Familiarising yourself with the relevant health and safety precautions before using a ladder is the most important way to prevent any injuries. What a lot of people might not realise is that the time spent working on a ladder can also impact the overall risk factor of a job; in fact, it can significantly increase the risk of an incident.
Read on to find out the maximum time you should spend on a ladder.
Maximum time on a ladder
If you just want the short answer: guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that the maximum time on a ladder should be no longer than 30 minutes. Here’s what the HSE recommends:
“… if your task would require staying up a leaning ladder or stepladder for more than 30 minutes at a time, it is recommended you use alternative equipment.”
Ignoring this guidance greatly increases the risk of injury. If a job requires working for longer than 30 minutes, we recommend using a scaffold tower. These are a far safer choice for longer jobs due to the additional stability they offer. The large platform also gives you more space to work and store the tools needed to carry out the job. A properly assembled, fully adjustable scaffold tower can even be used on uneven ground.
Podium steps are also a great option for longer jobs, but they’re best suited to low to medium heights. With handrails around their perimeter, podium steps offer incredible stability and better help to prevent slips and falls. Our podium steps feature wheels, too, making them super easy to transport around warehouses.
Ladder safety advice
However long you need to spend working at height, the most important thing is to ensure you use your equipment safely. Never take risks when using ladders. Here are some potential hazards to be aware of:
- Uneven ground – This can make the ladder less stable, putting you more at risk of slips and falls. Stability devices can be used to prevent this; in fact, most new ladders now come with stabiliser bars attached.
- Wrong ladder choice – As with any task, choosing the correct equipment is key. Always consider factors like weight capacity and maximum height.
- Incorrect placement – If a ladder is not properly positioned against a wall or other solid object before use, it can slip or fall from beneath you. To help prevent ladders from slipping, you can use a ladder mat.
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Here at Ladders UK Direct, we have lots of handy ladder safety guides for you to refer to. Head over to our ladder safety blog to learn more. To shop our range of ladders, click the link below:
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