latest news
Don’t neglect your fixed ladder safety responsibilities
It is a common misconception that due to their static nature, fixed ladders do not need inspecting regularly as with standard ladders and stepladders.
However, this is not the case, and as fixed ladders fall under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (P.U.W.E.R) 1998, they must be inspected at least annually by a trained and competent professional.
This inspection must be recorded and cover a set range of key inspection points.
These points include checking:
- That items that may present slips, trips, falls and impact hazards are not present
- That all fixings are secure
- All moving parts are in working order
- That rungs and hoops are not damaged
- That the current system is compliant with latest regulations
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 state that ‘If a fixed ladder is visibly damaged or otherwise defective, a breach under Regulation 6(3) can be alleged because the duty holder has not taken suitable and sufficient measures to prevent so far as is reasonably practicable any person falling a distance liable to cause personal injury.’
This means that ignoring your responsibilities and neglecting to keep your fixed ladder in the correct condition - even if you were not aware of this responsibility - can land you in hot water legally.
Not only that, but it can also cause someone serious injury, or even kill them. Ladders contribute to a large number of work at height injury and fatality statistics each year.
Furthermore, a standard inspection may not highlight that the fixed ladder is unsuitable for use due to non-compliance to the relevant standards. That is why we recommend having the ladder inspected for suitability by a dedicated third party.
At Roof Edge, we carry out thousands of inspections and recertify many systems for clients of all shapes and sizes. Our ethos is safety above all else, so you can trust that our inspection will cover all the bases and provide you with peace of mind.
For more information on fixed ladder inspections, or to enquire about our inspection and recertification service, call us on 01293 529977 or use our online contact form.
