CoP 37.0 - Ladders

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Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and
Health System Framework
(ADOSH-SF)
Code of Practice
CoP 37.0 - Ladders
Version 4.1
February 2026

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice - CoP 37.0 - Ladders
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Training and Competency .......................................................................................................................... 4
3. Requirements ................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Planning and Assessment.................................................................................................................. 6
3.3 Selecting Portable Ladders ............................................................................................................... 6
3.4 Stepladders ............................................................................................................................................. 7
3.5 Step Platforms ....................................................................................................................................... 8
3.6 Other Hazards / Controls .................................................................................................................... 8
3.7 Setting up Ladders ............................................................................................................................... 9
3.8 Securing Ladders ................................................................................................................................. 10
3.9 Using Ladders ....................................................................................................................................... 10
3.10 Working near Electrical Equipment............................................................................................... 11
3.11 Using Fall Arrest Equipment ........................................................................................................... 11
3.12 Care and Maintenance ....................................................................................................................... 12
3.13 Inspection and Testing ..................................................................................................................... 13
4. Record Keeping ............................................................................................................................................ 15
5. Document Amendment Record .............................................................................................................. 16

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1. Introduction
(a) This Code of Practice (CoP) applies to all employers within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
This CoP is designed to incorporate requirements set by Abu Dhabi Public Health
Center (ADPHC) and Sector Regulatory Authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
(b) This CoP established the requirements and standards so that the risks associated with
the use of ladders are assessed, that control measures are implemented in accordance
with the hierarchy of controls and ensure control measures are implemented to
prevent injury, illness and disease to persons who might be exposed to risks arising
from those activities.
(c) These requirements of the CoP shall be implemented in accordance with
ADOSH-SF –
CoP 23.0 – Working at Heights.
(d) The use of the term ‘ladder’ refers to any metal, wooden, reinforced plastic or
composite material ladder that is used for access. It includes similar material
stepladders but does not include fixed vertical ladders. It shall be noted however that
this does not include self-made ladders.
(e) Ladders and stepladders must be designed for heavy duty or industrial use, (not
domestic) and must have product conformity certification to a recognized
international standard, such as
BS EN131 – Ladders or equivalent.

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2. Training and Competency
(a) Employers shall ensure that OSH training complies with the requirements of:
(i)
ADOSH-SF – Element 5 – Training, Awareness and Competency.
(ii)
ADOSH-SF – Mechanism 7.0 – Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner and
Service Provider Registration..
(b) Employers shall ensure personnel required to implement the requirements of this CoP
are trained in the use of ladders and understand the risks associated with using the
ladders and the control measures are implemented by the employer.
(c) Training shall be to an internationally recognised standard, such as that provided by
the Ladder Association or equivalent. Those who provide training should be able to
demonstrate that their training activity – facilities, equipment, instructor qualifications
and CPD, instructor / trainee ration and course content are subject to independent
assessment and ongoing audit by a recognised lead industry body, such as the Ladder
Association or equivalent.
(d) Training for employees shall be competency-based and include:
(i) systems of work needed for the safe use of ladders;
(ii) types and selection of correct ladders;
(iii) use of ladders;
(iv) fall protection equipment; and
(v) storage, care, maintenance and inspection of ladders.
(e) Employers shall conduct additional retraining whenever a periodic inspection reveals,
or there is reason to believe, that there are deviations from or inadequacies in the
employee’s knowledge or use of ladders or procedures.
(f) Employers shall conduct additional retraining whenever a ladder procedure fails.
(g) Employers shall maintain a record of the required training that contains the following
information:
(i) name and ID number;
(ii) Emirates ID number of the employee;
(iii) subject(s) of training;
(iv) dates(s) of training; and
(v) person(s) providing the training.

