Access, Egress, and Fall Protection
Safe access
Access to platforms is by ladders, stair towers, or inclined ladders in a designated opening. Ladders must be secured, extend about 1 m above the landing, and be set at a safe angle (roughly 4:1, about 75°). Gaps in platforms must be minimized; boards should be close-boarded with no traps or gaps.
Fall protection
Guardrails (top rail and intermediate rail) and toe boards are the primary edge protection. Fall arrest (harness and lanyard) is a last resort and requires anchor points, clearance, and rescue planning. Netting and soft landing systems may be used. Opening protection includes covers secured and marked.
Traps
- Relying on a harness instead of guardrails.
- Ladder not tied or extending too little above the landing.
- Missing intermediate guardrail or toe board.
- Ignoring rescue arrangements for fall arrest.
- Using a ladder as a working platform rather than for access only.
Rule of thumb
Guardrails first, harness last; every ladder secured and extending about 1 m above the landing; every opening covered and marked.
Worked example
A platform edge has a top rail at 1 m but no intermediate rail or toe board. Correct action: add an intermediate rail (about mid-height) and toe boards before the platform is used.