HSE wrote:Some sensible tips for using a ladder safely are list below. The ladder should be:
Prevented from slipping, Prevented from moving before it is stepped on, Long enough to do the job safely, Have a handhold available to allow the worker to maintain 3 points of contact where possible, Used without overreaching, Inspected and checked regularly where necessary.
HSE INDG403 wrote:5 When going up or down a ladder, take each rung one at a time and don’t rush. Use both hands to grip the ladder whenever possible. 6 On nearing the bottom, watch where you place your feet. Make sure you do not miss the lower rungs as you step off. 7 When working from a ladder, try and maintain three points of contact with it at all times (eg both feet and one hand).
HSE INDG402 wrote:only use a ladder or stepladder:
where a handhold is available on the ladder or stepladder; ■ where you can maintain three points of contact (hands and feet) at the working position. On a ladder where you cannot maintain a handhold, other than for a brief period of time, other measures will be needed to prevent a fall or reduce the consequences of one. On stepladders where a handhold is not practicable a risk assessment will have to justify whether it is safe or not (see paragraph 10 for details).
No mention of rungs or stiles.
First page of this leaflet shows a man holding the rungs......
So, I conclude that it's all down to risk assessment, the type of ladder being used, the task being undertaken, the position of the task, the user ability, the user experience and whatever feels comfortable and right.
Always grip the ladder and face the ladder rungs while climbing or descending – don't slide down the stiles. Don't try to move or extend the ladder while standing on the rungs. Don't work off the top three rungs. Try to make sure that the ladder extends at least 1 metre or three rungs above where you are working.
Always grip the ladder and face the ladder rungs while climbing or descending – don't slide down the stiles. Don't try to move or extend the ladder while standing on the rungs. Don't work off the top three rungs. Try to make sure that the ladder extends at least 1 metre or three rungs above where you are working.
The three points of contact rule is simple. When climbing or descending ladders, trucks and equipment, always maintain contact with one hand and two feet, or two hands and one foot.
The magic number recommended by the HSE1 is 75 degrees so that the base of the ladder is set away from the wall at one-quarter of the working length of the ladder. Put another way: for every four metres of height you need to climb, place the base of the ladder one metre away from the wall the ladder is leaning against.
Always face the ladder when ascending or descending. Do not carry tools or equipment when climbing the ladder. Have another person hand you equipment, use tool belt, or place the equipment at the working height prior to ascending.
When climbing up or down, always: Face the stepladder.Keep your body centered between side rails.Maintain three-point contact by keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on a ladder always.
If working on a stepladder, face the ladder towards the work activity, this will avoid side loading (see Figure 2a and 2b). On a ladder do not use the top three rungs, on a stepladder do not use the top two steps unless an appropriate handrail is fitted. Never straddle a stepladder/ A frame ladder(see Figure 3).
Human error is the leading cause of ladder injury accidents. A ladder should never be used in way that is not how the manufacturer intended it to be used for. Also, never alter the ladder or attempt to make it longer.
The base of the ladder should be placed so that it is one foot away from the building for every four feet of hight to where the ladder rests against the building. This is known as the 4 to 1 rule.
3 points of contact (2 hands and one foot, 2 feet and hand) must be maintained and the climbers body centered inside the rails. A second person can hold the ladder for stability. Some work sites secure the ladder at the top and the bottom to keep the ladder steady.
Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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