Posted By Steve B Ladies and Gents, just a quickie. since the introduction of the Work at Height Regulations I have made recommendations to make our vertical ladder access safer by installing fall restraint/arrest systems (running line type). Since the modifications we have had no problems with their use, training has been given a inspection and maintenance regime has been set etc etc. My question is, on one of the vertical ladders (for info we have hundreds) there has been an ongoing problem with the hoops, as in things need to pass below the ladder and because of the height of the hoops it has been impossible. Is there a legal requirement to have hoops at all? I have read some of the negative reports about hoops usage, but cannot find anything that states a legal requirement. And before you say what does your risk assessment say!! with the installation of the fall arrest equipment I cannot see its purpose, therefore the risk assessment say not required, however I do not want to remove them if they are required through building regs.... but as said earlier cannot find anything...... help!! tis driving me daft. Regards Steve

Posted By Salus Hi Steve, if you are using what seems like a safer way to gain acces / egress to other areas via ladders then my thoughts would be to remove the hoops and use the system you have set up for other ladders. There are references to the building regs / Approved K / BS5395:Part 3 1985, thi is to do with stairs and ladders. and, BS4211:1987, to do with permanent ladders to chimneys and other high structures. There is also info on hooped ladders at http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr258htm watch out for fire evacuation requirements hope this info is of help

Posted By Danny O'Donnell The following is taken from BS4211:2005 Specification for Permanently Fixed Ladders: “A passive protection system, for example, a safety cage shall be the preferred choice. Where it is not possible to use a cage, individual protective equipment shall be provided. A fall arrester shall be provided only where low frequency and specialized access (e.g. maintenance) is required.”

Posted By TBC Are you sure of the BS on these Janete

Posted By CRT Steve, just before someone corrects me, Reg 13 now replaced by work from height regs.

Posted By Steve B Again, Thank you very much guys, a lot of useful information. I think you have made the decision for me. In this case the cage will be removed as I have already had a fall arrest system fitted. And as most of you have said one or the other or both... I think I am well covered and the risk assessment says they are not required in this case. Regards Steve

Posted By John Murgatroyd In which case (hoop removal) you'll need to inform everyone using the ladders to wear the harness, and attach the fall restraint every time they use it. Which, of course, they won't do. So, if they do fall, it'll still be your fault ! You will also need to consult an competent engineer to ensure that the hoops and their side rails are not an essential part of the structure. Most of the ladders I've built specify that without the hoops attached the main side rails need to be of 12mm thickness not 10mm. You may also need more fixings to hold the ladders to the building, since without the hoops it will flex more.