Workplace Health and Safety laws are there to keep us safe, but like most laws, they can sometimes be challenging to understand in their legal format.
For the newsletter this week, we decided to see what the regulations say about using a ladder at work. After all, the Acts and Regulations are the actual point of truth for the legal requirements.
We'll also show you how to find this information yourself. We thought we would look at Queensland laws for this example, but the process will be the same no matter what state or territory you work in.
STEP 1 - Where do we look?
The first step is to visit the WHS regulators website, in this case, WorkSafe QLD. From the home page, it is straightforward to find the regulations by going first to the laws and compliance page and following the links to end up at the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.
This is where the specific laws about using ladders in QLD workplaces can be found.
STEP 2 - An easy way to search
A quick search in the regulation for the term ‘Ladders’ takes us to Sections 306-K to section 306-O, where information about ladder use is detailed.
STEP 3 - Interpreting the regulations
This is where some people start to glaze over because legislation is written in a particular way due to the legal requirements it must cover.
Ladders are a pretty easy one to start with, but even so, there are things to watch out for. For example, section 306-K (b) states that a person must not use a ladder to do construction work… unless the work is ‘permitted work.’
This can be confusing to people who don’t know that you now need to look up the definition of ‘permitted work’ to find out what that actually means.
STEP 4 - What does it actually say about single or extension ladders?
In summary, and paraphrasing the actual wording under each section, including the definition of permitted work, let's have a look at what is required.
What work may be done from single or extension ladders? Section 306-K
A person can only use a ladder if the person maintains three points of contact, e.g. 2 feet and 1 hand, on the ladder and
The weight, size or shape of any equipment or material the person using the ladder is carrying is not likely to—
restrict the person’s movement
cause the person to lose balance on the ladder
The person’s body stays centred on the ladder.
Any equipment being used by the person can be operated using 1 hand unless a control measure to support the person’s body is being worn or used.
Work on a ladder for housing construction work—at least 3m high or at least 2m high for other work?
A person can only use a ladder if the person maintains three points of contact, e.g. 2 feet and 1 hand, on the ladder
The person is prevented from falling by a control measure, for example, using a pole strap or
Is using a fall arrest harness system that is not attached to the ladder.
The ladder is secured at or near the top or bottom to prevent it from moving.
Despite the 3 points of contact rule, a person using the ladder may hold a stable object, such as guttering or wall frame with 1 or both hands instead of holding the ladder with 1 or both hands.
Any single or extension ladder used against a pole has a device fitted at or near the top of the ladder that helps to ensure the ladder’s stability by partly accepting the shape of the pole.
STEP 5 - Is there more?
Yes, in general, the regulations also state that single and extension ladders must meet the following requirements:
Have a load rating of at least 120kg and is manufactured for industrial use.
The ladder is used only for the purpose for which it is designed.
The length of the ladder should not exceed
for a single ladder—6.1m
for an extension ladder —7.5m
for an extension ladder used to do electrical work within the meaning of the Electrical Safety Act 2002—9.2m.
A ladder must not be used to support a platform.
Single or extension ladders must be placed so that the angle between the ladder and the horizontal is at least 70º but not more than 80º when used.
However, the ladder may be placed so that the angle between the ladder and the horizontal is more than 80º if
a lesser angle is impractical because the ladder is being used in a confined space
and control measures are used to prevent the ladder from moving when in use.
If a ladder is used as a temporary means of access, the ladder must extend at least 1m above the surface.
STEP 6 - Can I get help understanding what is required?
Yes, you can! As we stated earlier, the regulations are the point of truth but can be difficult for a layperson to read and understand.
This is why the regulators, in conjunction with Safe Work Australia, provide easy to understand material such as Codes of Practice, guidance notes and other resource material.
This type of material can be found on the regulator's website for your state and is written in plain English terms, so you know exactly what you need to do.
Can SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture Help?
SafetyDocs can provide you with easy to understand templates, forms and checklists to support all of your regulated requirements.
Browse our store to find the perfect document for your job!
