Posted By Is Kismet A pair of steps (1.2m high) built to a domestic standard and with a manufacturers weight limit of 15 stone is being used in an office environment. The bottom step only (about 15cm) is used to allow two of the smaller members of staff to reach binders on the top shelf. That height is quite adequate, there is no need to go any higher and the binders are standard 9cm width and A4 size. There is not a manual handling issue, and both users would be offended if you suggested the steps couldn't bear their weight (both are under 9 stone, at a guess). The steps are used for this job only, the activity takes place about 2 or 3 times a month for each user, and the job takes approximately 30 seconds from start to finish. No other staff are allowed to use the steps (which are locked up) and all staff know of this restriction. Problem: An issue has been raised by an independent consultant who is stating that the existing steps should be removed and that the steps should be to an industrial standard. My personal view, is that the arrangements in place are perfectly adequate, and the risk is low. Comments and opinions would be welcome.

Posted By Joel Frorath I think you have looked at this in a very sensible and practical way and I would agree with your findings, however Richard is quite right in what he has said, in a civil claim for example a clever "(No Win No Fee)" legal begal could use the fact that the ladder was for domestic purpose only and you would be very likely to be snookered. For the little bit extra piece of mind you may as well go that extra mile and get the proper kit. There are better and safer systems rather than ladders. For example you can get these mini staircase which have handrails each side, self locking carstors so it can't go anywhere when some one is using them. Used in libaries etc. If you need supplier info let us know. Better safe than sorry I reckon.

Posted By jackdaw What is the standard that the steps are built to? BS??????

Posted By Ann Guerrini Hi Is, One of our stores was using a domestic ladder, the EHO was not impressed. I would agree with the other posts that it is just not worth the risk. We use Class 1 in all of outlets. Kind regards Ann

Posted By Merv Newman I think that a reasonable risk assessment would show that class 1 is not justified in the circumstances AS DESCRIBED Stick a lable on the steps "not to be used by anyone weighing more than 10 stone (140 lbs, 63 kg)" or whatever the limit for class 3 is. Record your decision and justification. Your are more likely to do harm if you ask light weight people to start lugging around heavy steps. And the more effort required to comply with safety requirements the more people are inclined to take short cuts. Merv

Posted By Rob Yuill BS 2037:1994 is the Specification for Portable aluminium ladders, steps, trestles and lightweight stagings. Class 1: industrial. For heavy duty where relatively high frequency and onerous conditions of use, carriage and storage occur. Suitable for industrial purposes. Duty rating 130 kg. Class 2: light trades (folding trestles only). For medium duty where relatively low frequency and reasonably good conditions of use, storage and carriage occur. Suitable for light trade purposes. Duty rating 110 kg. Class 3: domestic. For light duty where frequency of use is low and good storage and carriage conditions pertain. Suitable for domestic and household purposes. Duty rating 95 kg. BS EN 14183:2003 is the spec for for Step Stools; Section 7 (Instructions for use) has the follwoing info "Suitable instructions for use have to be provided by the manufacturer. This shall include the maximum total load of not more than 150 kg. Section 8 (Marking) states: All marking shall be clear and durable and prominently positioned on the product. The marking shall include: Manufacturer's declaration of suitability of use. The manufacturer shall advise of any limit of use to which the product is allowed and any environment for which it is unsuitable (e.g. "for indoor use only"); name of the manufacturer and/or supplier; product designation in accordance to clause 4; year and month of manufacture and/or serial number; maximum total load. Step Stools (kick stools) are often seen in libraries to access low heights. Class 1 for offices is overkill, Class 2 is more than adequate providing hand grips are provided, Class 3 could be considered if useage complies with the standard. "Domestic" does not necessarily mean "at home" as the use at work could mirror that found typically at home. 13 amp 3 pin plugs are "domestic" in design compared with BS 4343 plugs; but do you use those at work? A risk assessment should sort it out, and don't forget training and user checks before use! Rgds Rob

Posted By Ali Class 3 is for domestic duty; Class 2 for light indstry and Class 1 for heavier industry. I would use Class II if appropriate, but not ClassI as this is not recommended for commercial use. It has less "wear and tear" properties. The HSE website is a useful source of guidance if stuck. Ali

Posted By Paul Devlin I think we're drifting from the point on the ladders. I can sympathise with the original poster as well as to the pettiness of the reccomendation but in our line of business we need to be strict. As one poster stated would it be easier to move the folders to a lower point for the staff, if not, why use ladders. Again another poster mentioned the small industrial steps (shaped like a clover if i'm not mistaken) you can get for standing on, after all the initiual poster did mention they only use the first step.

Posted By jackdaw Yes, I'm also suprised that a pair of steps could cause so much trouble - oh yes, you might need to consider ensuring that the box meets essential health and safety requirements so it can be CE marked!!