STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

SAFE USE OF LADDERS AND STEPLADDERS

Summary A guideline in how to use an appropriate and correctly of
ladders and stepladders without causes an injury and accident to
the workers by determine when the ladder and the stepladder
are the most suitable in use for the access equipment, identify
the safe place to use a ladder and stepladder, recognizing the
most suitable ladder and stepladder should be used, and
understanding in how to use the ladder and stepladder safely
without any accident or any potential risk that can causes injury.
Purpose This guidance is to help workers in using a ladder and
stepladder safely
• Employers should know when to use a ladder
• Decide in selecting the right sort of ladder for the
particular job
• Understanding how to use and look after using
• Take a sensible safety precautions when using
Tools and Materials 1. Justify whether a ladder or stepladder is the most
suitable access equipment compared to other access
equipment options.
• By using risk assessment and the hierarchy of
control
• Considering whether it could be appropriate of
usage

2. Suitability of the activity for the particular height and

work activity
• Refers to the type of work and duration of the
workers expose to the working activities
• Do not overload it (not exceed the highest load
stated on the ladder) and do not overreach (keep
the belt buckle inside the stiles and both feet on
the same rung)
• Tying the steps to a suitable point that can
prevent the steps from tipping over
• Avoid holding items when climbing the ladder
or stepladder

3. Selecting the safe ladders and the stability devices

• Identify the worst type of surface conditions
• Confirming the stable ladder or stepladder to be
used unsecured in your worse-case scenario
• Make sure the suitable size for the work
4. Usage of the ladder and stepladder to the safe place
• On firm ground or spread the load (use a board)
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 • On level ground :-
- Refer to the manufacturer’s instruction for
the stepladders
- The maximum safe ground slopes on a
suitable surface for the ladders
• On clean surfaces, solid surfaces and free of
loose material
• Securing a ladder to a suitable point
- tying at the top stiles
- tying part way down
- tying near the base
- securing at the base

5. Precautions in using a ladder and the stepladder

• Where it not be struck by vehicle (by protecting
with suitable barriers or cones)
• Where it not be pushed over by other hazard
(doors or windows)
• Where pedestrians are prevented from walking
under or near the ladder and stepladder
• Where ladders can be put up at the correct angle
of 75°
• Where the restraint devices on stepladders can be
fully opened or any locking devices must also be
engaged
• Don’t work within 6m horizontally of any
overhead power lines
• Always use a non-conductive ladder
• Don’t rest ladders against weak upper surfaces

6. Checking before use and inspect visual detailed.

• Have no visible defects
• Have current detailed visual inspection
• Suitable for work safe in a good condition
• Have been maintained and stored in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions
• Ladder feet should also be checked when
moving from soft/dirty ground to a smooth/solid
surface because to ensure the foot material and
not the dirt is making contact with the ground

7. How to manage and use the ladders safely

• When they are competent and trained
• If the ladder or stepladder is long enough
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 - Ladder
i- Don’t use the top three rungs
ii- Ladders used at least 1m above the
landing point and be tied,
alternatively safe and secure
handhold should be available
- Stepladder
i- Don’t use the top two steps of a
ladder, unless a suitable handrail is
available
ii- Don’t use the top three steps of
swing-back or double-sided
stepladders
• The ladder or a stepladder rungs or step are level
• Suitable weather or condition
• Wearing a robust, sensible footwear
• Know how to prevent members of the public and
other workers from using
• They are fit enough without any sickness,
alcohol or drug abuse
• Know how to tie a ladder or stepladder properly
• Don’t move the ladder or stepladder while
standing on the rungs/steps
• Support them by the rungs/steps at the base
• Slide down the stiles
• Stand them on a moveable objects (pallets,
bricks, lift trucks, tower scaffolds, excavator
buckets, vans or mobile elevating work
platforms)
• Extend the ladder while standing on the rungs