use a ladder, employers must identify whether a ladder offers the highest level of protection that is reasonably practicable. To do this, apply the fall prevention hierarchy of control. Employers must use the highest level of control appropriate for the task so far as is reasonably practicable.

Employers must consult with employees when making decisions about risk controls.

If you need to use a ladder, it must be:

• fit for purpose
• appropriate for the task's duration
• set up correctly.

Fall prevention

Where there is a risk of a fall of more than 2 metres, employers must:

• identify any task that involves a fall hazard
• assess the risks associated with those hazards
• control the fall risks, so far as is reasonably practicable, following the fall prevention hierarchy of control
• review and, if necessary, revise any measures implemented to control fall risks.

Employers must also manage the risk of falls from 2 metres or less, as injuries can still happen from this height.

Note: Additional duties may apply where you are performing construction work.

Selecting a ladder

When choosing a ladder, consider:

• the actions involved in the task (including reach)
• ladder stability
• ladder height
• ground conditions where the ladder is being set up.

Below are examples of ladders in order of stability and safety.

Most stable, lower risk

Order picker ladders

Also called chariots or order picking work platforms. They can be used for fit-off, inspection or maintenance work.

These ladders:

• are the most stable ladder option
• have solid fall protection on all sides
• have wheels for ease of moving.

Less stable, higher risk

Platform stepladders

Stepladder with work platform and fall protection.

These ladders:

• provide limited stability
• are foldable and easily transportable
• have a small working platform and partial or full handrail.

Least stable, highest risk

A-frame, straight, single or extension ladders

These ladders:

• are the least stable of all the ladders
• have less flexibility than other ladders.

They should only be used:

• for accessing a work area on another level
• as a working platform for light work or work of a short duration that can safely be done on a ladder.

The top of the ladder should be at waist height. Never stand or work on or above the second step from the top of an A-frame ladder.

Industrial rated ladders

Ladders used in a workplace need to meet the minimum standards set out in Australian Standard 1892.1: 2018 Portable Ladders, Part 1: Performance and geometric requirements. These requirements include:

• being 'industrial-grade' and of robust construction
• having a minimum 120kg safe working load rating
• being suitable to the task.

Training

Employers must ensure employees only use ladders if they:

• are trained on how to use the ladder, including setting up the ladder safely
• are supervised where required.

Setting up a ladder

Never set up a ladder on scaffolding, an EWP or stacked materials for extra height.

All ladders need to:

• have non-slip feet
• be set up in an area clear of other hazards, including penetration risks, hits or knocks from objects, persons or vehicles
• have functioning stability spreaders/braces locked into place before using the ladder.

Additionally, on straight or extension ladders ensure the ladder is:

• 3 rungs above the step-off point or it extends 1m when used for access
• placed on a height-to-width ratio of 4:1
• secured at the top and bottom.

Using the ladder

When using a ladder:

• always maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder, for example:
  • 2 feet and one hand on the ladder
  • one foot and 2 hands on the ladder
  • 2 feet and one other point of contact with the ladder, such as a hand or thighs leaning against the ladder
• never hold tools or materials when climbing a ladder
• always face toward the ladder when ascending or descending
• never stand on a rung that is less than 1m from the top of a straight or extension ladder
• make sure nobody is under the ladder
• restrict access to the working area as much as possible
• never overreach – always move the ladder if you need to reach something
• never use tools that need 2 hands or a high degree of leverage to operate
• never let more than one person on the ladder at the same time
• never straddle the ladder.

Where there may be electrical hazards, always use non-conductive ladders such as a fibreglass ladder.

Ladder maintenance

Never use ladders:

• with loose, missing or damaged rungs, steps, treads or top plates
• with damaged stiles or stringers
• with missing, broken or loose tie rods
• with missing, broken or worn ropes, braces, spreaders or brackets
• that are covered with paint or treatment that could disguise a fault in the timber.

Acceptable use of ladders

Ladders can be used to:

• install lightweight items or fixtures, for example, a light fixture in a ceiling
• inspect, assess or do minor maintenance, for example, service air-conditioning units
• operate a one-handed lightweight, low-torque (or clutched) power tool, for example, a cordless drill.

Considerations when using a ladder

An employer must ensure that a fixed or portable ladder used to reduce a risk associated with a fall is:

• fit for purpose
• appropriate for the task’s duration
• set up correctly.

This checklist will help you to assess if using a ladder is appropriate. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions, review the hierarchy of control and take action to control the risk. This list is not exhaustive and there may be other risks you also need to control.

Legal duties

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 requires employers to protect the health and safety of employees and other persons.