You’ll find scaffolding much safer and easier than a ladder for painting, cleaning out gutters and doing other maintenance jobs on a multi-storey house or a house built on a sloping site.

Staying safe at heights

Fit outside walls with sockets for holding scaffold brackets. Position sockets so a scaffolder can move up the wall without risking a fall. Bracket sockets must be securely screwed into the wall studs.

Using scaffolding

If the scaffold is fixed to the wall, check scaffold brackets are firmly attached to the studs and not corroded.

For free standing scaffolding:

• Fix the scaffolding squarely onto solid footings or support.
• Tie the scaffolding for extra safety.
• Only use scaffolding with handrails and toe boards.
• Tie boards to scaffolding.

Note: Scaffolding over 5m high requires a certified scaffolder to erect and notification to the Labour Department.

Basic safety guidelines for using a ladder

• Make sure your ladder is in good condition before use. Look for loose or damaged rungs, damaged rails and missing or worn non-slip feet. If the ladder is damaged, get it repaired or replaced. Don’t use it! New ladders must have a label that says they meet the requirements of AS/NZS 1892 for metal ladders.
• Make sure the ladder is sitting on a level base, putting a ladder on uneven ground can cause it to topple under your weight.
• Puts blocks behind the slip-resistant feet of the ladder.
• If the ground is soft use a baseboard or sheet of plywood under the ladder footing.
• Prop the ladder at the correct angle - one metre out for every four metres up.
• Use a long enough ladder for the task – ladders should extend 1m past the structure being climbed.
• Wear flat shoes.
• Place the ladder at a point where the roofline or other structure is closest to the ground. 
• Make sure there is nothing dangerous on the ground if you do fall, such as protruding objects.
• Check there is somewhere to tie the top of the ladder near where it is resting. If there isn’t, reposition the ladder before going up.
• Have the ladder steadied by another person until the top can be anchored or tied. This person should secure the base of the ladder with their feet and hold the ladder with both hands.
• It’s a good idea to have a piece of strong cord permanently looped around the top rung to tie it off. Synthetic cord between 4-8mm is ideal.
• Don’t carry tools in your hands as you go up the ladder. Use a tool belt or backpack for larger items. Heavy items should be pulled up with a rope.
• Always have three points of contact between your body and the ladder – two hands, one foot as you go up or down the ladder, two feet one hand as you work.
• If you are working on the roof, don’t tie a rope around your waist – it is likely to cause you internal injuries if you fall.
• Make sure there are no electrical wires that could pose a threat of electrocution.
• Always face the ladder, never come down the ladder with your back to it.
• Don’t over-reach sideways. As a rule your belt buckle should stay between the ladder uprights. If this puts you out of reach of your task, climb down and reposition the ladder.
• Don’t lean the ladder against anything breakable, such as glass and plastic guttering. If you lean the ladder against guttering, place a block of wood in the gutter to prevent damage.
• Don’t work from the top two treads of a ladder.
• Don’t place the ladder where it is likely to be hit by passing vehicles or people.

Stepladders

• Use a firm level, non-slip footing for the ladder.
• Make sure the ladder has two working stays and that these are locked when in use.
• Don’t place a stepladder on boxes or scaffolding for extra height.
• Don’t use a stepladder to support a work platform.
• Don’t work from the top step of a stepladder.

Working on decks and balconies

Rotting balconies, decks and balustrades have been identified as a significant safety hazard. Indications that your deck or balcony is unsafe include:

• Movement when walked on.
• Damp spots or stains where the balcony joins the main part of the building.
• Cracks, particularly near joints and corners.
• Balustrades that wobble.
• Balustrades where damp spots or stains can be seen on the cladding.
• Corroding fixings.

If you see any of these signs, prevent access to the balcony or deck and seek advice from a professional as soon as possible.

For more information about unsafe decks and balconies, see Balconies and decks or visit the Department of Building and Housing website.