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Published in April 2012 by the Workplace Safety andHealth Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower

This guide may not be reproduced without prior permission.The Workplace Sa ety and Health Council does not acceptany liability or responsibility to any party or losses or damagearising rom ollowing this guide.

More in ormation at www.wshc.sg or email contact@wshc.sg

FALLING OFF LADDERS CAN KILL

A sa ety initiative by

USE THEM SAFELY

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When you want to reach a higher area in your work, think about the bestequipment to use. While a ladder or stepladder is commonly used, it may notbe the best option. Ask yoursel these questions be ore deciding on a ladder:

Will I have to hold heavy items while on the ladder? Is the higher area higher than 2 metres and would require a long ladder

that can be unstable? Will I be working at height for a long time? Do I have to stand on the ladder sideways in order to work?

If your answer is yes to all the above, do not use a normal ladder. If possible,bring in other equipment like a scissor lift. If you have to use a ladder, useone that has a working plat orm with hand rails barricades at the sides (e.g.

a plat orm step queen ladder).

Whenever you use a ladder or a stepladder, take note o the sa ety tips in this guide.

Over the past ew years, more than 10 workers were killed a ter alling oladders. Many more were injured. The sa e use o ladders is important toprotect your sa ety. This book will show you how.

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When Should You Use A Ladder?Introduction

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Use the right ladder or the job. For example, the ladder must be high enoughor you to reach your work area without having to stand on its top rung.

Ladders used to access anotherlevel should be tied and extendedat least 1 metre above the landingpoint to provide a secure handhold.

Base o ladder should be secured.

Wear proper ootwear(e.g., non-slip at shoes).

Place the ladder on stable and levelground. DO NOT place i t on anuneven sur ace.

Ensure that the ladder is ullyextended be ore starting work.

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Be ore using a ladder, you should check it care ully to ensure no visibledefects and is in a good working condition. Do the checks according tomanu acturers instructions.

When keeping the ladder a ter use, you should maintain and store the ladderaccording to the manu acturers instructions.

Do not use faulty ladders such as these: :

Check, maintain and store ladders well

Do not use the ladder if it is bent.

Do not use the ladder if it ismissing any step.

Do not use the ladder if their spreadersdo not have a locking device or mechanism.