Ladder exchange launched
September 1st 2009 The HSE has launched its Ladder Exchange scheme 2009,an initiative that gives people the opportunity to trade old,damaged and broken ladders in for new ones
In 2007/08 a total of 58 workers died
and over 3600 employees suffered
major injury as a result of a fall from
height. Many of these incidents could be
avoided by using the right equipment
and taking simple precautions. HSE is
working in partnership with industry to
ensure that anyone involved in working
at height uses the right equipment for
the job and uses it safely.
"Over the next few months, businesses
will get the chance to get their ladders
checked and, where necessary, trade
them in for new ones at a heavily
discounted price," explains Peter Brown
HSE head of work environment, gas and
radiation and gas division. "HSE is
working with Local Authorities, ladder
manufacturers and retailers to address
the safety issues around access
equipment with employers and ladder
users.
"We want anyone working at height
to use the right ladder for the job and to
use it safely. Ladder Exchange is the
perfect opportunity for businesses to
assess the risks involved in using ladders
and to adopt sensible health and safety
measures."
The ladder exchange programme is
one part of HSE's ongoing Shattered
Lives campaign which aims to reduce the
number of fatal and major injuries each
year that result from falling from a
height.
Don Aers, Chairman of the Ladder
Association said:
"Over two million people work on
ladders daily in the UK and we want all
of those workers to work safely. We
enthusiastically support the Ladder
Exchange because it's an initiative,
alongside training, that can really make
a difference."
When it comes to ladder safety,
always ask three simple questions:
Do you need a ladder or should you
use something different?
Is it the right ladder?
Are you using the ladder safely?
Big Brother star Craig Phillips was also
present at the launch of this year's
campaign to give his support. Craig,
currently on ITV1's 60 Minute
Makeover wanted to help drive the
message home to the construction
industry: "To be a winner in the
construction industry you have to take
health and safety seriously.
"If you take a chance with dodgy
ladders you are risking your life. Every
month over 100 people fall off a ladder
at work and suffer serious injuries. So
many of these accidents are avoidable
and having safe equipment makes a
huge difference," urged Craig.
The exchange discount can be up to
50 per cent off and ladders can be
exchanged at any of the partner retail
outlets including: ABRU, Browns
Ladders and Ceilings, Clow Group,
Globe Ladders, HSS Hire, The Ladder
Association, LadderStore.com , Ladder
& Fencing Industries (Newent), SGB,
Speedy Hire, TB Davies, Youngman
Group, Zarges
Ladders - pre use checks advice
Every time a ladder is used a pre-use check should be
carried out beforehand to make sure that it is safe for
use.
A pre use check should be carried out by the user:
At the beginning of the working day; and
After something has changed i.e. ladder dropped or
moved from a dirty area to a clean area (check state
or condition of feet)
Daily pre-use checks provide the opportunity to pick
up any serious defects before they cause an accident.
1. Leaning ladders
Check the stiles – Do not use the ladder if they are
bent or damaged - the ladder could buckle or
collapse.
Check the feet – Do not use the ladder if they are
missing or worn or damaged - the ladder could slip.
Check the rungs – Do not use the ladder if they are
bent, missing or loose - the ladder could become
unstable.
2. Step ladders pre-use checks - things to look for
Check the locking bars – Do not use the ladder if
they are bent or the fixings are worn or damaged -
the ladder could collapse.
Check the feet – Do not use the ladder if they are
missing or worn or damaged - the ladder could slip.
Check the stepladder platform – Do not use the
ladder if it is split or buckled - the ladder could
become unstable or collapse.
Check the steps or treads – Do not use the ladder if
they are contaminated - they could be slippery.
Check the steps – Do not use the ladder if the fixings
are loose - they could collapse.
Check the stiles – Do not use the ladder if they are
bent or damaged - the ladder could buckle or
collapse.
More information: www.hse.gov.uk More articles from Wardworth Ltd T/a Ladderstore.com: | 