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3. Requirements
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities
3.1.1 Employers
(a) Employers shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the
general requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 1 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-
Regulation Section 3.2.5.
(b) Employers shall undertake their specific roles and responsibilities in accordance with
the following:
(i) safer access systems – e.g. scaffolding and elevating work platforms – are used
as a first resort and use ladders if these other systems are not reasonably
practicable;
(ii) ladders shall be appropriate for the task and in good working condition;
(iii) all work with ladders is appropriately planned, organized and appropriately
supervised;
(iv) those involved in use of ladders are trained and competent; and
(v) ladders are inspected on a regular basis by a competent person.
3.1.2 Employees
(a) Employees shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the
general requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 1 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-
Regulation Section 3.2.7.
(b) Employees shall undertake their specific roles and responsibilities in accordance with
the following:
(i) employees shall report any activity or defect relating to ladders which they
believe is reasonably foreseeable to endanger their safety or the safety of
another person; and
(ii) employees shall use safety devices provided to use with ladders by the
Employer in accordance with training or instruction received in the use of the
work equipment or other device.

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3.2 Planning and Assessment
(a) Employers shall evaluate each site or operation to determine if ladder hazards are
present and the equipment shall be assessed using risk management practices as
required by
AD EHSMS RF – Element 2 – Risk Management and
ADOSH-SF – CoP 23.0 –
Working at Height.
(b) Employers shall ensure:
(i) assessment of the various risks and establishment of systems of work which are
safe to both staff, contractors and the public;
(ii) that effective procedures and control measures are in place which are
implemented in order to manage ladder activities;
(iii) that for the Building and Construction Sector the safe management of ladder
requirements are included in the Pre-Tender Safety and Health Plan in
accordance with
ADOSH-SF – CoP 53.0 – OSH Management during Construction
Work; and
(iv) that associated safe systems of work, and site rules are included in the
Safety
and Health Construction Management Plan (OSH - CMP) in the case of the
Building and Construction Sector in accordance with
ADOSH-SF – CoP 53.0 – OSH
Management during Construction Work
3.3 Selecting Portable Ladders
(a) Employers must select ladders that are:
(i) industrial rated, do not use domestic ladders;
(ii) able to extend at least 1 meter higher than the highest level that needs to be
accessed;
(iii) capable of supporting the greatest load to be imposed; and
(iv) no longer than the lengths specified in table one below:
Maximum Lengths
Metal ladders and
reinforced plastic ladders: Wooden Ladders:
• 6.1 meters for an industrial
stepladder;
• 9 meters for a single industrial
ladder;
• 15 meters for an industrial
extension ladder.
• 5.5 meters platform stepladder;
• 5.5 meters industrial pole ladder.
Table 1: Maximum Ladder Lengths

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(b) Ladders shall be rated as per the table above and self-made ladders or access
equipment is prohibited.
3.4 Stepladders
(a) Employers shall ensure that stepladders are used in the fully open position.
(b) Employees can carry out work that requires the simultaneous release of both hands
from the stepladder only under the following circumstances:
(i) the working height is limited to accessing the ceiling or soffit of the floor above
which the stepladder is positioned, or to 1.8 meters as a maximum height;
(ii) the person and the stepladder are to remain stable throughout the period of
work;
(iii) the person is to have the use of both hands to grip the stepladder when
ascending and descending the ladder;
(iv) except for stepladders incorporating an appropriately guarded work platform,
the person does not work above the third step from the top of the stepladder;
(v) the nature of the work allows the person to lean forward towards the
stepladder;
(vi) where the work involves hand tools:
1. the tools are used as intended in their normal operating position;
2. tool use does not negate guarding or other safety features on the tools;
3. all tools are supported by the person undertaking the task (e.g. in a tool
belt or tool bag) and are not supported from the stepladder, unless
designed for the purpose;
4. the tools, and the manner in which they are used, do not cause the
center of gravity of the person operating them to be shifted from the
stable position of leaning towards the stepladder; and
5. the tools are relatively lightweight.
(vii) the nature of the work and the position of the stepladder, does not require the
person to overstretch;
(viii) the work does not cause fatigue – it is of short-term duration and conducted in
an ergonomic manner; and
(ix) where the above cannot be complied with Employers shall ensure stepladders
are not used and shall adapt a more appropriate means of access for the work.

