Steel Pole Ladder Safety Alert Withdrawn

 

    

24th May 2011

The recent Safety Alert on Steel Pole ladders issued by the NASC raised a number of questions related to the fitness for purpose of some steel pole ladders currently in use in scaffolding applications and has now been withdrawn and replaced by the following statement.

This NASC Statement has been drafted in consultation and co-operation with
the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the Ladder Association

It should not be assumed that a steel pole ladder with a rung surface which is not ribbed or similarly profiled is unsuitable. Many such ladders have been in use for long periods without any problems, and there is no reason why this type of ladder should be considered as unfit for use solely because of the absence of a profiled surface. It is important to note that the ladder standards require rungs to have a textured surface on the working face but do not specify tests or other methods for establishing the effectiveness of the rung surface in reducing slipping.

Critically important when considering the factors which may cause slipping on the rungs of a ladder is the advice offered in the ladder standards and the Ladder Association Code of Practice.

Before use, remove any contamination from the ladder, such as wet paint, mud, oil or snow.

When using the ladder wear suitable footwear when climbing. You must wear strong soled, flat footwear with a good grip and ensure the laces are tied properly. Failure to follow this advice presents dangers, regardless of the slip resistance of the rungs of the ladder being used.

Galvanised steel pole ladders were originally introduced as a heavy-duty robust alternative to the timber pole ladders that were used predominantly by the scaffolding industry. At that time (approximately 20 years ago or more) there were no European Standards for steel ladders and the only materials covered in British Standards were timber (BS 1129) and aluminium (BS 2037). On industrial sites such as power stations and steelworks, timber ladders would often twist, warp or split due to the hot arid environments. Therefore, these heavy-duty galvanised steel pole ladders were more suited for use in these arduous environments. Their popularity increased throughout the scaffolding industry in the 1990’s, as many scaffolding contractors found them to have greater longevity in use compared to ladders made from lighter materials and were less likely to be removed or stolen by others due to their weight compared to other portable ladders.

As a result of their robust construction, these original steel pole ladders have been used in construction and industrial maintenance for many years and could account for the tens of thousands that are still in use today.

Steel pole ladders complying with the requirements of EN131 may be considered for scaffolding applications, since this is the only standard to which steel ladders can be certified.

Where a risk assessment indicates the selection of a heavier duty ladder is required, steel ladders conforming to the greater strength requirements of BS2037 (portable aluminium ladders) Industrial Class 1 may be more appropriate.

When considering all the factors of use that apply in scaffolding applications, the use of steel in place of aluminium for Class 1 ladders is a valid alternative. However, it is not possible for steel ladders to be certified in accordance with BS2037. Some steel ladders, which are certified in accordance with EN131, could also meet the higher strength requirements of BS2037 Class 1 ladders; conformation should be sought from the manufacturer / supplier.

The Ladder Association Code of Practice advises that “Steel ladders are generally heavy and therefore difficult to move around. However, their weight and durability may be suitable for longer-term temporary access in scaffolding applications”. The use of Class 1 timber ladders certified in accordance with BS1129 (portable timber ladders) may also be appropriate.

The HSE, the NASC and the Ladder Association would like to confirm that the immediate and wholesale removal of steel pole ladders from service or the supply chain is not necessary. It is not a legal requirement for these ladders to conform to a specific standard. The legal requirement is that they are fit for purpose. We accept that there are steel pole ladders in service that do not conform to EN 131, but are suitable for use in scaffolding applications. When these ladders become unserviceable, they should be replaced by ladders which meet the requirements of EN 131 or meet the strength, dimensions and rung requirements of Class 1 as defined by BS2037.
For timber ladders BS1129 remains current.

The advice given in HSE publication INDG402 ‘Safe use of ladders and stepladders’
still remains current.

[ends]

 

To view the withdrawn Safety Alert and a printable version of this statement please click here

 

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