Glossary

Ladder for fall protection

Ladders are often underestimated tools when it comes to safety aspects during ascent and descent. A single wrong step or a moment of carelessness can have serious consequences. If unfavourable weather conditions such as rain, snow or slippery icy surfaces are added to this, the situation becomes even more precarious when climbing up or down the ladder. It is therefore essential to take appropriate safety precautions, especially with fixed ladders.

Potential risks

• Fall from the ladder
• Overexertion due to high climbing height
• Fear of heights

It is important to emphasise that it is not only the ladder itself that is a potential source of danger, but the surrounding area after climbing the ladder should also be carefully considered. People are in the immediate vicinity of the precipice and therefore in an area that harbours a risk of falling. For this reason, appropriate safety measures must be taken both on the ladder itself and in the area after the ascent.

Technical specifications

Climbing ladder

The choice to use a fixed ladder requires careful consideration and is appropriate if the installation of stairs is out of the question for various reasons or does not appear necessary due to the low risk of accidents. It is essential to note that it is strictly forbidden to carry loads or objects on fixed ladders.

Please note:

• Secure and stable attachment of the fixed ladder is of the utmost importance.
• A robust holding device should be fitted at the starting point of the ladder.
• An automatically closing passage barrier that meets the standards of the surrounding guardrails is required for the safe passage of persons.
• Fixed ladders with a fall height of more than 3 metres require effective fall protection.
• If the fall height exceeds 10 metres, additional fall arresters are essential.
• Fixed ladders with an inclination of more than 80 degrees to the horizontal should be equipped with rest platforms at intervals of no more than 10 metres.
• It is also crucial that fixed ladders are sufficiently stable and slip-resistant.
• The spacing between the steps or rungs must be even.
• A recommended stile spacing is 500 mm, with acceptable spacing between 350 and 600 mm.
• The recommended distance between rungs is 250 mm, but distances between 225 and 300 mm are also possible.
• The distance between the rungs and the fixing surface must never be less than 150 mm.
• Square rungs should have a step width of at least 20 mm.
• It is strongly recommended that round rungs are avoided, as they should be less slip-resistant. The diameter of the rungs should be at least 25 mm.

Fall protection

• It is essential that a continuous back guard is provided and installed at a height of no more than 3 metres above the standing surface or 2.2 metres above platforms or landings.
• Additional components or struts that are located no more than 700 mm from the front edge of the rungs and are capable of effectively replacing the above-mentioned back protection due to their arrangement and design may be considered.
• Even for ladders that are less than 3 metres long, the potential fall height can exceed 5 metres. This is the case if it is possible to fall from an unsecured section of the ladder over the edge of the stage or the stage railing. One possible safety measure to protect people from falling over the stage railing could be to extend the back guard with connecting rods.

Ladders that are not permanently attached to the building can be supplemented with an additional element. This element rests on the building and provides additional stability.

Climbing protection device

• It is necessary that the safety device is made of material that is protected against corrosion.
• Rest platforms should be available at a distance of 25 metres to provide a safe resting place.
• The installation of a tested climbing protection device is necessary. The guiding devices should function without horizontal traction.
• The rail systems for the arrester must extend beyond the highest stand.

Further specifications

Operation:

• Fixed ladders must be used for their intended purpose; unsuitable ladders must not be used.
• Damaged fixed ladders and arrester systems should not be used.

Repair/maintenance:

• Repairs should only be carried out by qualified specialists.

Examinations

• Regular inspections of the proper condition of fixed ladders and arrester systems must be carried out by an authorised person on behalf of the company.

Requirements for staff:

• Only people without a fear of heights, a head for heights and no circulatory problems should use the fixed ladders and climbing protection equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Protective equipment should be selected based on the risk assessment. Wearing a safety harness is particularly recommended when using the arrester.

Advantages of fall protection

• Continuous protection during ascent and descent along the ladder is ensured through the use of customised safety solutions in conjunction with personal protective equipment (PPE).
• A safe transition from the ladder to the roof is ensured by the combinability of our safety solutions.
• After climbing along the ladder, the product enables safe movement along the fall edge of a flat roof.

Challenges and risks

• Risk of slipping: The possibility of falling increases, especially in slippery conditions due to any missteps or unfavourable weather conditions such as rain or snow. For this reason, continuous fall protection is essential.
• Transition from the ladder to the roof: Particular care must be taken here, as the fall protection often ends at the ladder. The transition therefore represents a special source of danger. There are solutions that enable a safe transition to the roof.
• Falling edges: When climbing up to the ladder on a flat or pitched roof, the person is in a potentially dangerous area with a risk of falling. Appropriate safety is also crucial at this point.

What we can do for you

Do you have any questions about our fall protection solutions or need professional advice on effective planning? Don't hesitate to take advantage of our free consultation service.

Our team of experts will be happy to answer your questions about standards, legal requirements, planning details, installations and documentation.

We look forward to hearing from you and will be happy to help and advise you.