Ladders and Steps Training

The Ladders and Steps Training Course is designed to provide employees with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely use ladders and stepladders in the workplace. Whether you work in construction, facilities management, maintenance, warehousing, retail, manufacturing, utilities, or any industry where access equipment is used, this ladder and steps training course will help you understand the risks associated with working at height and how to use ladders safely and correctly.

Although ladders and steps are among the most commonly used pieces of access equipment, they are also involved in thousands of workplace accidents every year. Falls from ladders continue to be a significant cause of workplace injuries, often resulting from incorrect ladder selection, poor maintenance, unstable positioning, overreaching, or inadequate user training. Most ladder-related accidents are entirely preventable when suitable equipment is selected, correctly inspected, and used by competent individuals.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to properly plan all work at height, ensure suitable access equipment is selected, and provide employees with adequate information, instruction, and training. In addition, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require employers to ensure that all work equipment is suitable for its intended purpose, maintained in a safe condition, and used only by employees who have received appropriate training. This Ladders & Steps training course helps organisations comply with these legal duties while promoting a safer working environment.

Throughout the Ladders & Steps training course, delegates will develop a clear understanding of when ladders and stepladders are appropriate for use and when alternative access equipment, such as mobile towers or Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), should be considered. Learners will gain an appreciation of the hierarchy of control for working at height and understand why ladders should only be used for low-risk, short-duration tasks where it is appropriate to do so.

Delegates will learn how to carry out thorough pre-use inspections, identify damaged or defective ladders, and understand the importance of removing unsafe equipment from service. The Ladders and Steps training course explains how defects such as damaged stiles, loose rungs, worn feet, bent components, damaged locking mechanisms, and contamination can compromise safety.

Correct ladder selection forms an important part of the training. Delegates will learn how to choose the correct ladder for different tasks, considering factors such as working height, ground conditions, load capacity, frequency of use, and the environment in which the work is taking place. The course also explains the differences between various ladder types, including extension ladders, combination ladders, platform steps, and stepladders.

Safe positioning and use are reinforced throughout the Ladders and Steps training course course. Delegates will understand how to position ladders at the correct angle, secure them where necessary, maintain three points of contact while climbing, avoid overreaching, and safely transport tools and materials while working. Good housekeeping, maintaining exclusion zones where appropriate, and preventing slips and trips around ladder work areas are also covered.

The Ladders and Steps training course also highlights the importance of dynamic risk assessments before commencing work, ensuring hazards such as overhead power lines, moving vehicles, unstable ground, adverse weather conditions, pedestrian traffic, and nearby obstructions are identified and controlled.

By completing the Ladders and Steps Training Course, delegates will gain the confidence to use ladders safely, reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents, and contribute towards maintaining a safe and legally compliant working environment.T

What’s Covered?

In this Ladder and Steps training course, you will learn about A range of subjects are covered including:

• Understanding the Work at Height Regulations 2005
• PUWER 1998 requirements
• All relevant Health & Safety Laws and Regulations
• Responsibilities of employees and their employers
• Selecting the correct ladder or stepladder
• The safe inspection of the equipment
• Conducting a Risk Assessment the right way
• Types of ladders and access equipment
• Ladder inspections before use
• Identifying damaged or defective ladders
• Safe ladder positioning and setup
• Correct climbing techniques
• Maintaining three points of contact
• Avoiding overreaching and common unsafe practices
• The Safe storage, maintenance, and transportation of ladders
• The importance of keeping your equipment in good order with regular maintenance
• The correct personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Practical
• Test paper, questions and review

Who Should Attend?

This Ladders and Steps Training Course is suitable for:

• Construction workers
• Electricians
• Maintenance engineers
• Facilities management teams
• Warehouse operatives
• Retail maintenance staff
• Painters and decorators
• Property maintenance contractors
• Supervisors and site managers
• Anyone who uses ladders or stepladders as part of their work

No previous experience is required; however, delegates should have a good understanding of spoken and written English to fully participate in the course and complete the assessment.

Course details

• Aimed at: Anyone who uses Ladders & Steps
• Duration: 0.5 day
• Maximum class size: 12
• Qualification length: 5 years
• On-site training available: Yes

Assessment details

The qualification is assessed through a theory assessment paper and practical test which the learner must successfully pass. Once completed the delegate will be awarded the Davis Access Ladders and Steps training certificate.

If you have any concerns about whether you are eligible to undertake this course, please contact us.

More Than Training – Total Access Solutions from Davis Access

At Davis Access, we do far more than deliver professional Ladder and Steps training. With over 30 years of industry experience, we provide a complete range of access platform solutions including access platform hire, Asbestos Training, CITB training, IPAF Training, PASMA training, MEWP servicing, LOLER inspections, repairs, refurbishment, and access platform sales throughout Bristol, South Wales and across the UK.

Whether you’re a construction company, facilities management contractor, local authority, maintenance provider or industrial business, our experienced team can support every stage of your project. From ensuring your workforce is trained and compliant to supplying, maintaining and repairing access equipment, Davis Access offers a true one-stop solution for working safely at height.