Dubai Municipality

Health and Safety Department

Technical Guidelines for

Safe Use of Ladders

DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2

OPEN DATA / ‫ﺑﯿﺎﻧﺎت ﻣﻔﺘﻮﺣﺔ‬

 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 3
2. PURPOSE 3
3. SCOPE 3
4. DEFINITION 4
5. GUIDELINES 5
A. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment 5
B. Safe Systems of Work 6
C. Selecting Ladders 6
D. Setting Up Ladders 7
E. Securing Ladders 10
F. Ladder Use Requirements 11
G. Fall Arrest Systems 14
H. Care and Maintenance 14
I. Instructions and Training 15
6. REFERENCES 16

ANNEX A SAMPLE LADDER PRE-USE INSPECTION CHECKLIST 17

Issue Date: 12th January 2021 V 1.1

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 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

1. INTRODUCTION
Portable ladders are one of the most widely used types of equipment in working at height for all sectors
of industries and facilities due to its versatility to undertake many types of jobs, ease of use, availability
and practicality. However, occupational accidents due to portable ladders are also prevalent, wherein the
highest global statistic is falls from height due to its improper and unsafe use.

Dubai Municipality (DM) is also monitoring working at height incidents and based on occupational safety
inspections and accident investigations conducted by the civic body, it was revealed that ladder use related
accidents are due to various reasons such as use of damaged or faulty ladders, incorrect ladder set-up,
unsafe use of ladders, failure of the management to provide the necessary instructions and trainings,
failure to conduct risk assessment, safe systems of work are not in place or are not implemented, etc.

This technical guideline has been prepared to provide the necessary guidance on safe use of ladders and
to further highlight the responsibility given to the employer as stated in DM Local Order 61/1991, Article
38.4 to “Take every precaution necessary for the protection of the worker and ensure his safety from
occupational illness or potential work accident”. This guidance document is recommended to be read in
conjunction with associated health and safety Technical Guidelines and Code of Practices of Dubai
Municipality available in www.dm.gov.ae.

2. PURPOSE

To support all owners, managers, employees and stakeholders from industries, construction and service
sectors’ institutions in the Emirate of Dubai to prevent/reduce workplace accidents while using ladders at
work.

3. SCOPE

This technical guideline, shall apply to all commercial and industrial establishments, public or government
institutions, including construction and service related worksites in the Emirate of Dubai.

This document provides minimum guidance on proper selection, set-up, use, training and maintenance of
ladders (e.g. single ladder, extension ladder, stepladder, etc.).

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 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

4. DEFINITION

Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall be deemed to mean the definitions hereby
assigned to them.

Ladder
A ladder is a vertical or inclined set of rungs or steps used for access. It has many types such as single
ladder, extension ladder, stepladder, platform ladder. Fixed vertical ladders, rope ladders and self-made
(improvised) ladders are not included in this definition.

Rung
Short cross piece of the ladder that forms the steps of a ladder.

Stile
Vertical member of a ladder connecting the ends of ladder steps or rungs. Stile is also known as stringer
or rail.

Extension Ladder
A type of ladder consisting of two or more sections joined by a sliding mechanism that allows the ladder
to be extended to its designed total length.

Stepladder
A type of ladder having broad flat steps joined to a supporting frame hinged at the top so that it can stand
on its own.

Platform Ladder
A type of ladder which is self-supporting and non-adjustable in length. It is provided with a platform
surface on the top which is surrounded by railings on three sides.

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 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

5. GUIDELINES
A. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Before considering working at height, employers must assess the risks and take whatever steps the
assessment shows are necessary to work safely (always consider if it safer to work on ground than working
at height). The risk assessment shall only be carried out by competent person(s)/team of an organization.

In conducting risk assessment for working at height, the following factors shall be considered to ensure
the safety of the workers, the public and others that might be affected:
• Work site and environmental conditions, including its location, access and egress to and from the
site, weather and ground conditions of the site and the risks relating to other activities on the site
or surrounding area;
• Task to be performed, including the extent of the task and its complexity;
• Duration and the frequency with which the task needs to be performed;
• People involved including the numbers involved in the work, the degree of their exposure to the
risk, the competence of the workers involved, and the level of supervision required;
• The risks to, or presented by those not directly involved in the work;
• Work equipment and/or other structures to be used, including the suitability of existing
structures for work at height, the existence of fragile surface, the selection of work equipment to
be used and any risks arising from pre and post use of the work equipment.

