Document Number PEC-HS-GDE-X-0448

Revision 3

Applicability All

Document Type Guidelines

Ladders

REVISION / APPROVAL HISTORY

3 25-Feb-2018 Periodic review and QMS Badar Elif Eslek Nedzad

document format revised hence Farooq Mujkic
revision mark-up not used
Asli Kilic Robert Brent
2 15-Jul-2012 Periodic Review – Approved
Celebi Anderson Pasula
Ryan
Krause
Graham
1 08-Jul-2007 Periodic Review – Approved Iain Wilson Whiteing
Macmillan
Laurent
Espaillac
Ryan
Krause
Graham
0 28-Aug-2006 Approved Iain Wilson Whiteing
Macmillan
Laurent
Espaillac
Rev Date Description of Change Developer Reviewer Approver

Documented Information of approvals are retained in QMS

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CONTENTS

1.0 PURPOSE................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 3
2.1 Effective applicable date of this document...............................................................3

3.0 DEFINITIONS/ABBREVIATIONS................................................................................3

4.0 REFERENCES............................................................................................................ 5

5.0 RESPONSIBILITY & AUTHORITY..............................................................................5

6.0 DESCRIPTION............................................................................................................ 5
6.1 Requirements........................................................................................................... 5
6.2 Safe Use of Ladders.....................................................................................................5
6.3 Training........................................................................................................................ 9
6.4 Inspections................................................................................................................... 9
6.5 Construction Requirements..........................................................................................9

7.0 DOCUMENTED INFORMATION TO BE RETAINED (RECORDS)...........................10

8.0 FLOWCHART...........................................................................................................10

9.0 APPENDICES........................................................................................................... 10

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1.0 PURPOSE
This document establishes minimum instruction for the proper use, inspection, and
training of Petrofac and its Subcontractor employees whose job task requires the use
of portable ladders.

2.0 SCOPE
This document applies to all Petrofac E&C business units, projects and locations. It
applies also to all personnel working on Projects and any related activities and
locations undertaken by Petrofac and its Contractors during the project phases.
If any process described in this document conflicts with any part of the local legislation,
this document shall be superseded by the local legislation.

2.1 Effective applicable date of this document

Approval date.

3.0 DEFINITIONS/ABBREVIATIONS
Employee : A person directly employed by Petrofac, whether on an
agency, limited company, temporary or permanent staff,
part time or full time basis.

Extension : An extension ladder is a non-self-supporting portable

Ladder adjustable in length. It consists of two or more sections
travelling in guides or brackets so arranged to permit length
adjustment. Its size is designated by the sum of the lengths
of sections measured along the side rails.

Extension Trestle : An extension trestle ladder is a self-supporting portable

Ladder ladder, adjustable in length, consisting of a trestle ladder
base and a vertically adjustable single ladder, with suitable
means for locking the ladders together. The size is
designated by the trestle ladder base.

Ladder : A ladder is an appliance usually consisting of two side rails

joined at regular intervals by cross pieces called steps,
rungs, or cleats, on which a person may step when
ascending or descending.

Petrofac : Petrofac - Engineering & Construction

Competent : One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable

Person hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which
are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees,
and who has authorization to take prompt corrective
measures to eliminate them

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Rungs : Rungs are ladder cross-pieces of circular or oval cross

sections on which a person may step when ascending or
descending.

Sectional Ladder : A sectional ladder is a self-supporting ladder,

nonadjustable in length, consisting of two or more sections
of ladder so constructed that the sections may be
combined to function as a single ladder. Its size is
designated by the overall length of the assembled sections.

Side-Rolling : A side rolling ladder is a semi-fixed ladder, non-adjustable

Ladder in length, supported to attachments by a guide rail, which is
generally fastened to shelving, the plane of the ladder also
being its plane of motion.

Single Ladder : A single ladder is a non-self-supporting portable ladder,

nonadjustable in length, consisting of one section. Its size
is designated by the overall length of the side rails.

Special Purpose : A special purpose ladder is a portable ladder that

Ladder represents either a modification or a combination of design
or construction features in one of the general purpose
types of ladders previously defined, in order to adapt the
ladder to special or specific uses.

Stepladder : A stepladder is a self-supporting portable ladder,

nonadjustable in length, having flat steps and a hinged
back. Its size is designated by the overall length of the
ladder measured along the front edge of the side rails.

 Type I : Industrial stepladders, 3 ft (0.9 m) to 20 ft for

heavy duty, such as utilities, contractors, and
industrial use.

 Type II : Commercial stepladder, 3 ft (0.9 m) to 12 ft (3.6

m) for medium duty, such as painters, contractors,
and light duty use.

 Type III : Household stepladders, 3 ft (0.9 m) to 6 ft (1.8 m)

for light duty, such as light household use.

Steps : Steps are the flat cross pieces of a ladder on which a

person may step when ascending or descending.

