safety: access equipment

• Do not use damaged or broken access equipment such as ladders and steps
• Standing on chairs, tins and boxes to reach high areas is dangerous!
• Stepladders must be stable and safe. All latches must be fully locked when in use
• Do not stand on the flat platform of stepladders. Keep both feet on the steps at all times and hold on with one hand
• If using ladders for access a general rule of thumb is for every four foot of ladder height the base should be one foot out
• Ladders should always be placed on a level and firm base and secured at the top
• When working for prolonged periods at certain heights the use of a stable platform or box scaffold should be considered
• For bigger projects consider using scaffold from professional hire outlets