When the risk assessment has shown that alternative forms of access is not possible for use, or using
equipment offering higher level of fall protection is not justifiable due to low risk and short duration of
work at height (less than 30 minutes), or there are existing workplace features that cannot be altered,
then use of ladder shall be considered since it is the only sensible and practical solution.

However, ladders shall only be used in situations where it can be used safely (e.g. ground is level and stable,
ladder can be secured, it is reasonably practicable to do so, etc.).

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 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

B. Safe Systems of Work

Employers are required to implement safe systems of work in every work site which includes information,
training, instruction and supervision. Safe systems of work must be properly communicated to all
stakeholders detailing potential hazards, duties and responsibilities, work plan, procedures and guidelines.
Ensure that workers are properly trained in the proper use of ladders, proper positioning, etc.

Safety management systems shall be properly reviewed and revised to assess effectiveness and suitability
of all existing control measures.

C. Selecting Ladders
If ladders are to be used, ensure that the following are considered in selecting the right type of ladder:
• Ladder shall be in good condition meeting the current EN 131 professional standard or equivalent
UAE or international standard. Do not use ladder which are not designed and not rated for
occupational (work related) setting;
• Duration of the task;
• Physical surroundings wherein the job is to be conducted;
• Prevailing weather conditions;
• Selected type of ladder shall be structurally sound;
• Choose the ladder that is suitable for the job (e.g. single ladder, extension ladder, platform ladder,
stepladder). Do not use the same ladder for all types of jobs;
• Ensure that the ladder is of appropriate length for the task to be carried out;
• Ladder selected shall be of proper material (e.g. metal, reinforced plastic, wooden) and appropriate
size which meets the job requirements;
• In case wherein fittings and accessories are to be used, the supplier or manufacturer shall be
contacted to determine the proper fitting and accessories to be used. The ladder, shall not be
altered without proper authorization and advice;
• Ladders used shall meet the minimum safe working load requirements of 150 kg;
• Self-made ladders and improvised access equipment are prohibited.
• Maximum length of ladders used as specified below shall not be exceeded:

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 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Type of Industrial Ladder

Type of Material
Single Ladder Extension Ladder Stepladder
Metal Ladders and Reinforced
9 meters 15 meters 6.1 meters
Plastic Ladders
5.5 meters
Wooden Ladders 5.5 meters
(platform)

D. Setting Up Ladders

Read and follow manufacturers’ instruction in setting up ladder.

Ladders which are long and heavy (more than 20 kg) shall be handled by at least two persons.

Pre-use check shall be conducted to ensure that the ladder is safe for use (e.g. no loose rivets, no missing
steps, safety components are fixed and properly working, etc.). Refer to Annex A.

Base of the ladder shall be placed on a firm, level, dry and stable surface. If work will be conducted on soft
or uneven ground, use a plank, board or appropriate material under one or both feet of the ladder to have
a stable surface (i.e. supporting plank or board to have appropriate thickness and large enough not to sink
to the ground on either side of the ladder base).

Ladder shall not be placed on top of boxes, barrels, any loose material or on equipment to gain extra height.
Use appropriate leveling devices by communicating with the manufacturer or supplier.

Ladder shall not be used on top of moveable objects such as bricks, lift trucks, pallets, excavator buckets,
vans, scaffolds, mobile elevated work platforms, etc.

Ladder shall set up on a clean and non-slippery surface. The base of the ladder shall not slip outwards.

For extension ladder, always extend it to an appropriate height before use. When adjusting the extension
ladder, ensure that no person is positioned on the ladder, no person is reaching through the ladder and
handled carefully to avoid injury from sliding parts and other components.

Issue Date: 12th January 2021 V 1.1

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 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Lean the ladder against a solid surface which is strong enough to carry the loads and never on unstable,
fragile or narrow surfaces such as gutters, plastics, etc.

Figure showing use of a stand-off device

to ensure a strong resting point.

Position the ladder at the correct angle between 70 to 80 degrees (one meter horizontally for every four
meters vertically is ideal). Remember the rule “One Out for Four Up”.

Position the ladder facing the right way wherein the steps are facing the work activity.

Ladder shall be long enough to provide at least one (1) meter above past the highest point that needs to
be accessed.

Ladder base and top shall be properly secured by fixing or tying it with ropes or straps to a stable and
fixed object. If it is not possible to secure the ladder having less than 3 meters in length, another person
shall stand with one foot at the bottom of the rung while holding the stiles with both hands as a last resort
(where practicable, avoid it by considering use of other access equipment).

Ties used to secure the ladder shall be attached to the stiles and not the rungs or steps.

Ladder shall be kept free from any obstructions at the base and top.

