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Ladder Safety

Mintra 12 questions

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Ladders look simple and hurt people every day. Choosing the right material, erecting it correctly and using it properly are what keep a climb safe. This guide covers ladder types, set-up and safe use.[1][2]

Ladder materials

  • Wood — low cost, but tends to age quickly and can become wobbly.
  • Aluminium — light weight, but can bend easily and cannot be used near electricity.
  • Fibreglass — expensive, and resilient in harsh weather; can be used near electricity.

Erecting and using a ladder

When erecting a long ladder, the heaviest person should stand at the base. Set the ladder at the correct angle: if a ladder is supported 12 feet off the ground, its base should be about 3 feet from the wall (a 1-in-4 ratio). Always face the ladder during ascent and descent, allow only one person at a time on a ladder, keep your body aligned with the centre of the steps, avoid over-reaching, and maintain three points of contact while climbing.

Different ladder types

A step ladder is self-supporting. Extension ladders are made up of a base, which sits on the ground, and a fly, the extendable movable piece; they are most often used to reach high places, particularly when a single ladder is not long enough. Extension ladders should not be stored in a vertical position.

Inspection

A ladder should always be checked before use and inspected on a regular basis. Guidelines stipulate that ladder inspections should take place at regular intervals, based on the frequency of use and the loads carried.

Fixed ladders

Safety features associated with fixed ladders include a ladder safety device, a well, and a cage.

Key facts to remember

  • Wood ages and wobbles; aluminium bends and must avoid electricity; fibreglass is costly but robust and safe near electricity.
  • Erecting a long ladder: heaviest person holds the base.
  • 12 ft high → base 3 ft out. Face the ladder, one person at a time, keep centred, no over-reaching.
  • 3 points of contact while climbing.
  • Step ladder = self-supporting. Extension ladder = base + fly; store it non-vertically.
  • Always check before use; inspect at intervals set by frequency of use and loads.
  • Fixed ladder features: ladder safety device, well, cage.

Sources

  1. Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP) — Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) (ladders and access).
  2. BS EN 131 — Ladders (specification, angles and safe use).

Compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against the official documents. Published by the MaritimeTest editorial team.

First 5 of 12 questions — with answers

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  1. Question 1

    ____ - low cost, tend to age quickly, can become wobbly.
    • Wood.
    • Fibreglass.
    • Aluminium.

  2. Question 2

    When erecting a long ladder, who should stand at the base?
    • Heaviest person.
    • Lightest person.

  3. Question 3

    Which of the following statements are true?
    • Always face the ladder during ascent and descent.
    • Allow only one person at a time on a ladder.
    • Keep your body aligned with the centre of the steps and avoid over reaching.
    • Maintain a 2-point contact with the ladder at all times.
    • Allow only two people at a time on a ladder.

  4. Question 4

    Ladder should ____ be checked prior to use and inspected on a regular basis. Guidelines stipulate that ladder inspections should take place at regular intervals based on the frequency of ____ and ____ carried.
    • ... always ... use ... loads.
    • ... frequently ... damage ... loads.
    • ... always ... damage ... people.

  5. Question 5

    If a ladder is supported at 12 feet off the ground, how far should its base be from the wall?
    • 3 feet.
    • 2 feet.
    • 4 feet.
    • 6 feet.

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