Ladders are probably the most common means of access and they can be used safely by following some simple guidlines.
- Always carry out a pre-use check to make sure that the ladder is not damaged or unsafe to use.
- Make sure that the ground is firm and level that the ladder is secured so that it cannot fall.
- Use the 1 in 4 rule (one unit out for every four units up).
- Always hold on to the ladder when climbing - keep three points of contact at all times.
- Do not over-reach - keep your midriff between the stiles and both feet on the same rung at all times.
- Ladders should only be used for short duration work (maximum of 30 minutes).
The guidelines for step ladders are similar.
- Carry out a pre-use safety check
- Always use on firm and level ground.
- Ensure that the steps can be fully opened and always use any locking devices provided.
In agriculture, 1 in every 20 injuries result from a fall through or from a roof. Many of those killed or injured planned to be on the roof for only a few minutes to carry out a 'quick repair'. Before working on a roof always question - Is the work necessary and can it be done without going onto the roof?
It is advisable to consider the roof to be fragile - will not support the weight of a person - unless you have confirmed that it is not. At no time should anyone work on or cross fragile material unless they are using a work platform or some suitable covering that provides adequate support. No one should ever walk along the lines of the purlin bolts - this gives no protection whatsoever. Working platforms or staging - also known as crawling boards - should be at least 600mm wide and long enough to provide support across the roof members - they should span at least three purlins. Using a platform will spread the load but will not provide enough support if the only thing supporting it is the fragile roof material. They should be arranged up the gradient of the roof and not across it. The boards should not be constantly moved around - you should not rely on a couple of boards to 'leapfrog' across the roof. Always work at least 2m from all fragile materials such as roof lights unless they are securely covered.
Often it is necessary to carry out repairs on the roofs of agricultural buildings because they have been damaged by the weather. It is imperative that nobody carries out any work on a roof in inclement weather because this brings the additional hazard of being caught by a gust of wind.