The safety bulletin states that where a ladder guard is used:

• It should cover at least 6 rungs of ladder – preventing feet being placed on at least 5 rungs

• Must make each rung unusable – no more than 50 mm of rung should be exposed when guard is pushed as far sideways as possible

• Must not be able to slide over the ladder stile thereby exposing the rungs

• The guard needs to be matched to certain ladders and not used on others – i.e. a narrow guard is only suitable for a narrow ladder and if used on a wide ladder sufficient rung width could be exposed to allow the ladder to be climbed

• Must be locked or padlocked in place when not in use – rope lashing is not acceptable

Access specialist George Roberts (NW) Ltd has designed a new ladder guard that not only complies but exceeds the stated minimum requirements.

Features of the new guard include:

• 1,860mm high – Covers 7 rungs, one more than required by HSE Guidance

• Only 45mm of rung exposed (when used with a Tuff Steel ladder) – 5mm less than required by HSE Guidance

• 315mm wide – Can be used on other suitable ladders dependent on width of rungs

• Heavy duty padlock and chain included

• Light weight sturdy construction – only 4.4kg including padlock and chain