Ladder Safety

OBR Construction — Mandatory Health & Safety Module

~25 minDuration

10Questions

75%Pass Mark

12 MonthsCertificate Validity

Your Full Name

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! Why This Training Matters

Falls from ladders are one of the leading causes of fatal and serious injuries in the UK construction industry. Every year, workers are killed or permanently injured from ladder falls that could have been prevented with proper selection, inspection, and use.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that ladders are only used where the risk assessment shows that other equipment is not justified — and that when ladders are used, they are used safely. This course covers how to select, inspect, position, and use ladders correctly on OBR Construction sites.

Note: This course covers portable ladders and stepladders. Fixed access ladders and scaffolding are covered separately under the Work at Height module.

1 When Is It Appropriate to Use a Ladder?

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, ladders are not always the right choice. The hierarchy of controls requires that safer alternatives are considered first. A ladder should only be used when a risk assessment confirms it is suitable for the task.

Ladders are appropriate when:

The task is of short duration — generally no more than 30 minutes at the top of the ladder
The work is light duty — no heavy materials, tools requiring two hands, or significant side loading
Three points of contact can be maintained throughout
A safer alternative (scaffold, MEWP, tower) is not reasonably practicable for the task

Ladders are NOT appropriate when:

The task requires both hands for extended periods
Heavy or bulky materials need to be carried up or down
The duration at height exceeds 30 minutes continuously
Significant side loading or sideways reach is required
The surface is unsuitable for safe footing at the base
Weather conditions make use unsafe (high winds, ice, rain)

Safer alternatives to consider first: Mobile scaffold tower, mobile elevated work platform (MEWP), traditional scaffolding, podium steps, or platform steps. The HSE expects employers to justify the use of a ladder rather than a safer alternative.

2 Types of Ladders and Their Uses

Different ladder types are suited to different tasks. Using the wrong type increases risk significantly.

Single/Straight Ladder

A single-section ladder. Must be leaned against a stable surface. Used for access to roofs, scaffolding, and elevated areas. Must extend at least 1 metre above the landing point.

Extension Ladder

Two or more sections that slide to extend. Must have sufficient overlap between sections as per the manufacturer guidance. Most common ladder type on construction sites.

Stepladder

Self-supporting A-frame ladder. Suitable for light, short-duration tasks where leaning against a surface is not possible. Must be fully open and locked before use. Not suitable for sideways work.

Combination Ladder

Can be used as a stepladder, extension ladder, or stairway ladder. Versatile but heavier. Must only be used in the configuration it is designed for — check manufacturer instructions.

Ladder classes:

Class 1 (Industrial) — rated to 175kg. For professional and trade use on construction sites. All OBR ladders must be Class 1 minimum.
Class EN 131 (Professional) — rated to 150kg. Suitable for trade use.
Class 3 (Domestic) — NOT suitable for construction site use. Never use domestic ladders on OBR sites.

3 Pre-Use Inspection

Every ladder must be inspected before each use. A damaged or defective ladder can fail without warning. Never use a ladder that fails inspection — tag it out of service and report it immediately.

What to check — stiles (side rails):

Check for cracks, bends, dents, or deformation — particularly near rungs
Check for corrosion on metal ladders — look at welds and joints
Check for splits, warping, or rot on wooden ladders
Ensure stiles are straight — a bent stile indicates the ladder has been overloaded or dropped

What to check — rungs:

Check all rungs are present, secure, and not loose or cracked
Check rung surfaces are clean and free from mud, oil, or ice
Check anti-slip surfaces on rungs are intact
Never use a ladder with a missing or damaged rung

What to check — feet and fixings:

Check rubber or non-slip feet are present and not worn smooth
Check locking mechanisms on extension ladders operate correctly and engage fully
Check hinges and spreader bars on stepladders open fully and lock in position

Never: Repair a damaged ladder yourself with tape, wire, or improvised fixings. A repaired ladder must be returned to the manufacturer or supplier for assessment. If in doubt, take it out of service.

4 Correct Positioning and Securing

Incorrect positioning is one of the most common causes of ladder accidents. A correctly positioned ladder is stable and safe — a poorly positioned one can slip or topple with no warning.

1:4

For every 4 metres of height, the base must be 1 metre out from the wall

75° angle from horizontal — the correct working angle for all leaning ladders

Positioning rules:

Always position on firm, level ground — never on soft, uneven, or slippery surfaces
The base must rest on a solid, stable surface — not on boxes, bricks, or other materials to gain height
The top must rest against a solid surface capable of supporting the load — not guttering, plastic fascia, or glazing
Extension ladders used for access must extend at least 1 metre (3 rungs) above the landing point
Position the ladder to avoid the need to overreach — your belt buckle should not go beyond the stile

Securing the ladder:

Tie at the top — tie both stiles to a secure fixing point. This is the most effective method
Tie at the bottom — if the top cannot be tied, secure the base to a stake or fixed point
Footing — as a last resort only, have a second person foot the ladder by standing on the bottom rung with their hands on the stiles. This is only suitable for short-duration, low-level work

Never: Lean a ladder against a fragile surface, position near doorways or traffic routes without barriers, or use a ladder on ice or frost without taking precautions.