Trestle Ladder : Trestle ladder is a self-supporting portable ladder,

nonadjustable in length, consisting of two sections hinged
at the top to form equal angles at the base. The size is
designated by the length of the side rails measured along
the front edge.

Trolley Ladder : A trolley ladder is a semi fixed ladder, nonadjustable in

length, supported by attachments to a track, the plane of

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the ladder being at right angles to the plane of motion.

4.0 REFERENCES

1) Management of HSSE Records — PEC-HS-PRO-X-2413

2) Health and Safety Executive — www.hse.gov.uk
3) Occupational Safety and Health Administration — www.osha.gov

5.0 RESPONSIBILITY & AUTHORITY

Management is responsible for ensuring that all ladders available to employees are
used and maintained in a safe condition.
All new ladders arriving on site shall be inspected by a competent person prior to
dispatch them to the field.
It shall be the responsibility of the Supervision to ensure that all employees comply
with the requirements.
It shall be the responsibility of HSSE department to monitor compliance to the
requirements and report violations of these requirements and make recommendations
for corrective action.

6.0 DESCRIPTION

6.1 Requirements

Petrofac shall:
 Provide stairways or ladders at all points of access when there is a 48 cm or more
break in elevation and there is no ramp, embankment, hoist or runway

 Keep the point of access clear at all times

 As required, ensure adequate access and egress at all times

 Ensure employees use the points of access

6.2 Safe Use of Ladders

 A chair, barrel, box, etc., shall not be used as a makeshift ladder.

 A ladder shall be carried by holding it near the centre and keeping it close to the
body.

 Absolutely no objects, tools, or materials are to be carried in hands while

ascending/descending ladders. Tools shall be carried in pouches around the waist.
Large items such as toolboxes or materials shall be raised or lowered by using a
rope.

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 Damaged ladders shall be tagged as defective and taken out of service.

 Employees preparing to perform new work activity must receive specific Risk
Assessment training on how to use portable ladders and associated fall protection
techniques.

 Employees shall keep boots clean of mud, grease or other slippery materials, which
could cause loss of footing.

 Employees shall not overextend sideways. Belt buckle rule shall be used; Belt buckle
is kept positioned between the side rails at all times maintaining centre of gravity.

 Employees shall not stand on cross bracing.

 Employees shall not use the top three rungs of a ladder or top two rungs of a
stepladder for standing/stepping.

 Employees shall only work on a ladder for a maximum of 15 - 30 min at a time. A risk
assessment must be conducted that demonstrates that working from a ladder is
justified.

 Fibreglass or wooden ladders shall be used when there are requirements for work in
proximity to electrical equipment.

 Aluminium ladders shall not be used in proximity to electrical equipment.

 Homemade ladders shall not be used.

 If there is access to a fixed stairway or scaffold, it shall be used instead of a portable

ladder.

 Ladders must not be placed against movable objects.

 Ladders shall be inspected before and after each use.

 Ladders shall be inspected monthly by a competent person and the applicable color-
coding applied. The inspection results will be noted on an inspection log and made
available for audit.

 Ladders shall be placed on a firm base setting the angle near to 75o.

 Ladders shall be stored horizontally on racks, with support every 2 m.

 Ladders shall be stored where they are not exposed to weather.

 Ladders shall be used only for the designed purpose.

 Ladders shall not be erected for use as a plank or bridge.

 Ladders shall not be erected on sloping surface.

 Ladders shall not be moved, shifted or extended while in use.

 Ladders shall not be placed in front of doors opening toward the ladder unless the
door is blocked, locked, or guarded.

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 Ladders shall not be placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain
additional height.

 Ladders shall not be used in heavy rain and heavy wind.

 Ladders that project into passageways, where they could be struck by personnel,
moving equipment or materials being handled, must be protected by barricades or
guards.

 Ladders with broken or missing steps, rungs, or cleats, broken side rails, or other
faulty equipment shall not be used. Improvised repairs shall not be made.

 Ladders with rungs or steps at the front side only shall not be used by more than one
employee at a time. Where use by more than one employee is anticipated, specially
designed ladders with rungs or steps on both front- and back-side shall be secured.

 No ladder shall be used to gain access to a roof unless the top of the ladder extends
at least 1 m above the point of support.

 Nobody shall be allowed to stand under a ladder.

 Permanent caged ladders being used to access complete structures where no fall
exposure exists, may be ascended/descended without wearing a full body harness.

 Personnel ascending ladders that are not yet secured at the top must have another
employee hold the ladder at the bottom until it can be properly secured. This also
includes the last trip down after untying the ladder at the top.

 Portable ladders shall be fitted with safety shoes when the hazard of slipping is
possible. Non-slip bases are not intended as a substitute for care in safely placing,
lashing, or holding a ladder that is being used on oily, metal, concrete, or slippery
surfaces.

 Portable rung and cleat ladders shall, where possible, be used at such a pitch that
the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is one quarter of
the working length of the ladder (the length along the ladder between the foot and top
support).

 Portable rung ladders with reinforced rails shall be used only with the metal
reinforcement on the underside.