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3.5 Step Platforms
(a) Employers shall consider step platforms as an alternative to stepladders where the
task involves extended periods of working at height or involves high risk working such
as welding or other forms of hot work.
(b) Employers shall ensure step platforms are used on a firm and level surface and are
well maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
(c) Employers shall ensure that all employees involved in the use of step platforms are
given specific instructions on their erection, movement, use and inspection.
3.6 Other Hazards / Controls
(a) Employers shall ensure that:
(i) where ladders or stepladders are being used outside, they are not used in the
event of high winds or inclement weather;
(ii) before ladders are used they are inspected and that procedures and control
measures are implemented to remove defective or damaged ladders from
service;
(iii) ladders are not used near the edge of an open floor, penetration, or on
scaffolding to gain extra height;
(iv) ladders are not set up in a passageway, doorway, driveway or other place where
a person, vehicle or crane lifted load might strike it so as to cause instability or
its collapse;
(v) where ladders are set up in a public place appropriate control measures are
implemented to protect the public and that ladders are removed when not in use
even for short periods of time;
(vi) where a ladder is left unattended signs are provided warning against
unauthorized use of the ladder;
(vii) tools and materials are not carried by hand when climbing ladders; tools and
materials which cannot safely be secured on the employees belt are to be
independently transferred or hoisted to the work location;
(viii) work from ladders is not carried out directly over people;
(ix) Overhead power lines or other overhead hazards shall be identified;
(x) ladders are used by one person at a time;
(xi) ladders are not modified or used for any other purposes than those designed for;
(xii) employees are issued with and wear slip resistant appropriate footwear when
using ladders; and
(xiii) the combined weight of person plus tools when using a ladder does not exceed
120 kg unless the ladder is designed for such a load as recorded in the ladder
manufacturer’s instructions.

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3.7 Setting up Ladders
(a) Employers shall make arrangements so that heavy ladders (weighing over 20 kg) are
handled by at least 2 employees.
(b) Employers shall ensure ladders are set up so that:
(i) their slope is between 70 degrees and 80 degrees (1 meter horizontally for
every 4 meters vertically is ideal);
(ii) they extend at least 1 meter past the highest point that needs to be accessed;
(iii) their base and top are firmly secured by fixing or tying, or by another employee
holding the base or top;
(iv) ties at the base or top of a ladder are attached to the stiles of the ladder, not
the rungs;
(v) if necessary, road and pedestrian traffic controls are implemented, doors are
locked etc; and
(vi) rungs are clean before the ladder is used.
(c) Employers shall ensure there is appropriate, stable, non-slippery and level support for
the base of a ladder. If the ground is soft or uneven, wide planks shall be considered
as a base.
(d) Employers shall implement control measures so that the base of a ladder is not in a
pedestrian or road traffic area, or next to a door or gate, unless appropriate control
measures have been implemented.
(e) Employers shall implement control measures so that the top of single and extension
ladders are supported by a structure that is strong enough to bear the loads.
(f) When adjusting the height of an extension ladder employers shall implement control
measures so that people are:
(i) not positioned on the ladder;
(ii) not reaching through the ladder; and
(iii) careful to avoid injury from sliding guides and other components.
(g) Before climbing an extension ladder after the height has been adjusted employers
shall implement control measures so that the user must look to make sure that the
locking mechanism is appropriately engaged.

