These are worrying statistics , but they do demonstrate that much work still needs to be done to press home the vital importance of appropriate work at height training for contractors and installers . Using the right equipment for the job is at the heart of the issue , and for most professional tradespeople the ladder is a central bit of kit .

For electrical contractors and electrical installers , this choice is more pertinent in terms of health and safety considerations , as the risk of shock must be factored in as well as the necessary work at height safeguards .

Degree of confusion

In April 2005 , following the changes to the Health & Safety Executive ’ s ( HSE ) Work at Height Regulations ( WAHR ), there was a degree of confusion over whether ladders could be used on work sites as part of a safe work at height practice . Of course , this is categorically not the case . The HSE today states only that an appropriate risk assessment must be carried out prior to use , to ensure that the most appropriate equipment is used for the job – be it a ladder or an access tower .

Safe usage is at the heart of all HSE recommendations , and where contractors are concerned , safe use means using fibreglass construction ladders when electrical work is undertaken .

Each year in the UK , workers from across the electrical sector experience shocks from ladders that are not suitable for the job . Despite being what to many would be an obvious consideration , there are still installers who either don ’ t use fibreglass ladders or who aren ’ t supplied with one by their employer . Fibreglass ladders are non-conductive so should always be used for utilities work or electrical contracting .

To aid productivity , choose a fibreglass stepladder with storage options for tools and other equipment .

There will inevitably be a cost differential between fibreglass and aluminium models , but purchasers are advised to always buy approved products and also to steer clear of cheaper alternatives that might not be fit for purpose .

For example , some of the leading models on the market feature rails made using a proprietary pultrusion process , which creates a seven-layer construction , resulting in a strong and uniform product .

Werner ’ s ‘ rung-to-rail ’ connection , featured on its extension ladder range , minimises the risk of twisting upon ascent , while a special edge moulded brace and footpad combination on its stepladders range enhances bracing strength and protects the base tread from damage if the ladder is dropped .

To aid productivity , choose a fibreglass stepladder with storage options for tools and other equipment . Certain models include lock-in accessory systems , which can accommodate accessories such as job buckets , utility hooks and tool lassos , allowing the contractor to tailor their work area to the job , whilst helping to minimise the risks of accidents .

Optimum safety

Once the right product has been selected , and to ensure optimum safety at work , the HSE recommends that a number of important steps are followed before beginning a project where ladders will be used .

First , check the stiles . Make sure they are not bent or damaged , as the ladder could buckle or collapse . Second , check the feet . If they are missing , worn or damaged the ladder could slip . It is also important to check ladder feet when moving from soft ground to a smooth , solid surface to make sure the foot material , and not the dirt , is making contact with the ground .

Next , check the rungs . If they are bent , worn , missing or loose , the ladder could fail . Finally , be sure to check any locking bars are engaged . If they are bent or the fixings are worn or damaged the ladder could collapse .

If you ’ re using a stepladder , be sure that it is not split or buckled , otherwise the ladder could become unstable or collapse . Also check the treads on the stepladder – if they are contaminated they could be slippery .

All of the above factors are important to follow when delivering training to installers , but most important of all is the insistence that only fibreglass be used . It ’ s the job of the contractor to set the benchmark for best practice and ensure that all staff understand exactly what they should and shouldn ’ t be doing before and during a job , to minimise the risk of shock , and in the worst case , fatalities on site .

If you ’ re using a stepladder , be sure that it is not split or buckled , otherwise the ladder could become unstable or collapse .

48 | May 2017