29.10.2004

Guidance on alternatives to Step Ladders published

The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) estimates that around 15 per cent of reportable accidents from falls from height involve electricians. To tackle this problem and take account of the forthcoming Work at Height Regulations (WAH), has published guidance that examines alternatives to using stepladders and helps companies to work with the new legislation.

The new guidance, ‘Practical Alternatives to Using Stepladders’, is a two part work. Part one outlines the key requirements of the forthcoming WAH rules, due for implementation in early 2005. It underlines the fact that WAH does not ban the use of stepladders outright and covers issues such as: planning the job; risk assessment; competency and training; the potential choice of temporary access equipment and advice on the use of steps should they still be the preferred means of access.

Once the new directive is implemented, companies will have to consider the suitability of alternatives and, if using steps, be prepared to justify their choice of access equipment. Generally speakin they shodul only be used if a safer method is not available or practical.

Part two, which will be available later this year, will provide further detailed information on possible alternatives to stepladders, such as podiums, towers and mobile platforms.

The document has been drawn up in conjunction with the union, Amicus and with the active support of the Health and Safety Executive, as well as leading trade bodies SELECT (the Scottish Electrical Contractors’ Association), the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group (SECG) and manufacturers' organisation the EEF.

“The new guidance is designed to help both contractors and clients”, said Paul Reeve, H,S&E Advisor at the ECA. “Contractors need to have an open mind about choosing and using alternatives to stepladders, particularly in light of the forthcoming Work at Height Regulations. With regard to clients and main contractors, if they choose to ban the use of stepladders then they should be able to discuss practical alternatives with their contractors”.

He concluded: “The availability of this new guidance from the ECA will help clients and contractors to make an informed choice about practical alternatives”.

You can take a look at the document by going to the ECA web site, http://www.eca.co.uk and clicking on download