Hooped Ladder or Fall Arrest

“A passive protection system, for example, a safety cage (see Figure 7) shall be the preferred choice. Where it is not possible to use a cage, individual protective equipment shall be provided. A fall arrester shall be provided only where low frequency and specialized access (e.g. maintenance) is required.

NOTE: A fall arrester is only effective if the user chooses to use it. If a harness with an incompatible sliding system is used with a guided type fall arrester, there will be a risk.”

(BS4211:2005 + A1 2008)

The quote above is from BS4211:2005 + A1 2008, the current legislation governing fixed vertical ladders, and is very clear in its specification of a fixed cage unit in preference to a fixed fall arrest rail. The logic behind this decision is also explained and the conclusions are fairly straightforward. There are a great number of advantages that a cage system may have over a fall arrest system, including:

·         Cages are a ‘passive system’

·         No additional training is required for a cage system where any fall arrest system will necessitate ANY user to be fully trained in its use

·         A visual inspection is adequate for a cage system where a fall arrest system MUST be fully inspected by an approved inspector on an annual basis (as a minimum)

·         No additional equipment is required for a cage system to be effective, a fall arrest system will require the user, building owner, employer or other authority figure; to supply PPE. All PPE must be in date, inspected and stored correctly again increasing the potential for misuse or potential mismanagement

·         Where a fall arrest system is fitted consideration must be given to rescue, this is often very difficult if not impossible

However the conclusions reached are open to some debate; there is some anecdotal evidence, supported by a number of figures within the industry argue that a fall arrest system has advantages over a caged ladder, the main arguments presented would be:

·         Cages do not prevent a user from falling

·         Cages may, in fact, cause additional injuries as the user falls

·         If a fall arrest is fitted, even if the user is completely incapacitated (through a heart attack, fainting or similar) they will still not fall

In addition to these arguments, the HSE have also commissioned a report into the debate between cages or fall arrest systems on fixed ladders, the report can be viewed at http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr258.pdf. This report appear to conclude that a fall arrest system offers more complete protection than a cage system, however, as with most arguments surrounding this issue they need further investigation. The report was issued in 2004 and as such the ladders fall under the recommendations of BS5395: Part 3. In 2005 BS5395: Part 3 was superseded by BS4211:2005 for fixed vertical ladders. BS4211:2005 was itself amended in 2008 (see our blog: BS4211:2005 + A1:2008). As a result of these changes and amendments vertical ladders fitted with cages do offer more substantial protection than offered by the ladder tested.

In our role as suppliers and installers of access equipment, T&I Solutions have taken the decision that both cages and fall arrest systems have a part to play in gaining safe access. There may be situations where the simplicity and reliability offered by a cage is invaluable and more practical, however a fall arrest system can offer more secure access and, where the additional expertise require is available, is an excellent alternative. We therefore offer both solutions as either a TailorMade or ReadyMade product and rely on our expertise and advice to offer the best solution for any given environment. All of our recommendations should be supported by site specific risk assessments and for part of a building comprehensive Work at Height systems of work.