Access and egress
A single portable ladder set up and secured at a slope of a ratio of 4:1 (four metres
up by one metre out) and extending at least one metre or three rungs above the
stepping-off point is a suitable means of access and egress, provided it is:
› a step ladder of maximum length – six metres
› a single ladder of maximum length – nine metres
› secured against sliding top and bottom
› set on firm, level ground
› extending by one metre higher than the roof or other step off point
› used by no more than one person at a time except when footing.
Climbing a ladder to secure it at the top can be hazardous. It is advisable to have
another person to secure the ladder at the bottom while this is achieved.