– Store the ladder in a closed and
upright position.
Causes of accidents
The following partial listing of risks
tells of typical hazards and exam-
ples for frequent causes of acci-
dents when using a ladder.
In order to avoid accidents, take
into consideration the mentioned
risks in the handling of the ladder
as a basis for safe work.
a) Loss of stability
1) incorrect positioning of the lad-
der (e.g. incorrect propping
angle of leaning ladders or
incomplete opening of step
ladders);
2) sliding away of the lower end of
the ladder outwards, e.g. away
from the wall on which the lad-
der is leaning;
3) slipping off the ladder sideways,
falling to the side and tipping of
the upper tread (e.g. by leaning
out too far or an insufficient grip
on the uppermost top step);
4) poor condition of the ladder
(missing or damaged rubber
caps on the support foot);
5) climbing off of an unsecured
ladder at height;
6) unsuitable ground at the instal-
lation site of the ladder (e.g.
unstable, soft ground, sloping,
slippery surfaces or contami-
nated solid surfaces);
7) unfavourable weather condi-
tions (e.g. wind);
8) collision with a ladder, e.g. by
vehicles or doors;
9) incorrect choice of ladder (e.g.
ladder too short, unsuitable
use).
b) Improper handling
1) setting up the ladder in its posi-
tion of usage;
2) assembly and disassembly of
the ladder;
3) carrying items whilst climbing
the ladder.
c) Slips, stumbles and falls
1) unsuitable footwear;
2) contaminated rungs;
3) careless behaviour of user (e.g.
taking two steps at a time, slid-
ing down the beams).
d) Failure of the ladder
construction
1) poor condition of the ladder
(e.g. damaged beams, wear and
tear);
2) overloading of the ladder.
e) Electrical hazards
1) unavoidable work under voltage
(e.g. fault tracing);
2) setting up the ladder in direct
proximity of electrical equip-
ment under voltage (e.g. high
voltage overhead cables);
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