AS 1892.5:2020 pdf Portable ladders Part 5: Selection, safe use and care

AS 1892.5:2020 pdf Portable ladders Part 5: Selection, safe use and care
1.1 Scope
This Standard sets out the minimum requirements and recommended safe practices for the selection,use and maintenance of portable ladders.
The requirements of this Standard need not apply where safe work procedures that are equivalent or superior to this Standard are in place.
1.2 Application
General recommendations common to the selection, use and maintenance of portable ladders are given in Section 2, while specific recommendations and requirements for ladders predominantly constructed from a particular material are given in the following Sections:
(a )Metal ladders, see Section 3.
(b) Non-metal ladders, see Section 4.
(C) Timber ladders, see Section 5.
Section 2 shall be read in conjunction with the relevant Section relating to the type of ladder being used.
1.3 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
NOTE Documents referenced for informative purposes are listed in the Bibliography.
1.4 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
1.4.1 competent person
person who has acquired through training, qualifications or experience, or a combination of these, the knowledge and skills enabling that person to perform a specified task
1.4.2 may
indicates the existence of an option
1.4.3 shall
indicates that a statement is mandatory
1.4.4 should
indicates a recommendation
2.1 Principles
The following general principles should be observed: .
(a) Type and length of ladder appropriate to the task should be chosen.
(b) Ladders should be in a sound condition for use.
[C) Ladders should be placed on a firm supporting surface.
[d)Ladders should be placed in a safe working position.
[e)Ladders should not be left unattended while erected in a public place.
[f)Ladders that conform to AS 1892.1 or AS 1892.2, as appropriate, should be used.
In hazardous wind or adverse weather conditions, extreme care should be taken.
(h)Fully enclosed, slip-resistant footwear should be worn when using ladders.
In order to observe these principles, hazards that may need to be considered include the following:
(i)Height of the work or access area.
(i)Site layout and access constraints.
(ii)Location of brittle or friable surfaces.
(iv)Proximity to powerlines.
(V]Proximity to mobile plant.
(vi)Proximity to pedestrians or other workers.
NOTE Examples of components and terms relating to ladders are shown in Figure 2.1.
2.2 Handling of ladders
2.2.1 Care in handling and setup
Ladders should not be dropped, jarred or misused. Before a ladder is to be raised, lowered or carried,risks associated with the task should be assessed. These risks include the following:
(a)Slope, strength and friction of the supporting surface.
(b)Height and reach required
[c)Environmental conditions.
[d)Work areas, e.g. adequate space available to handle and set up the ladder.
[d)Manual handling.
[e)Potential for contact with persons or objects within the swing or fall radius of the ladder.
A device to assist or more than one person may be needed to handle and set up the ladder.
The ladder should remain under the control of the person or persons handling the ladder
at all times.
When a ladder is being raised, lowered or carried, encroachment of any exclusion zones, such as distance to powerlines, and contact with any person or object in the vicinity, should be avoided.
2.2.2 Care during transport
Where a ladder is being transported by a vehicle, including push carts or trolleys, the ladder should be supported to avoid sagging. Overhang of the ladder beyond supporting points should be limited. Ladder supports should be made of material that will not damage the ladder and has enough friction to prevent sliding, e.g. wood or rubber-covered metal. The ladder should be securely fastened to the supports to minimize chafing and the effects of road shock.