PLATFORM AS/NZS 1892: PORTABLE LADDERS INSPECTION Check for bends, cracks and signs of fatigue. Do not use if ladder is damaged. TRANSPORTATION Fasten ladder securely to and road shock. STABILITY level ground and lash if necessary. LOCKING DEVICES Ensure spreader arms, platforms and latches are fully engaged. FOOTWEAR Always use fully enclosed and slip resistant footwear. DO NOT OVERREACH Always keep your ‘belt buckle’ inside the footprint of the ladder. DO NOT USE PLANKS This ladder is NOT designed to support a plank. ONE PERSON ONLY This ladder is designed for one person only. DO NOT OVERLOAD kg The load rating of this ladder includes the user and materials. FALLING OBJECTS Remove any loose objects before relocating this ladder. DO NOT USE THIS LADDER IF YOU TIRE EASILY OR ARE SUBJECT TO FAINTING SPELLS, ARE USING MEDICATION, DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, ARE PREGNANT OR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED. The manufacturer/importer Werner Co. will not be responsible for damage or injury to persons through misuse of ladders. ©2016 WernerCo. 107993-01 Rev A 2/16 Changes in work practices and OH&S so far as is reasonably practicable by practicable alternative, you must legislation have resulted in a decrease in implementing control measures in implement administrative controls. The the number of fatalities in the construction accordance with the hierarchy of risk work may also be undertaken from ladders industry. In 2007 a little over 3 out of every control maintain the implemented control Where an electrical hazard exists only use a 100,000 workers died in the construction measure so that it remains effective, and fibreglass platform stepladder industry. In 2016 the fatality rate had dropped review, and if necessaryrevise all risk When choosing the correct ladder for the • to 1.5 out per 100,000 workers. A key driver of control measures so as to maintain, so workplace, there are a number of criteria to the reduction in workplace deaths has been a far as is reasonably practicable, a work consider. result of adopting safer methods of working at environment that is without risks to health heights. In short using a platform stepladder and safety • Domestic or Industrial – Only an industrial or scaffold instead of a traditional ladder is rated ladder with a minimum load rating of saving lives in the construction industry. To provide adequate protection against 120kg can be used in the workplace. the risks of falls, specific control measures Ladder height – The ladder height and Before undertaking any work at height, must be implemented where it is reasonably • consider the operating environment, the task practicable to do so: maximum reach height varies depending at hand, the people and tools required and the on if you are using a stepladder or duration of the task. • Level 1 controls: Carry out any work that extension ladder. Before you purchase a involves the risk of a fall on the ground or ladder, its best to speak with staff, WH&S In 2016 Safework Australia developed a on a solid construction e.g work from the representatives or a height safety specialist. model code of practice for preventing falls ground or a guarded structure where there in the workplace. This code of practice has is no risk of a fall from one level to another • Ladder construction – An aluminium ladder been adopted by every state and territory in is lightweight and is appropriate for general Australia. The code of practice states that the • Level 2 controls: Carry out the work using trade and DIY use, whereas a fibreglass PCBU must manage risks of a fall associated a fall prevention device e.g a temporary ladder is appropriate for use where an with construction work. work platform, a scaffold or a platform electrical hazard exists. stepladder Finally, more and more worksites every In order to manage risk under the WHS Level 3 controls: Carry out the work using Regulations, the PCBU • day are insisting that tradespeople and a work positioning system e.g a travel contractors use a Platform Stepladder when •identify reasonably foreseeable hazards restraint system undertaking work on site. It is a trend that is that could give rise to the risk Level 4 controls: Carry out the work using a sure to continue meaning that the appropriate • •eliminate the risk so far as is reasonably fall arrest system height safety product should form part of practicable every contractor’s tool kit. • Level 5 controls: If a risk remains after •if it is not reasonably practicable to considering all of the control measures eliminate the risk – minimise the risk listed above, and there is no reasonably Ladder Safety