Method statement for ladders and stepladders
A ladder method statement should define the short-duration, low-risk work being undertaken and explain why a ladder is suitable instead of safer access equipment. It must cover pre-use checks, ground conditions, the correct angle, securing, three points of contact, exclusion below and limits on carrying tools. Falls, dropped objects, overreaching and contact with electricity are typical hazards. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require work at height to be properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people. A practical control is to record the ladder ID and inspection result before each shift, then reposition it rather than allowing anyone to stretch sideways.
- ✓5 steps from preparation to completion
- ✓Covers: 3 key hazards and their controls
- ✓Permits: site work-at-height authorisation where required
In short
A method statement sets out how a task will be carried out safely, step by step: preparation, set-up, the work itself and completion, with the plant, permits, competence and supervision needed. It puts the controls identified in the risk assessment into a safe system of work.
What it must include
- ✓Task description, location and duration
- ✓Step-by-step sequence of works
- ✓Plant, equipment and materials
- ✓Permits and isolations required
- ✓Competence, training and supervision
- ✓PPE and emergency arrangements
You stay the duty holder: review the document for your site before work starts. SitePaper is a drafting tool, not a consultancy.