Scaffolding Access Ladders: Ensuring Safe and Efficient Climbing on Job Sites
With safety being at the forefront of construction, maintenance, and repair work, scaffold towers are the preferred option as they provide safe working platforms for crews and tools. In this article, we at Disc-O-Scaff, the leading scaffold and formwork manufacturer, will highlight the role that scaffolding access ladders have in providing workers with safe entry to multiple levels of scaffold towers.
Scaffolding Access Ladders Promote Safe Climbing Practices
Scaffold safety is crucial, and climbers must always maintain a secure grip with three points of contact, either two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. For those responsible for the assembly of a tower, there are exceptions to the rule; however, erectors can only climb horizontal and vertical bars once they are securely locked in place. For everyone else, internal and external scaffolding access ladders and staircases should be used. Safe climbing practices when operating scaffold towers not only prevents falls and injuries, but it also ensures that the necessary regulatory safety and compliance standards are adhered to.
Safety Protocols When Using Internal and External Ladders
When referring to ladders used in connection with access solutions, these are ones that are specifically engineered and manufactured to securely fit the type of scaffolding used. Whenever possible, access ladders should be kept in a separate area away from the working platform to prevent accidents. Any openings in the platform where ladders can be accessed must be closed off with a trap door.
External ladders can be used to access the first and second elevated scaffold platforms and must be securely attached. Never climb over or under various parts of the scaffolding to get to a working platform after gaining access with the external ladder. Use the internal ladder to reach higher levels.
A Vital Link in the Climbing Chain
At Disc-O–Scaff, our scaffolding solutions include the following access ladders for worker safety:
- Hook-On Ladders – these are clamped onto the ledgers, providing safe access to elevated platforms.
- Ladder Beams – tubular in design, ladder beams aid in safety and efficiency by effectively creating a bridge between two scaffolds, allowing workers to extend a load across a wider distance or opening.
- Staircases – external staircases are used to access platforms that are 2 to 2.5m high and connect to the ledgers. The non-slip surface of the platform ensures worker safety.
Top Quality Scaffolding and Formwork Solutions
The superior engineering and manufacturing of our Kwikstage and Selflock scaffolding access ladders and other components has made us the preferred supplier for major construction companies in South Africa. Contact us for expert advice on selecting the right type of scaffolding for your specific project.