This Ladder Setup & Use SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers selecting, setting up, using and storing stepladders, single ladders and extension ladders for short, low-risk access work. It sets out duty ratings and pre-use inspection, power line checks, the 1:4 angle, securing or footing the ladder, three points of contact, which rungs not to stand on, and barricading the base. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Builders and construction trades
Electricians, plumbers and painters
Facilities and building maintenance teams
Retail stores and warehouses
Cleaning and property services businesses
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Falls when the ladder slips, tips or overturns
Overreaching, overbalancing or standing on the top rungs or steps
Ladder collapse from exceeding the duty rating or using a damaged ladder
Electric shock from overhead power lines or live equipment
Being struck by a falling ladder or dropped tools
Manual handling injury from carrying materials or positioning the ladder
Instability on uneven, wet or contaminated surfaces
Being hit by vehicles, plant or people in walkways and doorways
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from duty rating and ladder inspection to power lines, ground conditions and carrying tools
A 12-step operating procedure covering the 1:4 angle, locking spreaders, securing, three points of contact and safe working height
Isolation and energy control for securing the ladder, barricading the base, power lines and nearby plant
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for a slipping or failing ladder, falls and electric shock
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Agriculture & Farming SOP Bundle, Ultimate Air Conditioning & Refrigeration SOP Bundle, Ultimate Audio Visual SOP Bundle, Ultimate Automotive & Mechanical SOP Bundle, Ultimate Bricklaying & Masonry SOP Bundle, Ultimate Building & Construction SOP Bundle, Ultimate Carpentry SOP Bundle, Ultimate Civil & Earthworks SOP Bundle, Ultimate Cleaning SOP Bundle, Ultimate Concreting SOP Bundle, Ultimate Electrical, HVAC & Solar SOP Bundle, Ultimate Fencing SOP Bundle, Ultimate Fire Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Gardening & Landscaping SOP Bundle, Ultimate Hire Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Hospitality & Events SOP Bundle, Ultimate Internal Fit-out SOP Bundle, Ultimate Joinery & Cabinet Making SOP Bundle, Ultimate Manufacturing & Industrial SOP Bundle, Ultimate Painting SOP Bundle, Ultimate Pest Control SOP Bundle, Ultimate Plumbing SOP Bundle, Ultimate Professional & Business Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Property Maintenance SOP Bundle, Ultimate Retail & Wholesale SOP Bundle, Ultimate Roofing SOP Bundle, Ultimate Security Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Shopfitting SOP Bundle, Ultimate Steel & Metal Fabrication SOP Bundle, Ultimate Tiling & Waterproofing SOP Bundle and Ultimate Transport & Warehousing SOP Bundle. Each bundle is $197, which works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover fixed ladders or scaffolds?
No. Fixed ladders, scaffolding, elevated work platforms and other powered access equipment are outside its scope.
Which rungs can't be stood on?
Not the top two rungs or steps of a stepladder, and not past the second-last rung of a single or extension ladder, unless the ladder is marked with a lower limit.
Should ladders be the first choice for work at height?
No. Ladders are a lower-order fall control, used only where a platform, scaffold or elevated work platform isn't reasonably practicable.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
