Posted By MICHAEL T
We have a team who have been told that wooden step-ladders have been banned.
Is this a wind up or have I missed something.
Regards
Mike

Posted By MickN
Don't know if this helps but...

Recent(ish) Irish legislation surrounding the old chestnut "work at height" has led to a number of construction companies banning ladders from their projects. The legislation makes it a requirement to risk assess any instance of WAH and as a result they choose to ban them instead. Podium step ladders are now becoming very common indeed where they have a 360 degree handrail protection.

I've seen wooden ladders banned due to the possibility that they would conduct electricity when wet. The answer here (note to Steve) is the fibre based ladder, can't think of the material just now.

In my 9+ years of construction safety I've never had an incident where someone fell off of one. My final point is this though, there are circumstances where nothing esle will do the job.

Mick

Posted By Kirsty Davies2
Geoff – wouldn’t it be wise to use a wooden ladder in preference to a metal one ( earth circuit break???)

Steve Cartwright - SPOT ON ANSWER, SHORT BUT TO THE POINT

L over

Posted By GeoffB4
Good question. The answer is I would prefer to use a ladder or steps most appropriate to the task.

Manual handling problems would take out most sets of ladders due to weight. Also I don't think I have seen a set of ladder or steps that are fit for purpose after the age of 3 or 4.

Electric shock - mmmmm, live working mmmm, I think if more probable I would isolate if circumstances permit. But if not I would consider modern plastic non conducting type ladders.