Another tall story
The stepladder debate has been re-ignited by a story involving the fire service installing smoke detectors. What happened, and can anything be learned from it?
Knowing where you stand. Have you heard the one about the fire brigade being banned from using stepladders when installing smoke detectors? It’s one of the best “You can’t do that” stories we’ve heard in recent times. But, guess what? It’s not true. At no point has a firefighter been banned from using a stepladder for the simple task of installing smoke detectors in private houses. In fact, the HSE responded to a concern raised by both trade union and management representatives who felt that the use of stepladders was questionable. This concern had been left outstanding for three years.
Three-year delay. According to information from the HSE, its staff became involved in helping to resolve the outstanding concern. It was during this debate that an improvement notice was discussed as a solution. The truth is, a notice wasn’t actually issued and if one had been, it would have had nothing to do with using stepladders, only to ensure safety-related concerns weren’t being ignored.
So you can use stepladders. We can categorically state that using a stepladder for simple tasks is acceptable. In fact, we have a statement from the HSE Chief Executive to confirm it. (See The next step.)
Tip. To be absolutely sure that you won’t give an inspector reason to pick holes in your approach, follow the HSE’s own rules and guidance. To achieve this make sure your risk assessments follow these principles:
1. Work will be completed from the ground whenever practicable.
2. Stepladders will only be used for tasks that take less than 30 minutes to complete.
3. Three points of contact, i.e. two feet and one hand will be maintained.
The next step
For the HSE statement visit http://healthandsafety.indicator.co.uk (HS 05.11.01).
Create your profile to unlock this advice and many more.