Best foot forward
June 1st 2007 With a new name, re-styled logo and revised constitution, the Ladder Association,
formerly the British Ladder Manufacturers'Association (BLMA),aims to set a new agenda
for the ladder industry in the UK. A tried and trusted piece of workplace equipment, it
is estimated that some two million ladders are in daily use throughout the UK.
The BLMA itself was formed in 1947 by the major ladder
manufacturers of the day.Today, as the Ladder Association, it
welcomes members from all parts of the access industry,
advances best practice and plays a pivotal role in promoting the
highest standards of ladder design and manufacture.
Dispelling the myth
Contrary to a common misconception, ladders and step ladders are
not banned under the Work at Height Regulations (WAHR) and can
continue to be used for the many and varied tasks for which they are
designed.However, their use must comply with the requirements of
the Work at Height Regulations which demand sensible risk
management, the proper planning and organising of work,making
sure that the people working at height are competent, and that the
right equipment is selected and used.
Before working at height a competent person must complete a
detailed risk assessment. First, the aim is to establish that there is no
alternative other than to work at height. Second, to determine that
there is not a safe existing place of work.Third, to identify the most
suitable work equipment consistent with carrying out the task in a
safe and practical manner. Finally, to single out those actions
necessary to prevent a fall or to minimise the distance and the
consequences.
Satisfying WAHR involves selecting competent persons to do the
task; ensuring that the person(s) carrying out the work are properly
trained and physically suited to the task in hand; making sure that
there are enough people to do the work involved and that they have
been supplied with the necessary personal protective equipment
(PPE).
National Training Scheme
The association operates a national training scheme for users,
supervisors and managers wanting to equip themselves with the
knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to use ladders legally.
Demonstration of competence is a key requirement of the current
legislation and successful completion of the Ladder Association
training course provides proof of competence.Delivered only by
Ladder Association approved training centres, it aims to enable
delegates to:
Select appropriate work at height equipment for a task
Assess and determine when it is appropriate to use ladders and
stepladders
Correctly locate and safely use ladders and stepladders
Inspect ladders and stepladders for damage
Upon successful completion every delegate receives a certificate of
competence and photo card as objective proof of competence.
Safety Products
Safety products available from the association include a 40-page
Leaning Ladder & Stepladder Users'Guide that covers employer and
user responsibilities, the Work at Height Regulations and the safe use
of ladders and steps.
Also available is the Risk Assessment Card – a handy, practical
guide for use on site – and a Ladder Inspection Record that provides
a visual record of the inspection status of a ladder or stepladder.
Access Industry Forum (AIF)
The association is an active member of the AIF, the Access Industry
Forum, the umbrella organisation for all those associations involved
in the access industry.The AIF – the 'alliance for access' - is the
collective voice of the industry and brings together those
organisations with an interest in all types of scaffolding and cradles,
rope access, ladders and powered access.
Like the Ladder Association, the AIF liaises closely with the HSE,
particularly in relation to the Work at Height Regulations, and more
recently it has collaborated with the HSE in developing and
supporting the innovative Work at Height Solutions database.
Call the number below for Ladder Association membership,
training and products, or visit:
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