Our Health and Safety Advisor Tony Putter gives a summary of ladder blunders, what to look out for, and how to avoid using an incorrect type of ladder on site.
During site inspections, it can be a commonly spotted error to see contractors using equipment meant for household use only, on site, including ladders. Using domestically rated gear on site can lead to equipment failures and, worse, injuries. Commercially-rated gear is the product of thorough testing, with safety standards to back this up. A domestic ladder might only support up to 100kg, while a commercial-grade ladder can handle up to 180kg. That’s a big difference when you’re relying on it to keep you safe while working at heights and the ladder is also loaded with additional heavy work tools.
Avoiding the Wrong Type and Wrong Use, for the Right Safety!
A ‘Domestic’ ladder and portable work platforms are not suitable for use in a workplace setting, or in a commercial environment.
Only ‘Industrial’ ladders and portable work platforms with a load rating of 120kg or higher can be used in a work environment. This includes building sites, factories, shops, and offices.
Any construction sites are commercial workplaces and require ‘Industrial’ rated ladders and working platforms.
The minimum quality standard ladders and work platforms sold in Australia and New Zealand are to be manufactured under the standards set out by the “Australian and New Zealand Standards” AS/NZS 1892: for Portable Ladders and work platforms.
