Risk Assessment guidelines for use of STEPLADDERS
post equipment selection
Fill
out the form and then print it out
Name
of person completing assessment:
Site:
Activity: Using Stepladders for access or as a work
place for cleaning, maintenance, painting, decoration,
ceiling work, electrical work, plumbing, inspections
etc.
Hazards (most common):
Overreaching
1.Steps become unstable
2.User, Steps, tools fall
3.User, Steps, tools strike persons below
Sideways loading e.g.drilling:
1.User pushed himself off Steps and falls
2.User, Steps, tools strike person below
Losing balance:
1.User loses balance
2 User grabs Steps and Steps become unstable
3.User, Steps, tools fall
4.User, Steps, tools strike
persons below
People at Risk: Users and others on site
Control Measures:
My Stepladder:
My Answers
Yes
No
Are my Stepladder manufacturer's instructions
available and have I read and understood them?
Is it strong enough for task?
Is my Stepladder strong enough?
Is my Stepladder capable of reaching the working
height?
Have I checked my Stepladder for wear, tear, and
damage affecting safety? (e.g. hinges, rivets
and dents. If in doubt don't use it).
Does my Stepladder conduct electricity? Do I
need a non-conducting Stepladder e.g. live fault
finding.
Can I carry my Stepladder and position it safely
without slipping, tripping or falling?
Is my footwear OK for working on a Stepladder?
My Job and Place:
My Answers
Yes
No
Number of people working on Stepladder (max one
person)
Ground conditions (must be firm, level and
stable).
Do weather conditions allow safe use of
Stepladder? (e.g. lightning, wind, rain, snow,
ice, temperature and sun)
Frequency of use and duration of task without a
break (not to exceed 30 minutes)
Danger of electrical shock ( No LIVE electrical
conductors within a dangerous proximity).
Can I carry materials, equipment and tools,
climb Stepladder and work safely maintaining a
handhold?
My Job and Place:
My Answers
Yes
No
Can I place Stepadder to avoid overreaching and
sideways-on loading on each task?
Could sudden unexpected movement cause me to
fall off Stepladder and how serous are the
consequences of falling?
Should I segregate the working area around
Stepladder to protect it and other personnel?
Reconsider level of risk if tasks change or if
site change.
Level of Risk: In view of the 'Controls'
my Leaning Ladder is suitable for the task and
site, a ladder having already been selected.