Your Guide to Access Equipment

There is a wide range of access equipment to choose from for a range of heights and tasks.

Easy to move, lightweight and smaller access equipment for just out of reach items and quick tasks

Available in variety of heights. Four feet provide stability for occasional short jobs at height.

For use when jobs are too high for stepladders. Make sure these are properly stable before using – feet should be on stable ground and ladders leaning against stable structures.

Cover a wide range of heights and are often heavier duty and mobile for use in warehouses. Hand rails on either side of steps are often in place to give extra safety.

Used for work at height for durations longer than 30 minutes. Handrails and safety bars provide extra safety

Tips on the Safe Use of Stepladders and Ladders

When existing work features prevent the use of other safer equipment, or when the duration and low risk of the job mean that ladders are the preferable option to equipment that offers a higher level of safety
The duration of the job should not be more than 30 minutes (i.e. it should not involve staying up the ladder for more than 30 minutes)
When the ladder can be used safely (i.e. the ladder is level and stable)

You must be competent and know how to use the equipment safely (this may require training and supervision)

These should be done regularly at the start of each day, before each use and when something has changed (eg. the ladder has been dropped)
Should include checking the stiles, feet, rungs, locking mechanisms, platforms and steps or treads for any damage or wear that could affect their performance.

Ensure all feet are firmly on the ground
Only carry light materials and tools and do not overload the ladder (check the manufacturer’s specifications on loading capacity)
Make sure it is high enough or long enough for the task – do not overreach (for leaning ladders your belt buckle should stay within the stiles)
For leaning ladders the ladder should be at 75°
Use each step in turn and grip the handrails when climbing and descending
Do not attempt to move the ladder when standing on it
Do not work off the top three rungs
Always keep three points of contact (a hand and two feet) when climbing and wherever possible when at work position on the ladder (for stepladders you can lean your body on the ladder)
If a handhold cannot be maintained, take other measures to prevent or minimise consequences of a fall
Leaning ladders should be secured at the bottom and have a strong upper resting point
For stepladders ensure any locking devices are engaged
For stepladder – try to ensure as much as possible that the ladder is positioned so that the work you are carrying is face-on and not to the side
The ground the ladder is placed upon should be firm, level, clean and free from possible collision with any moving objects
Where the general public cannot access it

These should be securely tied and extend at least 1 metre above the point to be accessed
Stepladders should not be used for this purpose unless specifically designed to do so

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