 Short ladders shall not be spliced to make a longer ladder. Ladders and ladder
sections shall never be tied or fastened together to provide additional length unless
designed to do so. Nor shall sections of extension ladders be taken apart and used
separately.

 Stepladders must be fully opened to permit the spreader to lock (not folded up and
used like a straight ladder).

 Temporary construction ladders shall extend at least 1 m above the upper landing
being accessed and be secured against displacement.

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 The “three-point contact rule” shall be adhered to at all times when ascending or
descending ladders, i.e., two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot.

 The area around the top and bottom of the ladder shall be kept clear.

 The areas around the top and base of ladders must be free of tripping hazards such
as loose materials, trash, and electric cords.

 The back leg braces of stepladders are solely for increasing stability and not for use
of climbing.

 The ladder shall be faced when climbing up or down.

 The ladder shall not be overloaded beyond maximum intended load.

 The top rest for portable rung and cleat ladders shall be reasonably rigid and shall
have ample strength to support the applied load.

 Tools and materials shall never be left on the top of a ladder.

 Traffic areas in the vicinity of ladder use shall be barricaded.

 Upon reaching the elevation where the work is to be performed, the employee shall
secure their lanyard prior to proceeding with the task. The ladder should then be
properly secured and the task may begin. When the task is completed, this process
should be reversed with the lanyard being the last protective device to be released
prior to descent.

 Wooden ladders shall never be painted.

 On two section extension ladders the minimum overlap for the two sections in use
shall be as follows:

Overlap

Size of Ladder feet meter feet meter

Up to and
36 10.9 3 0.9
including

Over 36 and
48 14.6 4 1.2
including

Over 48 and
60 18.2 5 1.5
including

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6.3 Training
Upon initial employment, all employees shall be trained on the safe use of ladders.
The training information will also be periodically reviewed during HSSE meetings.

6.4 Inspections
A Competent Person shall inspect ladders monthly and keep inspection records. This
inspection shall be indicated by the color-coded tape system. Employees using
ladders must ensure the marking system remains legible between inspections.
Ladders with illegible markings shall be considered unsafe and shall be removed from
service.
The user shall inspect ladders daily, prior to each use and when there is a change, if
the ladder is dropped or it is moved from a dirty area to a clean one. Stiles, feet and
rungs, should be checked if it is leaning ladder and locking bars, feet, stepladder
platform, steps, treads and stiles should be checked if it is a stepladder. Those that
have developed defects shall be withdrawn from service for repair or destruction and
tagged or marked as “Danger Do Not Use” in English and in other languages spoken
in country. Under no circumstances may ladders in need of inspection or repair remain
in service or available for use.
Ladders shall be maintained in good condition at all times. The joint between the steps
and side rails shall be tight, all hardware and fittings securely attached, and the
movable parts shall operate freely without binding.
Safety feet and other auxiliary equipment shall be kept in good condition to insure
proper performance. Rungs shall be kept free of grease and oil.
If a ladder falls over, it shall be inspected for side rail dents or bends, excessively
dented rungs, all rung to side rail connections, hardware connections and rivets for
shear.

6.5 Construction Requirements

All wooden parts shall be free from sharp edges, splinters, and free from shake, wane,
compression failures, decay or other irregularities.
Uniform step spacing shall be not more than 12 in (30.4 cm). Steps shall be parallel
and level when the ladder is in position for use.
The minimum width between side rails at the top, inside to inside, shall be not less
than 11. 5 in (30 cm). From the top to bottom, the side rails shall spread at least 1 in
(2.54 cm) for each foot (30.4 cm) of length of stepladder.
A metal spreader or locking device of sufficient size and strength to securely hold the
front and back sections in their open positions shall be a component of each
stepladder. The spreader shall have all sharp points covered or removed to protect the
user.
For metal ladders rungs shall be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with a
skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize the possibility of slipping.

Note:
The following types of ladders shall not be supplied:
 Wooden Stepladders longer than 20 ft (6 m)

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 Wooden Single ladders longer than 30 ft (9.1 m)

 Wooden Extension ladders (two sections) longer than 60 ft (18.2 m)

 Wooden Trestle ladders longer than 20 ft (6 m)

 Wooden Painter's stepladders longer than 12 ft (3.6 m)

 Wooden Mason’s ladders longer than 40 ft (12.2 m)

 Wooden Trolley and side rolling ladders longer than 20 ft (6 m)

 Metal Platform ladders longer than 20 ft (6 m)

 Metal Extension ladders (two section metal) longer than 48 ft (14.6 m)

 Metal Extension ladders (three section) longer than 60 ft (18.2 m)

7.0 DOCUMENTED INFORMATION TO BE RETAINED (RECORDS)

Records mentioned in this document shall be kept by relevant departments in
accordance with Management of HSSE Records [PEC-HS-PRO-X-2413 ] procedure.

8.0 FLOWCHART
None

9.0 APPENDICES
None

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