AS 1892.5:2020 pdf free.Portable ladders Part 5: Selection, safe use and care.
The top of the ladder should not be supported by the rungs. Where the top of the ladder is to be supported against a pole, tree or similar structure that may result in rung loading, it should be fitted with a pole chain, strap, hoop or other suitable device to transfer the support load to the stiles.
The top of the ladder should be secured in position as soon as is practicable before use.
NOTE 2 Care is needed when securing the top ofan extension ladder with clutches that rely on gravity acting on the upper section(s) of the ladder to keep the clutch mechanism engaged. lithe support at the top of the ladder is able to move as the user’s weight moves up the ladder, the top ladder section can be pulled away from the bottom section and the clutch may separate from the rungs, potentially disengaging and causing the ladder to drop down to a lower clutch engagement position. This may cause the ladder to lose connection with the support. Also, in some designs the slide guide connecting the upper and lower ladder sections may fail and allow the ladder to hinge in a scissor action.
NOTE 3 A similar problem may occur when lowering an extension ladder into a well, cavity or a lower roof section whereby the clutch may fully or partly disengage, resulting in a failure when ascending or descending the ladder.
NOTE 4 In situations where the bottom and top sections of an extension ladder can move in a way to extend the ladder, the clutch engagement may not he reliable.
2.6 Using a ladder to gain access
Where a ladder is used to gain access onto a work area or roof, the stiles of the ladder should extend above the level of the work area or roof by not less than 1 m. The ladder should be secured at the top before the user transitions from the ladder onto the working platform or roof to prevent sidewards slipping or movement away from the top support.
Care should be taken when transitioning between the ladder and the landing as a need to swing around the stile during the transition increases the potential for slipping or falling.
NOTE 1 In some cases, the ladder could be installed so that it can be accessed from the side.
NOTE 2 In some cases, stile extensions could be incorporated to allow the user to pass between the stiles when transitioning. Where stile extensions are used, the top rung should be level with or immediately below the landing so as not to create a trip hazard when passing between the stiles.
2.7 Climbing ladders
When ascending or descending a ladder, the user should face the ladder and be able to grip the ladder with both hands. The use of a tool pouch, or similar, should be considered when carrying tools.
Users should have at least one foot and one hand contact with the ladder while ascending or descending the ladder. The user should not climb or move laterally from one ladder to another.
NOTE For ladders without stiles (i.e. work platforms), it is not expected that a hand will be used to grip the ladder. However, it may be necessary to grip an adjacent structure or object for balance.
2.8 Ladders used near door openings
Where a ladder is to be placed near a doorway, the door should be blocked open, locked closed or removed. In addition to guarding the door, appropriate warning signs may be placed or erected.AS 1892.5 pdf download.