health and safety news
Vertical ladders - guidance for churches
In the last year there have been a number of accidents involving falls from height in churches, including two fatalities where volunteers fell from vertical ladders in the bell tower.
HSE guidance
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that it is good practice, and very strongly recommended that people working as volunteers are given the same level of protection as employees. The following advice is provided to assist churches:
All work at height must be risk assessed, taking into account the nature of the task, the age and capacity of the volunteer, as well as the layout of the building and any unusual features
The use of fixed ladders as a means of access between floors should only be considered where a conventional staircase cannot be accommodated and their use is considered safe, based on a risk assessment
Ladders should be maintained in a good state of repair and securely fixed in position
Rungs should be firmly secured in a horizontal position and provide a good foothold. They should extend at least 1.1 metres above any floor accessed by the ladder
Where ladders pass through floors, the size of the opening should be as small as practical, fenced and a gate provided where necessary to prevent falls
Where possible, safety hoops or a permanently fixed fall arrest system should be fitted to the ladder, as determined appropriate from risk assessment. If hoops are installed they should start at a height of 2.5 metres from the bottom of the ladder and be spaced at a maximum of 900mm intervals. The top hoop should be in line with the top of any fencing on the floor served by the ladder.
For expert advice on work at height related issues contact Ecclesiastical Risk Services on 0845 602 4065 or email ers.ltd@ecclesiastical.com
