Marina Safety Spotlight: Ladders

Our boat yard is a bustling hub of activity, with our boatcare team, contractors and boat owners climbing up and down boats every day, often with tools and equipment in hand. Amidst the pressure to get jobs done before relaunch and within weather windows, it's crucial to prioritize safety. In this article, we shine a spotlight on ladder safety in our yard, to ensure that every step taken off the floor is a secure one.

The Importance of Ladder Safety

Ladders play a crucial role in our yard, without them you wouldn't be able to get aboard! Or reach the topsides to clean, repair, polish and paint. However, compromising on ladder safety, whether you realise you are or not, can put yourself and others at risk and could result in a life changing accident. Did you know, most accidents occur less than one meter off the ground?

Choosing the Right Ladder

Before taking that first step, it's essential to choose the right ladder for the task at hand. Make sure your ladder is the appropriate height and weight capacity for the job, whether you're accessing your boat or using the ladder as a platform to work from. If you're going to be standing on the ladder for a lengthy period of time or using an array of tools, consider whether a differnt platform may be more suitable.  Remember, ladders should really only be used for jobs which take less than half an hour. Additionally, consider the ladder material; aluminum ladders are lightweight and resistant to corrosion, making them an excellent choice for use in boat yards. On that note, bathing ladders may seem like an easy way to access your boat without the hassle of putting a ladder up and down each time you want to access your boat, but think about the angle and how far the step down is from the bottom rung as well as hand holds at the top.

Inspecting Your Ladder

Just as you wouldn't set sail without checking your vessel, never climb a ladder without inspecting it first. Look for any visible damage, loose bolts, or missing steps. If you spot anything concerning, don't use it. Find an alternative or repair it first.

Proper Placement

Correct ladder placement is the foundation of ladder safety, always position your ladder on a level surface, away from any potential hazards. This is particularly important when placing your ladder against the side of the boat where the topsides may curve round and put the ladder off balance. Tie off the ladder securely, preferably with both stiles attached and ensure you have at least two steps protruding over the deck or bathing platform so you have a secure hand hold. The last thing you want is to be left stranded on your boat because your ladder has toppled over whilst you're onboard!

Climbing Techniques

Ascending and descending ladders may seem like second nature, but employing proper climbing techniques is essential for safety. Face the ladder, maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand - in certain circumstances a knee or elbow may be acceptable as a point of contact) at all times, and avoid carrying heavy loads that can throw off your balance. It's safer to take more time carrying items up or down individually than try to carry them down in one go, yes it's more time consuming, but a few more minutes is better than an injury. Better still, find someone to pass everything to so you can use the ladder unencumbered.

Keeping your ladder secure

When not in use, it's important to store your ladder securely on the cradle with a padlock or to take it away with you. Please don't leave your ladder propped against your boat, it can be 'borrowed' by others, used as a way of accessing your boat by those you wouldn't wish to be onboard or get blown around in strong winds resulting in damage to yours or other boats. Remember to remove your ladder when you are due to be relaunched and make it's clearly marked with your name and the boat name so the boatcare team can reunite you if it does go missing or you leave it on the cradle by accident. We are not able to store any ladders and any with unknown ownership we are unfortunately required to dispose of.

For more information on ladder safety, see the HSE website.

In the event of an accident or emergency, call 999 and then inform the marina (01305 866190) or boatcare (01305 818550) office.

In the dynamic world of boatyards, safety is the anchor that keeps everything in place. By incorporating these ladder safety tips into your routine, you're not just securing your own well-being but contributing to a safer and more enjoyable boatyard experience for everyone involved. Smooth sailing starts with secure steps – take them confidently!