Should hooped ladders be banned in the UK?
Introduction
Hooped ladders, also known as hoop or cage ladders, have traditionally been considered a safe means of access to elevated platforms and structures. These fixed access ladders, enclosed by a hoop or cage, offer a physical barrier designed to protect climbers from falling. However, concerns about their safety and the availability of alternative solutions have sparked a debate over whether the UK should ban the installation and use of hooped ladders.
In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for regulating workplace safety, including ladders. In November 2016, they published new rules for fixed ladders, stating that cages or wells were acceptable fall protection for ladders installed before November 2018. However, for ladders over 7.3m/24ft, a personal fall arrest system must be provided by November 2036. For ladders installed after November 2018, cages or wells are no longer deemed adequate fall protection, for ladders over 7.3m/24ft.
Why has the UK not followed the US or provided an even better response?
In 2004, the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated this issue and released a preliminary report titled "Preliminary Investigation into the Fall-Arresting Effectiveness of Ladder Safety Hoops." The findings revealed that hoops rarely provide fall protection by preventing or arresting a fall and can, in fact, worsen the fall by causing injury to the person falling. In 2011, they published further research, "Investigation into the Fall-Arresting Effectiveness of Ladder Safety Hoops, When Used in Conjunction with Various Fall-Arrest Systems," which stated that adding a personal fall arrest system within the hooped cage is not recommended, as it can hinder rescue procedures.
The answer comes down to two main factors. Firstly, the HSE believes the responsibility for this decision is not theirs due to the Health and Safety at Work Act and the further Working at Height Regulations, which mandate the use of a risk hierarchy, where ladders should be a last resort, and emphasise risk assessments as a key requirement. As they have published their reports on the hazards, they have left the decision-making to others. Cages provide collective protection, as ladder users do not need additional training, a harness, or a rescue plan, so removing cages without using alternative protection could result in no protection at all.
The second factor is cost. The number of existing ladders represents a significant expense for UK businesses that have faced financial stress since 2008, with no relief in sight. However, with affordable solutions now readily available, it may be time to review BS EN 4211:2015+A1:2018.
Alternative Solutions
Besides avoiding ladder use altogether, there are three main alternatives:
Retractable fall arrest blocks – These require secure attachment at the ladder's top and can be pulled down with a small rope and connected to the ladder user at the bottom. However, they necessitate costly inspections and must also be used to inspect them, presenting a risk to the inspector.
Vertical fall arrest cable or rail with trolley – These can be positioned in the ladder's middle or side and work as fall restraint due to the short connecting lanyard length, but if used with an incorrect connector length, they must be designed for fall arrest.
Integrated vertical fall arrest rail with trolley – These are part of the ladder sides (called stiles) and work as fall restraint due to the short connecting lanyard length, but if used with an incorrect connector length, they must be designed for fall arrest. Made from aluminium, these ladders are lightweight, safer to install and transport, and their fall protection systems do not require separate inspections, as they are included with ladder inspections.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the question of whether the UK should ban the installation and use of hooped ladders is complex and depends on various factors. Designers and installers often focus too much on design standards without fully considering the risks involved. Ladders are not seen as critical safety assets, and more education is needed for users and those responsible for designing, installing, and managing ladder assets to emphasise the importance of risk assessments in the process.
Asserv UK can help with many of these issues. We can supply cost effective alternatives to hooped ladders, we can also assist with risk assessments and inspection of already installed ladder assets. Feel free to contact us for more information.