AS1657 vertical ladder

[rowingengineer]

I was hoping I would never have to read AS1657 but .....

Having done a quick Google, I came across the article below, which state that if you’re ladder is vertical is does not comply with AS1657, Which when reading the code sounds correct.

http://www.infolink.com.au/c/Capital-Safety/Ladder-safety-often-misunderstood-n762944

My question is, I have seen many vertical ladders in my time, are these all outside the requirements of the BCA?
The article also states that caged protection is not the way to go, and mentions a lead line. How many people document the ladders without cages and with lead lines?
Are there any other pits falls I need to know about?


Arguing with an engineer is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while you realize that they like it

 

[apsix]

As the link says; "(vertical) ladders should be structurally designed in accordance with AS 1657 but require specific approval of the Regulatory Authority". It's not that they don't comply with AS1657.

The article is probably generally correct, but is an opinion piece from a company trying to sell their lead line. Personally, I've only seen them used in wind towers.

Cages are legal and still used, but have their limitations, as well as advantages. It is possible that they will be banned in the future.

 

[jhardy1]

Note that there is a draft revision of AS 1657 (DR 01136 - 2001 - yes it's been around for 8 years and has not yet been adopted!) The draft uses the same wording as AS 1657:

"It should be not greater than 75 degrees to the horizontal. In no case shall the ladder overhang the person climbing the ladder."

"Should" indicates a recommendation; "shall" indicates that a statement is mandatory. That is, 75 degrees is the maximum PREFERRED slope, but vertical ladders ARE permissible if there is no practical alternative.