The Ladder Association,has published an 8-page guide explaining changes to portable ladder standards.
The guide highlights the key changes for specifiers, users and health and safety professionals, and for managers and supervisors responsible for the safety of employees using ladders in the workplace.
These highlights include:
- Essential information on how and when the changes will affect users
- Advice on how to ‘shop smart’ when replacing existing ladders because they are damaged or unfit for further use
- Details of changes to design requirements and the two new classes of ladders
The guide makes it absolutely clear that standards do not apply retrospectively and gives practical, sensible advice to businesses in adjusting their purchasing policies to take account of the new standards.
It also re-emphasizes that, whilst ladders may not always be the first choice when working at height, they are often a sensible and practical option for low-risk and short duration tasks, and there are many situations where a ladder is the only practical option.
The guide is essential reading for anyone who uses or purchases ladders. For a free copy go to www.ladderassociation.org.uk/en131
