Posted By John Cook We are looking to introduce training in realtion to painting and decorating to a standard which would allow individuals to carry out DIY work to an acceptable level. Part of this would include the use of stepladders, never having had to use ladders/ stepladders before I am looking for guidance as to what would constitute a competent person for the purpose of inspection of the equipment. I know that in an industrial setting we would probably be looking at podium steps or other access devices but we are tryimg to be realistic in our approach as to what people would use in their own homes. This may obviously entail our instructors using the step ladders to demonstrate technique etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Posted By John Cook Thanks Makka, have looked back a bit but have to admit didn't do a search. Will give the BLA a try, but getting blood out of a stone is easier than trying to get money out of my organisation at times.

Posted By John Cook I am actually looking for the person who will be carrying out the training to carry out this task. He is a trained, qualified and competent painter and decorator (Advanced C & G), however as always when you ask people to carry out tasks they always seem to balk and show reluctance to do anything. The comment this time is where would I stand if something happened and how do I know that I am competent. I have downloaded and examined the various leaflets from the HSE website and I am now simply trying to organise as much information as I can to reassure the individual that I am not asking him to do anything which he is not capable of doing. Thanks to those who took time to respond.

Posted By John Cook Thanks salus. This hand holding of others can become a little annoying at times but don't want them complaining of a lack of support and putting them under undue stress. Main problem is a poorly informed local branch committee member who may not always provide staff with the best possible advice. Our H&S coordinator is of no use whatsoever, professional course/ awrd/ title collector who doesn' like to actually do anything. Weekly rant no over.

Posted By John Cook David have responded by e-mail. John

Posted By Makka The point of going down the BLMA route is you get certified as being competent to under take ladder inspections. I used to do them with my ex-employer before I was trained, my current employer insisted on the training, and I was amazed at how little I knew. For example I now know how you can tell if a rung has been incorrectly manufactured, or incorrectly installed into the stiles, if it has been subject to end stresses or overloading and is likely to crack or split in the near future. Twists and kinks in the stiles are also a thing to look for especially in metal ladders as it can exert stresses of the rungs and indicate previous miss use of one. I would highly recommend the formal training route as it also adds to you demonstrable skills.