Hoop ladders, also known as cage ladders, are often perceived as a safer alternative due to their protective hoops. However, while they offer some benefits, it is important to understand their limitations and potential hazards.
What Does a Safety Hoop Ladder Look Like?
A safety hoop, found on some fixed ladders is a structural feature designed to provide additional safety for climbers. To better visualise this, imagine the ladder running vertically with metal rings (the hoops) encircling it at regular intervals.
These ladder safety hoops are connected by vertical bars, forming a cage that prevents a person from falling backward or sideways off the ladder. The climber ascends within this cage, with the hoops acting as a barrier to potential falls.
Are Hoop Ladders Safe?
Ladder hoops are not considered an effective means of preventing a fall from height and therefore should not be relied upon in isolation. Where a hooped ladder is in place with or without a fixed fall arrest system, the climber should employ twin-lanyard techniques to maintain suitable attachment to the structure.
A fixed fall arrest system should not be used with hooped ladders due to potential for hoops to interfere with operation of fall-arrest system in the event of a fall.
HSE Reports on Hoop Ladder Safety
One of the HSE’s concerns with hoop ladders is their incompatibility with many fall arrest systems. Modern fall arrest systems, such as harnesses and lanyards, are designed to arrest a fall quickly and minimise injury. However, the structure of hoop ladders can interfere with these systems:
- Attachment Points: Hoop ladders typically lack appropriate attachment points for securing fall arrest equipment , making it difficult to ensure proper protection.
- Restricted Movement: The safety hoops on ladders can restrict the movement of the climber, making it challenging to use a fall arrest system effectively.
What is the Twin Lanyard Climbing Technique?
Twin lanyard climbing technique provides a means of ‘attachment’ to the structure where control measures further up the work at height hierarchy cannot reasonably be implemented.
The climber should ensure that at least one lanyard is attached to a suitably robust anchor point at all times- thereby ensuring that in the event of a fall the climber will be ‘arrested’ before hitting the ground.
Lanyards should contain an energy absorbing system which minimises likely forces on the body to <6kN.
Climbers should ensure that lanyard hooks are only attached to undeniably robust anchor points and not studs, feeder clamps, some handrails, etc, which may fail in the event of a significant applied force.
Lanyards should not be ‘choked’ or attached to vertical anchor points, e.g. ladder stiles, due to the lateral forces imposed on the lanyard hook gate. Lanyards should be attached at as high a point as possible on the structure in relation to the climber to limit the potential ‘fall-factor’. As a rule, climbers should never attach lanyard hooks below knee level.
Use of the twin-lanyard technique over significant heights is fatiguing and may increase the likelihood of a fall so adequate rest should be regularly taken during the climb.Rests can be taken at purpose-made rest platforms or through attachment of the work positioning device.
A specific risk assessment should be undertaken on any climb in excess of 45m where the twin-lanyard technique will be used.
Promoting Safety Through Training
Given the limitations and potential hazards of hoop ladders, it is vital to promote comprehensive safety training for all personnel working at height. MRS Training and Rescue offers specialised training programmes designed to address the unique challenges of ladder safety, including:
- Understanding Ladder Types: Training includes an in-depth understanding of various ladder types, including hoop ladders, and their respective safety protocols.
- Proper Use of Fall Arrest Systems: Courses cover the correct use of fall arrest systems and how to ensure they are compatible with the ladders being used.
- Emergency Procedures: Training on how to respond to accidents and conduct rescue operations safely and efficiently.
By investing in professional training, organisations can significantly reduce the risks associated with ladder use, ensuring that all workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to work safely at height.
Conclusion
While hoop ladders offer some safety benefits, they are not as reliable as they may seem. The limitations identified by HSE reports and the incompatibility with fall arrest systems highlight the need for a cautious approach to their use.
To mitigate these risks, comprehensive training from MRS Training and Rescue can equip workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure safety when using any type of ladder.
Contact MRS Training & Rescue today and take a proactive step towards safeguarding your workforce and enhancing overall workplace safety.
