Ladder guidance released

The Ladder Association issues new guidance on protecting ladder users from Covid-19.

The free document delves into issues such as, how long the virus lasts on ladders, how rescue plans will be affected and how workers can minimise the risk of the virus spreading through proper cleaning of equipment and materials, particularly if they have been handled by multiple people.

Importantly, it includes advice on how workers can maintain physical distancing while using ladders, with a focus on two activities that need to be considered carefully: stabilising a ladder and raising a ladder.

As Ladder Association training starts to resume in some areas, it has also addressed the need for people to be protected from coronavirus during their course. The association reminds the industry of the importance of Ladder Association training and reassures managers of the protective measures they can expect to be in place during one of its courses, from e-learning options to minimise time spent at the training centre to increased hygiene and cleaning. Ladder Association cardholders can also apply for an extension if their qualification is due to expire before it’s safe for them to visit a training centre.

Gail Hounslea, Ladder Association chairman, and managing director of Ladderstore, commented, “Keeping ladder users safe now means protecting them from Coronavirus as well as falls and other injuries. Businesses are facing the unprecedented challenge of getting people safely back to work during a pandemic. Ladders are only a small part of what they’ve got to consider, but we realised we could use our expertise to support all those whose workers will be heading back up ladders and need to ensure every safety aspect is covered.”

Read the Ladder Association’s guidance on keeping ladder users safe during the Coronavirus outbreak: https://ladderassociation.org.uk/keeping-ladder-users-safe-during-covid-19-outbreak/