Safesite Ladder Restraint

SAFESITE LADDER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

External window cleaning and general maintenance operations often require the use of ladders as a means of access. Statistically third of all reported fall from height incidents involve ladders and stepladders, on average this accounts for 14 deaths and 1200 major injuries to workers each year.

Generally ladders should only be used as a means of access and not as a working platform and it is essential that three points of contact be maintained and overstretching is avoided.

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LEGISLATION

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, ladders can be used if after assessing the risks the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified. This could be because of the low risk and short duration i.e takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

Ladders can also be used for low risk work where there are features on the site that mean a ladder must be used.

BS 8213 Part 1 : 2004 Windows, doors and rooflights provides guidance to designers of reach limits in relation to cleaning. Should these limits need to be exceeded then suitable anchorage points in accordance to BS EN 795 : 1997 Protection against falls from a height anchor devices - Requirements and testing need to be provided for the operative to attach via a lanyard and harness.

These structural anchorage points need to be installed and tested to BS 7883 : 2005 Application and use of anchor devices conforming to BS EN 795

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations under Regulation 16 deals with the ability to clean windows etc safely.

Paragraph 156 states

• Suitable provisions should be made so that windows and skylights can be cleaned safely if they cannot be cleaned from the ground or other surface."

Paragraph 157 states

• Suitable provision includes: (c) providing suitable conditions for the future use of mobile access equipment, including ladders up to 9 metres long."...
• Where a ladder over 6 metres long will be needed, suitable points for tying or fixing the ladder should be provided."
• suitable and suitably placed anchorage points for safety harnesses."

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ANNUAL RE-CERTIFICATION

In the case of fall arrest products BS EN 365 : 2004 Personal Protective Equipment against falls from height - General requirements for instructions for use and for marking. This can be carried out by Safesite as a service contract and included within the quotation for the system.

With reference to ladder restraints there are no requirements for annual re-certification, however, the straps, Ratchet and "J" hooks must be visually inspected by a competent person every time they are utilised.

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