Page 78 - The City and Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1 for the Level 3 Apprenticeship (9189), Level 2 Technical Certificate (8202) and Level 2 Diploma (6035)

The City & Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1

Storing ladders

● ALWAYS store ladders in a covered, well-ventilated area, protected from the
weather and away from too much dampness or heat.
● NEVER leave ladders leaning against a wall or building. Ladders can fall if
stored vertically, so take particular care. If possible, secure the top – with a
bracket, for instance.
● NEVER hang a ladder vertically from a rung.
● DON’T store a ladder anywhere a child might be able to climb it.
● STORE the ladder horizontally; a rack or wall bracket is ideal. Always support
on the lower stile and every 1 m (maximum).
● KEEP wooden ladders clear of the ground to avoid contact with damp.
Safe working with ladders

● Ladders MUST extend at least 1 m above the working platform.
● NEVER stand ladders on uneven, soft or loose ground.
● NEVER support a ladder on a fragile surface.
● NEVER stand a ladder on a box, drum or other unsteady base.
● NEVER use a makeshift ladder.
● NEVER use a ladder that is too short.
● NEVER climb ladders with slippery, icy or greasy rungs.
● NEVER wear soft-soled shoes or footwear with slippery soles.
● NEVER try to carry too much equipment up a ladder.
● NEVER over-reach when working on a ladder.
● TAKE CARE when raising to avoid overhead obstructions such as electric
cables.
● ALWAYS ensure the ladder is at the correct angle of 75° (1 in 4), projecting
above the working platform by at least 1 m and securely fixed.
● OVERNIGHT SAFETY: ladders should be lowered and stored in a safe place
overnight. If this is not possible, a scaffold board at least 2 m long should be
firmly lashed to the rungs to prevent access.

Scaffolds

Scaffolds are a much safer way of working at height but extreme care must still
be taken. You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times and take care
with tools and equipment.

Tower scaffolds
There are two types of tower scaffold:

1 Static – stationary, remains in one place and cannot be moved
2 Mobile – can be moved to a different location when needed.
Both kinds of tower scaffold can be either tailor-made for a particular job and
constructed in situ (in place), or made by a manufacturer with standard sections
that fit together (proprietary). You must be certificated and registered to erect
all types of fixed scaffolding.

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