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3.8 Securing Ladders
3.8.1 At the Base
(a) Employers shall ensure the following for all ladders 3 meters in length or longer where
the ladder is secured at the base:
(i) when ladders are erected against a structure, ladders are secured at the base
before any person ascends them;
(ii) the base rope is to be secured to the structure and the tail of the base rope is
tied off to the stile of the ladder;
(iii) an appropriate warning device, such as a flag, is to be attached to the rope
between the ladder and the structure; and
(iv) if a ladder cannot be secured with the base rope, a person shall steady the base
of the ladder to prevent it from slipping.
3.8.2 At the Top
(a) Employers shall ensure the following for all ladders 3 meters in length or longer where
the ladder is secured at the top:
(i) a ladder is to be secured at its top with a rope to the stile and the tail of the rope
is to be tied off to the structure supporting the ladder. This is to be done before
work from the ladder commences or before people move from the ladder to the
structure. While the ladder is being secured a person shall steady the base of
the ladder to prevent it from slipping;
(ii) when a ladder is secured at its top it is no longer necessary for a person to
steady the ladder base;
(iii) if a ladder cannot be secured at its top, a person shall continue to steady the
base of the ladder to prevent it from slipping. In these circumstances, the base
is to be also secured with a rope if reasonably practicable; and
(iv) a person steadying a ladder shall firmly grasp the stiles with both hands to
prevent any movement or overturn of the ladder.
3.9 Using Ladders
(a) Employers shall ensure that:
(i) the decision to use ladders is not governed by time or cost factors but based on
the best available means of access for the work in hand;
(ii) a ladder is used for vertical access only, a ladder shall not be used in a horizontal
position as a platform, runway, or scaffold;
(iii) portable ladders shall be placed so as to prevent slipping, or shall be lashed, or
held in position;
(iv) ladders are not placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain
additional height;
(v) a ladder is not used if employees need to place their feet higher than the third
highest rung;

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(vi) a ladder is not used to gain height above the protected edge of a scaffold or an
elevating work platform;
(vii) only one person at a time uses a ladder. If a ladder’s base or top is being held by
an employee, that employee shall not do other work while there is a person on
the ladder;
(viii) no person shall be on a ladder when it is being moved to a new work location;
(ix) when climbing or descending a ladder, employees:
1. shall face the normal climbing side of the ladder;
2. shall have at least three limbs in contact with the ladder at all times (eg.
both hands and 1 foot, or 1 hand and both feet);
3. shall grip the stiles or rungs; and
4. shall not carry objects/materials in their hands.
(x) tools are to be carried in a tool belt, holster or pouch, not in the hands;
(xi) while on a ladder, employees:
1. shall not “walk” the ladder (“walk” means cause the ladder to move by
moving one’s body at the top of the ladder, thus lifting the ends of the
stiles alternately);
2. shall not climb so that their feet are higher than the third highest rung;
and
3. shall not reach to either side or away from the ladder, except to hold a
stable supporting structure.
3.10 Working near Electrical Equipment
(a) Employers shall ensure that metal ladders or wire-reinforced ladders are not used for
work:
(i) on or near low voltage (110 volt. or greater) electrical conductors;
(ii) within 6 meters of live 1500 volt. overhead power supplies or high voltage
equipment;
(iii) if there are live electrical conductors nearby, where the conductor could move
due to wind load, or the ladder could move due to swaying so that safe distances
are not maintained; and
(iv) near electrical equipment that needs an electrical work permit.
3.11 Using Fall Arrest Equipment
(a) Employers shall consider the following as additional safety precautions when work is
being carried out from ladders:
(i) if an employee accesses a height of more than 2 meters, an appropriate harness
and safety line is provided; and
(ii) when working from a ladder accessing a pole (for example telecommunications)
a pole strap is provided and used.
(b) Fall Arrest Systems shall be used in accordance with
ADOSH-SF – CoP 23.0 – Working
at Heights.

