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In addition to AS1657:2018, designers of access from one level to another must consider the guidelines provided in the Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice. In particular section 7.2 Fixed Ladders, which provides more detail about risk and what other factors should be considered. This Code of Practice is an approved code under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety Act. Within the Forward of the Code it states why the code must be followed and how it should be used. It states,
“An approved code of practice is a practical guide to achieving the standards of health, safety and welfare required under the WHS Act and the WHS Regulations……A code of practice applies to anyone who has a duty of care in the circumstances described in the code. In most cases, following an approved code of practice would achieve compliance with the health and safety duties in the WHS Act…..Codes of practice are admissible in court proceedings under the WHS Act and WHS Regulations. Courts may regard a code of practice as evidence of what is known about a hazard, risk or control and may rely on the code in determining what is reasonably practicable in the circumstances to which the code relates.”
Due to this, we regard complying with this code for our designs to be vitally important. The start of Section 7.2 of this code states that all ladders should comply with AS1657. In addition to this it goes on to state that where possible all angled ladders should be at an angle of no less than 70° and no more than 75°. This is why our recommendation is that where it has been found appropriate to install an angled ladder, that it is installed at an angle between 70° and 75°. As a general rule we install our ladders at 75°. We feel this angle is most suited to the angled ladder.
In addition to the angle there are other considerations such as,
- Leveled platforms
- P rails
- Cages
- Edge protection
Directly under this section has additional information under the heading of Notes. One of those notes directs the reader to Appendix G for further information on selecting the most appropriate means of access. In the Appendix AS1657:2018 provides further guidelines that should be followed when considering if an angled ladder is appropriate. Section G4 .1 states that selecting a ladder instead of walkway or stairs as a permanent means of access should be avoided wherever possible due to the greater risk of falling, the greater physical effort required to climb and the restrictions imposed on carrying tools and equipment. It goes on to provide 6 reasons where a ladder would be considered appropriate and states that at least two of these conditions need to be met before the use of a ladder could be considered appropriate. The 6 conditions are: