Ladder use and maintenance

We assume the correct use of a scale, but this is not always the case.

INAIL statistics speak for themselves: there are still too many accidents linked to the improper use of professional and portable ladders. First of all, when choosing to use a ladder, it is necessary to carefully consider:

The possibility of using other equipment to intervene more safely

The characteristics of the ladder depending on the location and the activity to be performed.

The maintenance condition of the staircase.

Indications for correct use.

Below are the instructions for use, as set out in the Inail Safety Notebooks:

  • do not place ladders on elevations or equipment to gain height;
  • Seek stable support and do not place on uneven ground;
  • ensure that it is securely fastened and is not subject to skidding and tipping;
  • use the ladder with appropriate clothing and suitable PPE;
  • use appropriate footwear: no sandals, high heels or untied shoes;
  • do not lean or lean sideways;
  • do not go beyond the fourth to last step of a double staircase with a cantilevered trunk, the third to last step of a supported staircase, the penultimate step of a double staircase without a platform;
  • utilizzare scale in vetro resina per lavori elettrici;
  • non utilizzare le scale esterne in caso di vento forte;
  • non usare le scale come ponte;
  • non salire e/o scendere trasportando materiali pesanti o ingombranti;
  • effettuare la salita e la discesa solo sul tronco predisposto per la salita e mantenendo il busto in linea con i gradini;
  • stazionare sulla scala solo per brevi periodi intervallando l’attività con riposo a terra;
  • disporre dei porta oggetti previsti dal fabbricante;
  • non usare contemporaneamente in 2 o più persone;
  • evitare l’uso in caso di vertigini, gravidanza o malessere;
  • effettuare un’ispezione visiva preventiva: la scala deve essere integra, in buono stato di conservazione/efficienza.

Quest’ultimo punto è di fondamentale importanza anche se troppo spesso trascurato.

LADDERS ARE SUBJECT TO BREAKAGE AND WEAR

The material, the characteristics of the components, the intensive use and the environment all affect the state of preservation. A metal staircase located in an outdoor environment, exposed to the elements (humidity, wind, extreme temperatures, saltiness) will be exposed to oxidation and, as a result, will be damaged,  rough It's important say that PROFESSIONAL LADDER, as well as all work equipment, are subject to maintenance and are provided with a user manual and relevant certifications.Periodic maintenance must be carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions and mainly concerns:

  • Checking the presence and/or integrity of the anti-slip hooves;
  • Checking the integrity of ladder components such as uprights, rungs, guardrails, wheels;
  • control of the couplings between the various scale components.
Feda offers the SAFE STAIRS FORMULA for proper staircase maintenance. Ask for information