Ladder Safety

Safe Working Sequence: Level 1 – Ladder System with Harness and Cow’s Tail Lanyard

Posted on by Ian Harris
20
Aug

The Level 1 Safe Working Sequence outlines the essential steps for safely working at height using a ladder, harness, and cow’s tail lanyard system. This sequence focuses on thorough preparation, including the inspection of PPE and equipment, the correct positioning and securing of the ladder, and the proper use of a full body harness and lanyard for fall protection. It emphasizes maintaining three points of contact during ladder use, ensuring stability at the working position, and following controlled procedures for both ascent and descent. The sequence prioritises safety and minimises fall risks throughout the task.

1. Preparation:

  1. PPE Check and Application:

    • Before starting any task, the operative must don appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including:
      • ☐ Safety helmet (hard hat)
      • ☐ Gloves
      • ☐ Safety boots

  2. Equipment Inspection:

    • Perform a brief visual inspection of all equipment to ensure there are no visible defects. This includes:
      • ☐ Ladder (ensure it’s in good condition and appropriate for the height required)
      • ☐ Ratchet strap (check for frays or damage)
      • ☐ Eye bolt anchor (confirm it is in good condition and suitable for the wall)
      • ☐ Full body harness (ensure no cuts, tears, or damaged stitching)
      • ☐ Cow’s tail lanyard (check both ends, lanyard material, and carabiners for damage)
      • ☐ Drill and any other tools (check operational status)

  3. Risk Assessment:

    • Conduct a risk assessment to ensure that using the ladder system with a harness is the safest and most suitable method for accessing the work area.
      • Consider the height, location, and the type of work to be done.
      • Identify any additional hazards (e.g., ground conditions, overhead obstructions) and plan to mitigate them.

2. Securing the Ladder:

  1. Anchor Point Installation:

    • Use a drill to create a hole in the wall between 1.5 and 1.8 meters high.
    • Insert the eye bolt anchor into the drilled hole and tighten securely using a suitable tool. Ensure the anchor is properly seated and will not move when pressure is applied.

  2. Ladder Positioning:

    • Position the ladder against the wall at the correct angle, which is one unit out for every four units up (a 4:1 ratio).
    • If required, use a ladder leveling device or standoff bracket to ensure the ladder is properly stabilized and not leaning sideways or improperly angled.
    • Ensure the ladder is long enough to reach the working position safely.

  3. Ladder Securing:

    • Thread the ratchet strap through a rung of the ladder (usually a mid-level rung) and pass it through the eye bolt anchor.
    • Bring the strap back through the ratchet mechanism and tighten it until the ladder is secure against the wall.
      • Note: Do not over-tighten the strap, as this can cause the ladder to collapse or deform. The ladder should be firm but not crushed.
    • Check the ladder for stability by applying moderate pressure to ensure it does not wobble or shift.

3. PPE and Harness Preparation:

  1. Harness Application:

    • Don the full body harness:
      • Place the harness over your shoulders and fasten the leg, chest, and waist straps.
      • Tighten all straps to ensure a snug fit without being overly restrictive.
      • Ensure all buckles and clips are properly fastened.

  2. Cow’s Tail Lanyard Attachment:

    • Attach the cow’s tail lanyard to the front D-ring of your harness using the provided carabiner.
    • Keep the large carabiner (attached to the other end of the lanyard) clipped to the harness when not in use to prevent it from getting in the way during climbing.

4. Climbing and Working at Height:

  1. Pre-Climb Safety Check:

    • Perform a final safety check of the ladder, ensuring it is stable and secure.
    • Double-check the harness and lanyard attachments to make sure everything is connected properly.

  2. Ascending the Ladder:

    • Climb the ladder using three points of contact at all times. This means having two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot, in contact with the ladder as you climb.
    • Avoid carrying any tools in your hands while climbing. Instead, use a tool belt or a rope system to raise tools once you’ve reached the working position.

  3. Securing at the Working Position:

    • Once at the desired working height, disengage the large carabiner of the cow’s tail lanyard from your harness.
    • Attach the carabiner to the highest reachable rung in front of you. Ensure it is securely clipped in place.
    • Once the cow’s tail lanyard is attached, both hands will be free for work while the lanyard provides fall protection.

5. Conducting Work at Height:

  1. Work Procedure:
    • Ensure that your body remains stable and in balance while working.
    • Maintain your connection to the ladder through the lanyard at all times.
    • If any adjustments are required to the ladder position, descend and reposition the ladder safely before continuing.

6. Descending the Ladder:

  1. Preparation for Descent:

    • Secure all tools and materials before descending the ladder. Tools should either be placed in a tool belt or lowered safely to the ground using a rope or other suitable method.
    • Disengage the cow’s tail lanyard from the rung, and clip it back to your harness to keep it out of the way during descent.

  2. Descending the Ladder:

    • Descend slowly and carefully, maintaining three points of contact at all times.
    • Avoid rushing and ensure you have a firm grip and stable footing as you move down the ladder.

7. Post-Work Procedures:

  1. Disassembly of Equipment:

    • After reaching the ground, remove and inspect the harness, cow’s tail lanyard, and ratchet strap for any wear or damage that may have occurred during the work.
    • Disassemble the ladder, eye bolt anchor, and any other tools or equipment used.

  2. Final Checks:

    • Perform a final check of all equipment to ensure everything is in good condition for future use.
    • Store equipment properly in designated storage areas, following any site-specific protocols for handling safety equipment.

Conclusion:

Following this detailed safe working sequence ensures that all steps are taken to maintain safety when working at height with ladders, harnesses, and cow’s tail lanyards. Each step emphasizes the importance of planning, correct equipment use, and maintaining safety throughout the process.

Level 1 SSOWDownload
Ian Harris

MEng, CertIOSH. Health and Safety Consultant and Director at CTC South West Limited for 20 years. Click here to find out more.