All locking and stabilizing mechanisms of ladders are properly and securely engaged.

Issue Date: 12th January 2021 V 1.1

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 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Each extended section of extension ladder is properly locked at both ends of the rung.

Stepladders shall be set up in fully open position with all feet are in contact with the ground and the steps
are level.

Metal, wooden ladders with metal parts or any type of ladder made of conducting material shall not be
used on or near any electrical hazards.

A minimum safe distance must always be kept between the overhead lines and the closest point of the
ladder. Refer to the existing safe distance requirements of DEWA or any concerned authority where work
is conducted. Seek advice before commencing work.

All overhead lines and other electrical apparatus should be treated as live unless declared “dead” and “Safe”
by DEWA (or other line operator).

Ensure that electrical lines has been made de-energized or it is protected with insulation and with electrical
work permit issued by competent person or authority.

Ensure use of non-conductive ladder for any electrical work.

Ladder shall be placed in areas wherein:

• It will not be struck by vehicles or moving equipment. Area shall be protected using suitable
barriers with safety signage;
• It will not be moved or pushed by other hazards such as doors or windows. Ensure that the doors
(not fire exits) and windows are properly secured;
• It will not be near the edge of open floor or penetration or side railing. If work is to be conducted,
ensure that control measures are in place such as edge protection, fall protection requirements,
etc.;
• The general public (pedestrian) are prevented from using it, walking underneath it or being at risk
because they are too near. Ensure that the area is provided with appropriate barriers and safety
signage. Also, provide a person to act as a guide and to guard the base of the ladder (for areas
having frequented by large volume of people specially children);
• It is properly secured.

Issue Date: 12th January 2021 V 1.1

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 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

E. Securing Ladders

(The following shall be ensured, when securing ladders having 3 meters or longer in length.)

After the ladder has been rested against a solid and stable structure, the base and top of the ladder shall
be secured before any person will use it.

Brace or tie the ladder to a suitable point, making sure that both stiles are tied (see figures below):

Ladder tied at top stiles. Appropriate

for working on but not for gaining
access to a working platform, roof, etc.).

Correct tying part way down. Correct tying near the base.

Where it is not practicable to brace or tie the ladder at the base, secure the ladder with an effective ladder
stability device or stake at the ground.

Example of ladder stability device.

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 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Ladders used to access another level should be tied and extended at least one (1) meter above the landing
point to provide a secure handhold. Self-closing gates (with locking mechanism) is recommended at ladder
access points.

Access ladders should be tied and extended at

least one (1) meter above the landing point to
provide a secure handhold.

Stepladders shall not be used to access another level, unless it is specifically designed for such use.

If it is not possible to secure the ladder, consider using safer means of access (e.g. MEWP, mobile access
towers, etc.).

F. Ladder Use Requirements

Ladders shall not be used during event of strong winds, bad weather or if the user is sick or unfit to work.

Inspect ladder with checklist before use or after something has changed (e.g. ladder movement from one
area to another, ladder has been dropped, etc.). Result to be confirmed and signed by competent person.

Users shall read and follow safety labels and manufacturers’ instruction on ladder use.

Ensure that emergency response plans are in place in case of accidents (e.g. person falling from ladder).

Ensure that the ladder steps and footwear are clean and free from mud, grease or any material that may
cause slips and falls before using the ladder.

Ensure appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety footwear (with slip resistance)
are worn when using ladders.

Sufficient space behind the steps shall be provided for proper footing.

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 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Worker shall pay attention on electrical cables and overhead objects while using the ladder.

Never climb the ladder if it is not facing the right direction (steps are facing the work activity) or if the
gaps between the rungs of the extended ladder are not even.

Only one person at a time is allowed to use the ladder for access, egress and light and short term work
(less than 30 minutes).

Ensure that no person is present below the ladder while working on it.

Ladders’ safe working load shall not be exceeded. Consider the user weight and the tools, equipment and
materials that will be carried before using the ladder.

Tools and materials shall not be carried while climbing the ladder. Light tools or materials can be carried
in a holster attached to a belt or in a tool bag.

Tools and materials which cannot be safely secured by a tool belt or bag shall be independently hoisted up
(e.g. by rope) or raised safely by another person.

User shall always grip and face the ladder when ascending, descending or using it.

Position the ladder as close as possible to the work and avoid over reaching. Ensure that the belts’ buckle
of the user is inside the rails/stiles and both feet firmly standing on the same step while conducting work.

Ladder shall not be moved, extended and adjusted or its locking mechanisms tampered while a person is
working on it.

