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Fixed Vertical Ladders

Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2020 8:27 pm
by psimmo
Hi all. Would be interested to hear peoples thoughts on fixed vertical ladders.

As part of a job at a Clients factory, i need to access a roof via a fixed vertical metal ladder. Its a ladder that has been there since the 70's and the responsible person for the premises (H&S wise) says the ladder has been risk assessed and checked regularly and fit for purpose (i asked all of this before using it). It accesses the roof through a hatch that leads to another fixed ladder, but there is no handrail as such on the external side (other than this fixed ladder). The internal ladder is aprox 2.5m in height.

I'm just surprised its deemed as fit for purpose but i cannot find much online. The rungs are not serrated and i would have thought could be very slippery if it's been raining.

Can anyone give me any pointers for fixed vertical ladder safety please?

Thanks all.

Simmo

Re: Fixed Vertical Ladders

Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2020 6:09 pm
by ddlh
Hi Simmo - I am surprised nobody else has offered their opinion on your post as - as I see it - the work at height Regs apply here.
I would also like to see the risk assessment which claims to be "fit for purpose" and check the competency of the assessor.

Ladders should extend at least i metre above the landing space to allow you to step off safely - with edge protection if possible to fall off..
Fixed ladders should also be tested under the PUWER Regs 98 and should be tested yearly - but as they were installed in the 1970s I would be looking at getting a specialist contractor in to load test the securing fixtures. Ladders should also be tagged with their last inspection date and be recorded on a ladder register. Is there a register?

I would also question if the first ladder is leading into a confined or restricted space so CS Regs may apply?

So much of this raises alarm bells with me - (I used to work in a mill dating back a hundred years and we had a few fatalities that could have been avoided).

Please keep us up to date on how you get on. But I would be looking for assurance from the client before climbing.

Re: Fixed Vertical Ladders

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2020 7:45 am
by psimmo
Thank you ddlh. It's very reassuring that i am not making a fuss out of nothing.

Goes to show this forums helping to improve my knowledge of health and safety and considering risks a little more prudently in the workplace, where ever i go.

Appreciate you taking the time to provide your thoughts.

Thanks again.
Simmo