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Posted By Chas
The HSE has put out a statement (Whats New Friday 26th Jan 07) clarifying what is meant by three points of contact when using ladders/stepladders, ie two feet and one hand. In their leaflet (INDG402) they indicate in a picture that a light fitting can be changed from a step ladder with the three points of contact being two feet and knees in contact with the ladder, the two hands are holding the fitting. If we accept that ladders are not banned how can we as safety practitioners explain this apparent anomaly to someone who chooses to use a ladder? This conflicting guidance just makes my job harder!
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Posted By Peter Leese
By accepting and putting forward a practical approach in our day to day activities.
I know this is not fashionable with some but surely a step towards realism should be welcomed - not criticised!
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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.
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Posted By Crim
I agree with Chas, the HSE has confused the issue by stating 2 feet and 1 hand and also still using the picture of the man using a drill off a step ladder.
I had problems during a tool box talk on site when I was trying to follow the HSE guidance and contractors were showing me the conflicting pictures.
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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?
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Posted By Peter Leese
Actually there is quite a difference between the two.
I'm in agreement with both sets of advice from the HSE, you can lean forward quite safely on steps in the circumstances described.
Try it out, you'll see then the validity of the advice.
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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.
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Posted By Ken Taylor
The two links from the HSE site are clearly contradictory as far as stepladders are concerned and one of them needs amending to accept use of the body/D-ring contact.
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