18. Ladders

Where a ladder is being used to carry out any work at height in a workplace, it shall be the duty of the responsible person of the person who is carrying out or is to carry out the work to ensure that the requirements in sub-regulations (2) to (6) are complied with.

Every ladder in a workplace shall be-

The surface on which any ladder (except for fixed ladders) rests or bears on when used by a person shall be-

Every ladder in a workplace shall be positioned as to ensure its stability during use.

Notwithstanding sub-regulation (4), every ladder which leans against a wall, building, structure or tree during use shall be securely fixed or lashed, or is firmly held by a person stationed at the foot of the ladder to prevent the ladder from slipping.

Where a ladder is used for access or as a working place, the ladder shall rise, or adequate handhold shall be provided, to a height of at least one metre above -

Where a fixed vertical ladder is used in a workplace, it shall be the duty of the occupier of the workplace to ensure that the requirements in sub-regulations (8), (9) and (10) are complied with.

Every fixed vertical ladder or run of fixed vertical ladders used by any person carrying out any work which rises a vertical distance of over 9 metres shall, if practicable, be provided with an intermediate landing place so that the vertical distance between any two successive landing places does not exceed 9 metres.

Every landing place referred to in sub-regulation (8) shall be provided with sufficient and suitable guard-rails or barriers to prevent falls.

Where a fixed vertical ladder used by any person carrying out any work in a workplace rises a vertical distance of 3 metres and above, there shall be provided a safety cage or other practicable measures to prevent fall of the person.