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A stepladder shall only be used to undertake light work tasks at a height, where other means of height access equipment (e.g. elevated work platform) is not available or not practicable to use given the circumstances.

• Stepladders shall only be used for short periods of time (e.g. 15 - 30 minutes).
• A stepladder should be high enough that a user does not have to stand higher than the third tread from the top plate.

Tasks associated with the setting up and use of a stepladder to undertake a light work task at a height would include:

• Determine compliance of stepladder to be used for gaining access to a height to performance a light work task;
• Carrying of equipment or materials when climbing a stepladder;
• Inspection of work area and stepladder for potential hazards;
• Set-up of a stepladder intended to be used for gaining access to a height;
• Use of a stepladder to gain access to a height for the purpose of performing light work tasks;
• Conduct a hazard identification of the immediate work area;
• Assess risk to persons setting up and using a stepladder to gain access to a height.

Control measures to eliminate or minimise the risk of death, injury or illness to persons are addressed in the safe work method statement as per the following sections.

• Consultation with employees.
• Generation of hazards.
• Use of a non-compliant stepladder to gain access to a height.
• Carrying of equipment or materials when climbing a stepladder.
• Failure to inspect work area for potential hazards.
• Failure to inspect stepladder for damage.
• Set-up of a stepladder to be used for gaining access to a height.
• Using a stepladder to gain access to a height to perform a light work task.
• Manual handling tasks.
• Personal protective equipment requirements.
• Training requirements.
• Housekeeping requirements.
• Failure to monitor controls.
• Risk matrix and descriptors.
• Additional hazards, risks and controls.
• Approval and change management form.
• Sign-off for set-up and use of a stepladder.