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Ladders and Access Equipment

General Work Access Equipment Principles 

When selecting equipment for work at height, exhibitors and their contractors must: 

  • Provide the most suitable equipment for the work. 

  • Ensure all equipment complies with the applicable European regulation. 

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for work equipment. 

  • Only use equipment on firm, level ground. 

  • Ensure equipment for work at height is appropriately inspected. 

  • Ensure the risk of falling objects is properly controlled. 

  • Important: The Organiser reserves the right to require defective equipment to be removed from the halls. 

Ladder Requirements 

  • All ladders used must comply with the BS EN 131 (Industrial) standard and must have been inspected as safe and compliant prior to arrival. Such ladders are usually labelled with a blue sticker. Any ladders found not to be conforming will be removed and disposed of without warning. 

  • Ladders may be used where it is not practicable to use a working platform, or where the activity is low risk. Ladders must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions at all times. 

  • The use of portable ladders measuring 5 m or more is strictly prohibited. 

  • Ladders must not be used for works over 4 m. Scaffold towers must be used in this case. 

  • Ladders must have an industrial rating. 

  • Leaning ladders must be placed at the correct angle. 

  • Ladders should only be used on level ground and must be secure, for example suitably tied or, as a last resort, footed. 

  • The top treads or steps must not be used as a platform for work. 

  • Users should always face the ladder while climbing or dismounting. 

  • Stepladders should not be used sideways-on where sideways loads are applied. 

  • Only one person should climb or work from a ladder or stepladder. 

  • Steps and ladders should be checked for suitability and defects each time they are used. 

  • All workers must wear a helmet to secure their safety. 

Important: Continued non-compliance with this regulation may result in a suspension of construction activities for a designated period.