County Safety Services Ltd. t/a CSS Worksafe
Unit 1, Phase 3, Buntsford Park Road
Bromsgrove
Worcestershire
B60 3DX
Tel: 0800 783 0757
Fax: 01527 873262
info@cssworksafe.com
Working at Height Myths.
At CSS Worksafe, we are here to help you work safer at height, whilst being cost effective. In this short article we will clear up some working at height myths! There is no need to always use the expensive scaffolding route when a ladder is the best option.
HSE has banned the use of ladders on all building and construction sites.
No, this is not the case! Ladders and stepladders are of use on building and construction sites, and can be the most sensible and most practical option. There are constraints to the work though, such as not to work on the ladder for longer than 30 minutes at a time.
You need to be formally ‘qualified’ before using a ladder at work.
No, you do not. BUT, you do need to be competent. This means having the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to use a ladder properly for the work you will be doing. At CSS we offer multiple courses on working at height and how to stay safe and recommend trainee’s join a course, such as ours, so to be assured the teacher has the relevant skills and competence to demonstrate safe working practices.
I am working at height if I’m walking up and down a staircase at work.
Seriously No, you are not. walking up a permanent staircase in a building is not working at height.
You need to have two feet and one hand on a stepladder at all times when carrying out a task.
No, this isn’t true. You need to maintain three points of contact. This is not just two feet and one hand, it can be two feet and your body (use your knees or chest to help with stability) supported by the ladder. But ensure a handhold is available to steady yourself before and after. Although we at CSS Worksafe highly recommend to use a fall arrest system for portable ladders, it just makes life on the ladder rung that little bit less dangerous.
HSE has banned the use of ladders to access scaffolds and you will be fined if you ignore this ban.
No, this isn’t true. Ladders can be used for access as long as they are suitable for the job, in good condition and secured effectively!
