In Scaffolding, Ladders are a common way to work at height - and a common source of falls when they are misused. This guide explains how Scaffolding teams in Ireland use Ladders safely, and why a Working at Heights Course ties it all together.
Ladders in Scaffolding: where the risk lies
A scaffold crew striking a tower at the end of a contract, the highest-risk phase, where guardrails come down before the workers do. Ladders are suited to short-duration, light work where three points of contact can be kept and a better platform is not justified, but in a Scaffolding setting the margin for error is small.
Pre-use checks for Ladders
Before any Scaffolding worker uses Ladders, confirm that:
- Rungs are secure, clean and not worn
- Stiles are straight and undamaged
- Feet are present, intact and grip the surface
- No makeshift repairs, paint hiding cracks, or missing parts
The relevant standard here is EN 131 (the current European standard for portable ladders; older Class 1 / EN 131 markings indicate industrial duty).
Common Ladders faults to never ignore
- Seized locking bars
- Mud or grease on rungs reducing grip
- Bent or split stiles
- Loose or damaged rungs
Scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before first use, after alteration and at least every 7 days, with the inspection recorded and tagged.
The Working at Heights Course makes compliance simple
The practical fix is straightforward. Our Working at Heights Course is delivered fully online, takes about 45 minutes, and issues a downloadable certificate the same day. It is CPD certified, RoSPA approved and QQI aligned, and it is written specifically for Scaffolding teams using Ladders.
The Working at Heights Training covers the avoid-prevent-minimise hierarchy, ladder and stepladder safety, MEWPs and scaffolds, harnesses and anchor points, and how to carry out a proper risk assessment. Every learner finishes with a recognised Working at Heights Certificate that stands up to HSA inspection and supports your insurance position.
Training that goes beyond the tick-box
Young and new workers are over-represented in fall statistics, and Ladders in Scaffolding is no exception. Setting good habits from the very first day - never climbing on furniture, never overreaching, always inspecting equipment - is far easier than unlearning bad ones later. Early certification with a Working at Heights Course pays back for an entire career.
Documentation is what turns good practice into proven compliance for Ladders in Scaffolding. Keep your risk assessment, your method statement, your equipment inspection logs and your training records together, and an HSA visit becomes a short, calm conversation rather than a drawn-out investigation.
Frequently asked questions
Do Scaffolding workers need training to use Ladders?
Yes. Safe use of Ladders is part of working at height. A Working at Heights Course covers selection, inspection and safe use for Scaffolding tasks.
How often should Ladders be inspected?
Before every use by the operator, plus formal recorded inspections to the relevant standard. Keep the logs for HSA inspection.
Is online training enough for Scaffolding height work?
Our online Working at Heights Training covers the legal and safe-system knowledge; equipment-specific practical tickets (such as IPAF or PASMA) are added where the task requires them.
More on staying safe at height
Weather turns a routine job into a dangerous one faster than anything else in Ireland. Wind, rain, frost and poor light all raise the risk of ladders in scaffolding, and the right call is often to stop and reassess rather than push on. Knowing where that line sits is part of being properly trained.
Get certified today
Do not wait for an HSA inspection or a near miss to act. Scaffolding teams can complete the Working at Heights Course online in 45 minutes and download a certificate the same day. For 10 or more learners, see our team training rates, or contact our team for a tailored quote.
Start the online Working at Heights Training now and put a recognised certificate in every worker's file before the next job at height begins.