5 Safe Use and Common Mistakes

Safe use — during climbing and working:

Three points of contact at all times — two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times when climbing
Face the ladder when climbing up and down — never descend facing outwards
Keep your body centred between the stiles — do not lean out to either side
Never work higher than the third rung from the top of the ladder
Move the ladder rather than overreaching — your belt buckle must stay inside the stiles
Do not carry tools or materials in your hands while climbing — use a tool belt, bag, or hoist
Only one person on a ladder at a time unless it is specifically designed for two
Do not use a ladder in high winds or adverse weather

Common Mistakes

Overreaching to avoid moving the ladder
Using a ladder at the wrong angle
Standing on the top two rungs
Climbing with hands full
Using a domestic or Class 3 ladder on site
Not securing the ladder before use
Using a damaged ladder

Stepladder Specific Rules

Always fully open and lock the spreader bar
Never work from the top platform unless it has a suitable handrail
Never use the back section of a stepladder as a climbing surface
Do not lean a stepladder against a wall and use it as a straight ladder
Position so work is directly in front — avoid sideways working

Overreaching is the single biggest cause of ladder accidents. It takes less than a second for a ladder to slide sideways when the user leans out. Always move the ladder — it takes 2 minutes and could save your life.

6 Key Summary

DO

Inspect the ladder before every use
Use Class 1 or EN 131 ladders only on site
Position at the correct 75° angle (1:4 ratio)
Extend at least 1 metre above the landing point
Secure the ladder at the top or base
Maintain three points of contact at all times
Move the ladder rather than overreaching
Face the ladder when climbing and descending

DON'T

Use a damaged or defective ladder
Use domestic (Class 3) ladders on site
Stand on the top two rungs
Overreach beyond the stiles
Carry tools or materials while climbing
Use a ladder in high winds or icy conditions
Place the base on unstable surfaces
Lean against guttering or plastic fascia

Remember: Ladders are a last resort under the Work at Height Regulations — always consider a safer alternative first. When a ladder is the right tool, use it correctly every time.

Certificate Validity: This Ladder Safety certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

? Knowledge Assessment

Answer all 10 questions. You must score 75% or above (8/10) to pass and receive your certificate.

Question 1 of 10

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, when is it appropriate to use a ladder?

Whenever it is more convenient than setting up scaffolding Only when a risk assessment confirms it is suitable — for short duration, light duty work where safer alternatives are not reasonably practicable For any task at height up to 5 metres Whenever the task takes less than an hour

Question 2 of 10

What is the correct angle (and ratio) for positioning a leaning ladder?

45° — 1 out for every 1 up 60° — 1 out for every 2 up 75° — 1 out for every 4 up 80° — 1 out for every 6 up

Question 3 of 10

By how much must an extension ladder extend above a landing point when used for access?

500mm (2 rungs) 1 metre (3 rungs) 1.5 metres (4 rungs) The ladder does not need to extend above the landing point

Question 4 of 10

What is the minimum ladder class required for use on OBR Construction sites?

Class 3 (Domestic) Any class is acceptable provided the ladder looks undamaged Class 1 (Industrial) or EN 131 (Professional) minimum Class 2 minimum

Question 5 of 10

What does "three points of contact" mean when using a ladder?

Both feet and one hand, or both hands and one foot, on the ladder at all times Both feet on the rungs and your body touching the ladder Both hands on the stiles and one foot on the ground Three people holding the ladder at the base

Question 6 of 10

You need to reach something slightly to the side of the ladder. What should you do?

Lean out carefully — a small amount of overreach is acceptable Descend and reposition the ladder so the work is directly in front of you Ask a colleague to steady the base while you reach out Hook one arm around the stile for support while reaching

Question 7 of 10

Which of the following is a valid method for securing a ladder at the top?

Leaning it against a plastic guttering which is firmly fixed Tying both stiles to a secure, fixed anchor point at the top Placing heavy bags at the base Wedging the top between two bricks

Question 8 of 10

You find a ladder on site with a cracked stile. What should you do?

Wrap the crack with strong tape and continue using it Only use it for short tasks at low height Remove it from service immediately, tag it as defective, and report it to your supervisor Use it carefully and report it at the end of the day

Question 9 of 10

How high from the top of the ladder is it safe to work?

You can work from the very top rung No higher than the third rung from the top No higher than halfway up the ladder No higher than the fifth rung from the top

Question 10 of 10

What is the safest way to carry tools when climbing a ladder?

Hold tools in one hand and use the other hand on the stile Tuck tools under your arm Use a tool belt, shoulder bag, or hoist so both hands are free for the ladder Pass tools up once you have reached the working level

Certificate of Completion

Ladder Safety

This is to certify that

Ladder Safety Training

Has successfully completed the OBR Construction Ladder Safety online training module in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and HSE guidance on the safe selection, inspection, and use of ladders and stepladders in construction.

Score Achieved

Date of Issue

Valid Until

Trainer

Martin Jones

Reference

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