Can I use a ladder for this?

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Six questions from the Work at Height Regulations and HSE guidance that decide whether a ladder is justified for the task - or whether it needs a podium, tower or MEWP.

What the regulations say about ladders

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 do not ban ladders. Schedule 6 allows a ladder to be used for work at height only where a risk assessment shows that the use of more suitable equipment is not justified because of the low risk and the short duration of the work, or because of existing features of the site that cannot be altered. That is the test this tool applies. "Low risk and short duration" is the HSE's language, and its guidance (INDG455) puts short duration at roughly 30 minutes in one position.

The checks that decide it

Three points of contact and the belt buckle inside the stiles - so no side reaching, no heavy loads, no both-hands tasks. Light work - about 10 kg, and no tasks that need force, because pushing a drill into brickwork or pulling cable is what walks the feet out. Firm, level ground, the ladder at 75° (one out for every four up), tied at the top, footed, or secured with a stability device. And a pre-use check: stiles, rungs, feet, and the label. If any of those fail, the answer is different access, not a more careful ladder user.

What to use instead

For internal and low-level work, podium steps and small mobile towers have all but replaced stepladders on well-run sites: a platform, a guardrail, both hands free. For anything external, longer, higher or over a drop, a tower, a scaffold or a MEWP. The cost of a podium is a fraction of one RIDDOR fall, and falls from ladders remain one of the biggest single causes of serious injury in construction.

Writing it into the RAMS

Where a ladder is justified, say so in the method statement in a sentence: the task, the duration, the load, and why other equipment was not reasonably practicable. Where it is not, the method statement names the equipment and the person who checks it. Our Work at Height Regulations guide sets out the hierarchy, and the working at height RAMS templates have the ladder justification already in the format.

FAQs

Are ladders banned on construction sites?

No. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 allow ladders where a risk assessment shows that safer equipment is not justified because the work is low risk and short duration, or because site features cannot be changed. They are not the default choice.

How long can you work on a ladder?

HSE guidance uses about 30 minutes in one position as the benchmark for short duration. Longer than that and other equipment such as a podium, tower or MEWP is expected.

What is the maximum weight to carry up a ladder?

HSE guidance treats light work as around 10 kg, and the user must be able to keep one hand on the ladder. Heavier or awkward loads need a different method.

Does a ladder need to be tied?

A leaning ladder should be secured - tied at the top, footed by a second person, or fitted with a stability device - and set at 75 degrees on firm, level ground. Unsecured ladders are the usual factor in slip-out falls.

Get the documents ready-made

Get the working at height paperwork that shows the decision was made properly. The Working at Height Pack covers ladders, podiums, towers, MEWPs and roof work with RAMS, inspection records and toolbox talks.

General guidance only. This article explains how the rules generally work in UK construction. It is not advice for your specific site, task or project, and it is not legal advice. Your own risk assessment, method statement and arrangements must be prepared and checked by a competent person for the actual work being done.