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3.12 Care and Maintenance
(a) Employers shall ensure the correct care and maintenance of ladders by adherence to
the following:
(i) avoid dropping ladders or damaging them in any other way. Damage to the stiles
can weaken the ladder and/or cause a hand injury hazard from splinters;
(ii) shall ensure ladders are stored in an appropriate place and ensure that access
to ladders is restricted to only authorized persons;
(iii) normally water is sufficient to remove mud and dirt from a ladder. If the ladder
becomes contaminated with a substance that requires a more powerful cleaner
care shall be taken to make sure that the neither the substance to be removed
nor the solvent damages the ladder. In particular, consideration shall be given to
possible damage to the lacquer coating on timber ladders as this is essential to
exclude water, to maintain the insulating properties of the ladder and to prevent
decay of the timber;
(iv) wooden ladders shall not to be painted. If a preservative is used it is to be
transparent during the life of the ladder to enable visual inspections to detect
deterioration;
(v) ladders shall be maintained in good condition at all times, the joint between the
steps and side rails shall be tight, all hardware and fittings securely attached,
and the movable parts shall operate freely without binding or undue play;
(vi) all wood parts shall be free from sharp edges and splinters; sound and free from
visual failure, decay, or other irregularity. Low density wood shall not be used;
(vii) ladders shall not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections. Ladders
shall be equipped with the hardware fittings necessary for support and
extension;
(viii) frayed or badly worn rope shall be replaced;
(ix) safety feet and other equipment shall be kept in good condition to ensure
appropriate performance;
(x) ladders with broken or missing steps, rungs, or cleats, broken side rails, or other
faulty equipment shall not be used. Improvised repairs shall not be made; and
(xi) rungs shall be kept free of grease and oil.

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3.13 Inspection and Testing
(a) Employers shall develop an appropriate inspection program to ensure ladders shall be
inspected frequently and those with defects shall be withdrawn from service for repair
or disposal and tagged or marked as "Dangerous, Do Not Use”.
(b) As a minimum, employers shall ensure a daily user inspection is carried out for all
ladders and a weekly formal inspection shall be undertaken and documented.
(c) Employers shall consider the use of inspection tags fixed to each ladder. The
inspection tag can be used to record the following information:
(i) identification mark of the ladder;
(ii) date of inspection;
(iii) result of inspection; and
(iv) name of the person(s) carrying out the inspection.
3.13.1. Acceptance Inspection
(a) Employers shall inspect ladders on initial receipt to make sure they are fit for purpose.
(b) A sticker showing the date of receipt and the inspection carried out is to be affixed to
the ladder. Employers shall make sure that the inspection and marking is carried out
correctly.
3.13.2. Before Each Use
(a) Employers shall ensure that the person using the ladder inspects it before each use to
make sure that it functions correctly and has not deteriorated during storage or
transportation. The inspection is to include checks for:
(i) cracks or other damage to the rungs or treads;
(ii) contamination of the rungs or treads with grease, oil or chemicals, cracks or
damage to the stiles;
(iii) unauthorized repair or modification to any part of the ladder;
(iv) corrosion of any part of the ladder due to chemicals;
(v) cuts or other damage resulting in metal splinters;
(vi) loose rivets, joints, nuts and bolts;
(vii) damage to hinges;
(viii) damaged or missing feet; and
(ix) the condition of any ropes to be used with the ladder.

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3.13.3. After Incidents
(a) Employers shall ensure that if a ladder is involved in any form of incident, has been
dropped or suffered any impact, it is to be inspected, and where necessary tested, to
make sure it remains fit for purpose. Any damage is to be repaired before the ladder
is used. If repair is not reasonably practicable, the ladder is to be removed from service,
marked accordingly (using a caution tag) and disposed of.
(b) Employers shall ensure that only serviceable ladders are available for use.

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4. Record Keeping
(a) Employers shall maintain records in accordance with
ADOSH-SF – Element 9 –
Compliance and Management Review.
(b) Employers shall make and keep records of any tests, maintenance, inspections carried
out on ladders.

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5. Document Amendment Record
Version Revision Date Description of Amendment
Page/s Affected
4.0
15th July 2024
System acronym updated from OSHAD-SF
to ADOSH-SF to accurately reflect
document title
Throughout
Change from OSHAD to ADPHC
Change of Logo
Minor editorial changes throughout the
document without changing requirements.
Title of Mechanism 7.0 updated to ADOSH-
SF – Mechanism 7– Occupational Safety
and Health Practitioner and Service
Provider Registration.
OSHAD-SF - Mechanism 8.0 - OSH
Practitioner Registration deleted
4.1
16th February
2026
Minor editorial changes throughout the
document without changing requirements
Throughout

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