Introduction
Falls from height continue to be the biggest killer on
construction sites.The following section provides advice
for users of ladders and access scaffolds. It will also help
those who select and specify equipment.
Work at height should be carried out from a platform
with suitable edge protection. Occasionally this may not
be possible and a ladder may have to be used. However,
ladders are best used as a means of getting to a
workplace.They should only be used as a workplace for
light work of short duration.
Selecting equipment
When deciding what equipment to use think about what
the job includes, how long it will last and where it needs
to be done. It is tempting to use a ladder for all sorts of
work but you should always consider a working platform
first, for example, a properly erected mobile scaffold
tower or a mobile elevated working platform (MEWP).
Jobs such as removing or installing guttering, installing
replacement windows, painting or demolition work
should usually be carried out from scaffolds or mobile
access equipment.
