Clarification of 'three points of contact' when using ladders and stepladders

The choice of ladders or stepladders to perform a task should be determined by a risk assessment to identify if work at height can be avoided in the first place (eg use a long handled tool to perform the task from the ground), or the use of safer equipment is justified (eg something with a platform and guard rails). Ladders and stepladders should only be used for short duration and light work or where site conditions prevent the use of safer access equipment.

A recent media story has highlighted the need to clarify this term which appears in our guidance leaflet INDG402 [445kb]

Maintaining three points of contact:

• Using a ladder
• Using a stepladder