Do not work on the top three rungs of the ladder and stand/sit on the top of the stepladder.

Do not conduct work which involves side loading (e.g. drilling side on through wall) which may lead to
tipping over of the ladder. In case wherein side loadings are not possible to be avoided, the ladder shall be
properly tied to a suitable point or use a more appropriate type of access equipment.

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 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Ladders shall not be used as braces, runways, platforms or modified for any purposes that it is not designed
for.

Do not stand with one foot on the ladder and the other on another surface.

Maintain firm handhold and three points of contact when using the ladder (i.e. one hand and two feet or
one foot and two hands). When maintaining handhold is not possible, except for a brief period of time (e.g.
starting to screw, holding a nail to start knocking it, etc.), then the two feet and the body shall be supported
by the ladder or take other measures to prevent a fall.

User maintaining three points of contact (means of securing omitted for

clarity).

Example where two hands need to be free for a brief period of light work.
Note that the three points of contact is still maintained, wherein two feet
are at the same step and the body (knee or chest) supported by the
stepladder. Ensure availability of safe handhold.

Do not hurry to complete task. Observance of safety shall never be compromised.

When a ladder is left unattended or unused, ensure that the ladder is provided with safety signage and
secured to prevent unauthorized access to the ladder.

Upon completion of work, ladder shall be closed, transported and stored in accordance with manufacturers’
instructions.

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 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

G. Fall Arrest Systems

Employer shall consider use of personal fall protection system if the risk assessment has demonstrated
that the work can, so far as is reasonably practicable, be performed safely while using that system, and the
use of other safer work equipment is not practicable.

Ladder equipped with anchorage railing.

H. Care and Maintenance

The manufacturer or supplier of portable ladders shall provide all necessary information such as
specifications, label and user instructions to the employer/workplace. All instructions shall be readily
available to personnel that will be using and maintaining the equipment.

Ensure that all parts of the ladder are properly maintained in good condition at all times and specific
instructions for the proper care and maintenance of ladders are followed.

Ensure that ladders are properly cleaned. Substances and materials such as paint, plaster, grease, oil and
other contaminant shall be wiped off immediately to avoid incidents and before it dries or adheres
permanently.

Ladder sections shall not be lubricated unless specified in user instructions of the manufacturer. If
specified, use appropriate lubricant.

Ensure that ladders are properly stored in clean, dry and secured (restricted access) places.

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 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Ladders shall not be hanged or stored vertically. When ladders are stored, ensure that no material is
stacked on top of it and storage area permits easy access, inspection and safe withdrawal of ladders for
use.
Ladders shall be properly handled and avoid dropping, damaging or misusing it. Damage to any part of the
ladder (e.g. stiles, stabilizer, etc.) may adversely affect its integrity which may lead to accident during use.

Wooden ladders shall not be painted with opaque coating. If protective coatings are to be applied, ensure
to use transparent wood finishes or preservatives to be able to distinguish deterioration or damage during
inspection.

Wooden parts of ladders shall be smooth and without splinters, sharp edges, decay, damage or any
irregularities. Low density wood material shall not be used in ladders.

Rope used in ladders (e.g. extension ladder) shall be in good condition at all times. Frayed or damaged rope
shall be replaced and new rope shall be properly installed and meet the specifications in accordance with
manufacturers’ requirements.

Ladders with missing or broken steps, rungs, cleats or stile, missing or loose bolts, fastenings or rivets,
defective ropes, worn or damaged feet, missing or worn out non-slip material or any other defect that
compromises the integrity of the ladder shall not be used, tagged as “Do Not Use or Out Of Order” and
withdrawn from operation. Improvised repairs shall not be conducted.

Telescopic ladders shall not be dismantled or repaired. Contact the supplier for replacement and advice.

Ladders shall be regularly inspected by a competent person in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions
and after occurrence of any incidents (e.g. person slip, fall from ladder, ladder being dropped, etc.). Ensure
that inspection records are properly kept and be made readily available to DM OHS Inspectors upon
request.

I. Instructions and Training

All employees shall be competent to perform their work safely and they should have minimum OHS
understanding.

Issue Date: 12th January 2021 V 1.1

OPEN DATA / ‫ﺑﻴﺎﻧﺎت ﻣﻔﺘﻮﺣﺔ‬
Superseded Issue Date: 2 October 2019
nd
Page 15 of 18
 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Employers are required to provide instruction and training for all workers and individuals who are at risk
of falling from height by a competent person or third party company.
Ensure prior start of any working at height, workers involved are instructed thru tool box talk.

