Safe Working Practices for access Equipment
01: Ladders
Ladders are really only suitable for shot- duration work. When climbing, the worker should maintain three points of contact (one hand and two feet hands and one foot) and maintain two feet and one hand on the ladder whenever possible at work positions (e.g: inspection work or painting).
They are also suitable as a means of access and egress and are commonly used for access into excavations and onto scaffolds.
The main risk associated with using ladders include:
Workers falling from a height:
- Falling off the ladder.
- The ladder toppling sideways.
- The ladder base slipping out from the well.
Object falling from height.
Contact with live overheads.
Safety precautions for using ladders include the following:
Not siting or handling near live overheads.
Siting on a solid, flat base so that the feet do not sink into ground. Weight should only be supported on the stiles - never on the rungs.
Resting the top of the ladder against a solid support.
Ideally, securing the ladder at the top.
If this is not possible, then attaching guy ropes and securing them to firm supports.
Making sure that only one person climbs on the ladder at any one time.
Not carrying anything in the hands while climbing, so that both hands are free to grasp the sites.
Maintaining three points of contact while working.
Not painting wooden ladders as this can hide defects such as rot.
02: Stepladders
Like ladders, stepladders are intended for short - duration, light work.
Safety precautions for the use of stepladders are:
Carry out a daily check of the stepladders before use.
Always ensure that the ladder is fully open.
Make sure that the locking devices are in place.
Only use on firm, level ground which is not slippery.
Do not work off the top two steps (or the top three steps for swing - back / double-sided stepladders) unless there is a safe handhold on the steps.
Avoid Overreaching.
Avoid side on working.
Thanks you so much for reading
Next topics:
03: Trestles and Staging Boards
04: Independents Tied Scaffolds
These topic i will write tomorrow. Take care guys you all have a wonderful day. see you tomorrow. God bless you.
Publish on 29/05/2022
Original content
write by Elizacup12
Images from Unsplash