Posted By Robin B Hi We have a number of fixed acces ladders with hoops surrounding the higher levels. These are used infrequently but it was considered at the time that fixed was better than other options. We have had one incident where an operative, standing on a bunded pallet hit his head on the lowest hoop. Does anyone know if there is a minimum height for the 'first hoop'. I should add that standing on the bunded pallet raised this guys height to about 7feet [sorry I'm old fashioned]. The pallet has to be in the position all the time so the risk of another 'bump' is present at all times. I think we may be able to remove the lowest hoop but????????????????? Thanks in advance Robin

Posted By peter gotch Hi Robin The guidance on now revoked Reg 13 of Workplace (HSW) Regs indicates that if ladder more than 2.5m high should have lowest hoop at 2.5m, and hoops max 900mm height thereafter. Probably restated somewhere in the HSE guidance on the Work at Heights Regs 2005. Regards, Peter

Posted By Derek Holt Would suggest you have a look at the previous thread realting to fixed ladders and hoops, some interesting discussion. Please note, safety hoops do not prevent falls from occuring. The British standard refered to is: BS 4211 Specification for permanently fixed ladders. height of first hoop should be 2.5m from the base.

Posted By Sean McIntyre I'm relatively confident that the hieght for the first hoop is 2 meters. Please also be aware that increasing the height of the first hoop may also be increasing the liklihood of another hazard eventuating by increasing the gap between the bottom of the ladder cage and the handrail of the platform. There has been 3 fatalities I know of involving personnel who have been decending fixed vertical ladders with ladder cages. As it is practice for persons to lean against the cage whilst decending, once they have reached the end of the ladder cage, person have lost their grip, fallen backwards through the unprotected gap between the ladder cage and the handrail of the platform, pivoted over the hand rail (due to the close proximity of the base of the ladder to the handrail.) and fallen to their death. A number of sites have rectified this by extending the verticals of the cage to the handrail. Obviously this should be subject to risk assessment .