Records of any training including induction and tool box talks shall be properly kept for at least five (5)
years and be made readily available to Dubai Municipality OHS inspectors and other regulatory agencies
for review and demonstrate compliance with pertinent UAE and DM regulations.

Scope of training shall include hazard identification, correct positioning, safe use of ladders, spotting
ladder defects, safe systems of work needed, selection of correct type of ladder for the work activity, fall
protection equipment, ladder handling, storage, maintenance and inspection, and applicable federal and
local regulations and guidelines.

Ensure that the training are delivered regularly (at least once a year) and is easily understood by all.
Assessment shall include hands on use of ladders and other important aspects of training.

Employers shall also conduct additional refresher training if during periodic inspection reveals that
workers are not able to implement ladder safe use procedures, after accidents and incidents (e.g. near
misses and dangerous occurrences), etc.

6. REFERENCES

Australia/New Zealand Standard: Portable Ladders Part 1 - Metal and Part 3 - Reinforced Plastic
(AS/NZS 1892:1996)
Australia: Safe Work Australia - Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
Australian Standard: Portable Ladders Part 2 - Timber (AS 1892:1992)
European Standard: Ladders - Professional (Industrial and Trade) (EN 131:2017)
Hong Kong: Labor Department: Occupational Safety and Health Branch - A Guide to Ladders and Elevated
Working Platforms
United Kingdom: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders

Issue Date: 12th January 2021 V 1.1

OPEN DATA / ‫ﺑﻴﺎﻧﺎت ﻣﻔﺘﻮﺣﺔ‬
Superseded Issue Date: 2 October 2019
nd
Page 16 of 18
 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

ANNEX A: SAMPLE LADDER PRE-USE INSPECTION CHECKLIST

SAMPLE LADDER PRE-USE INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Type of Ladder: (Indicate if single, extension, stepladder, etc.)
Ladder Identification: (Serial no. or code. To ensure that all ladders will be checked prior use)
Location of Equipment: Date of Inspection:
Name of Inspector: Signature:
Confirmed by: (Name of Competent Person – OHS Personnel) Signature:
No. Requirement Yes No Remarks
1 Manufacturers’ instructions available for use. ☐ ☐
2 Safety labels/markings in place and clear. ☐ ☐
Rungs/steps are clean, dry and free from mud, grease,
3 ☐ ☐
oil, dirt or any materials which may cause slip or fall.
Stiles are in good condition and without damage such
4 ☐ ☐
as bending, cracks, splits, etc.
Rungs/steps are complete, fixed in place (not loose)
5 ☐ ☐
and without any damage.
Locking and stabilizing mechanisms are in good
6 ☐ ☐
condition and without damage.
Caps/rubber fittings of feet are complete, in place and
7 ☐ ☐
in good condition (not damaged, worn or dirty).
8 Any damage such as corrosion, sharp edges, dents, etc. ☐ ☐
Bolts, fastenings, rivets, etc. are complete, in good
9 ☐ ☐
condition and not loose.
Wooden parts are smooth and without splinters, sharp
10 ☐ ☐
edges, decay, damage or irregularities.
Rope used in ladder (e.g. extension ladder) in good
11 ☐ ☐
condition and without damage.
Any damage or observations not included on the above:
12

Note:

Ladders shall not be painted as this could hide defects. Instead, wooden ladders shall be painted with transparent
coating.

If there is a “No” answer in any of above requirements which compromises the safety of the ladder, please contact the
management or OHS in Charge of the company immediately for appropriate action such as tagging the defective
ladder with “Do Not Use or Out of Order”, withdrawal from operation and necessary replacement.

Issue Date: 12th January 2021 V 1.1

OPEN DATA / ‫ﺑﻴﺎﻧﺎت ﻣﻔﺘﻮﺣﺔ‬
Superseded Issue Date: 2 October 2019
nd
Page 17 of 18
 Organization Unit: Health & Safety Department :‫اﻟﻮﺣﺪة اﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ‬

Document title: Technical Guidelines for Safe Use of Ladders :‫ﻋﻨﻮان اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

Doc Ref. DM-HSD-GU73-SUL2 :‫رﻗﻢ اﻟﻮﺛﻴﻘﺔ‬

For any further information, please contact:

Health and Safety Department
Dubai Municipality
Tel: 800900
[email protected]

Issue Date: 12th January 2021 V 1.1

OPEN DATA / ‫ﺑﻴﺎﻧﺎت ﻣﻔﺘﻮﺣﺔ‬
Superseded Issue Date: 2 October 2019
nd
Page 18 of 18