Posted By Andy Brazier Body resting on D ring is third point of contact. See following http://www.hse.gov.uk/fa...tepladderthreepoints.htm Also: http://www.hse.gov.uk/fa...gladders/threepoints.htm http://www.hse.gov.uk/fa...s/threepointsclarify.htm http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg402.pdf

Posted By Tabs I am bewildered. The 'What's new' article states "Three points of contact means both feet and one hand in contact with the ladder or stepladder." but when you click the link 'Using a Stepladder' it then says "Three points of contact can mean two feet and the body supported by a “D-ring” or the steps as show in the illustration." (sic) And they say that they are clarifying the situation! What a farce.

Posted By Brenda H This is absolutely ridiculous and flippen confusing!!!! Where's the differen between using your body as the third point of contact on a stepladder and using it on a ladder? Also, there latest text on their website says for ladders, and I quote.. 'When working from a ladder where you cannot maintain a handhold other than for a brief period of time (eg to hold a nail whilst starting to knock it in, starting a screw), other measures will be needed to prevent a fall or reduce the consequences of one.' Well for a start what's a 'brief period of time' and if you run through the light work, short duration work, no over reaching, side loading risk assessment justification, surely it's acceptable to make a decision for some work off a straight ladder where the third point of contact is acceptable?

Posted By Brenda H Yes I realise there is a difference between the two. I think what I was getting at, and what I find frustrating is this:- The HSE are clearly advocating some work using both hands (where the body becomes the third point of contact) off a stepladder. However, not really off a ladder....unless it's for a brief period to start screwing in a screw or similar. But it comes down to what's brief? Is it this 30 minute short duration period or less? I'm fairly confident I get the idea, but it just doesn't make it easy and just causes a knee jerk reaction, in my opinion, in industry.