TRBS 2121 Parts 1 and 2 on ladders and scaffolding: avoiding accidents step by step

‘If one had to study all the laws, one would have no time to break them,’ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said. This is as true today as it was then, so it is practical to have someone else deal with the subject. This blog entry deals with the Technical Rules for Operational Safety TRBS 2121 Part 1 ‘Risk of employees falling when using scaffolding’ and TRBS 2121 Part 2 ‘Risk of employees when using ladders’.

TRBS 2121

Parts 1 and 2 of TRBS 2121 are particularly important in everyday life on construction sites, as falls from ladders and scaffolding account for half of all fall accidents in the construction industry and construction-related services. It therefore makes sense to consider these regulations in order to act in accordance with the law and reduce long periods of employee absence.

This is particularly evident in the baua statistics for fatal accidents at work caused by falls between January 2009 and December 2016. Around 28.2% of fatalities fell directly from scaffolding or ladders, building roofs or machinery, or had previously fallen through building components. Ladders and steps were involved in 13.9% (59 accidents) of these cases. 23 of these cases involved falls from a height of between 3 and 5 metres. 62 accident victims fell from a height of over 10 metres, mostly from roofs or scaffolding.

Part 1: Scaffolding

As with ladder use, lifts, transport platforms and stairs are preferable to scaffolding where possible. When used, they must be stable, accessible via a safe means of access and secured against falls.

Assembly, conversion and dismantling

Only technically qualified employees of a scaffolding contractor, i.e. those who have received appropriate training, are permitted to erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding using fall protection equipment. They must provide scaffolding users with a plan for use, which must be taken into account in their risk assessment.

Inspection

After assembly and before initial use, scaffolding must be inspected by a qualified person for obvious defects and correct labelling, as well as before each use.

Access

Scaffolding must be accessible via an access point at least every 50 metres. In the case of particular hazards, such as a climbing height of more than 5 metres, this access must be via a staircase, lift or transport platform (except in the case of detached houses).

Side protection and assembly safety railings

When erecting scaffolding with ladder runs, at least one-piece side protection or assembly safety railings must be used on the top scaffolding level if the scaffolding runs continuously, unless structural conditions prevent this.

Personal protective equipment

The use of personal protective equipment against falls from a height is only permitted if technical protective measures cannot be used, suitable anchor points are available and a separate risk assessment has been carried out. When using PPE, employees must wear safety helmets with chin straps and must be informed about the use and dangers of scaffolding and suspension trauma through training, rescue plans and practical rescue exercises.

Securing the danger zone

If areas are unusable, a D-P006 ‘No unauthorised access’ prohibition sign must be displayed and the area cordoned off.

Part 2: Ladders

The risk posed by ladders is generally considered to be very high, as careless or even reckless behaviour can quickly lead to serious injuries. It is therefore always necessary to check whether a safer piece of equipment can be used as an alternative in order to minimise the risk.

Check for defects

As described in the Industrial Safety Regulation, ladders and steps must be checked for obvious defects before use and these must be rectified if necessary. In general, due to the high level of use on construction sites, regular inspections are mandatory and must be documented. If there are any safety-related defects, the ladder must be taken out of service immediately.

Working on ladder rungs

Work must not be carried out from ladder rungs unless this has been documented in writing as an exception in the risk assessment.

Ladder height >5 m

Above 5 metres, a ladder may only be used for access or exit if this is very rarely used. Work may not be carried out at this height; a suitable means such as a work platform or scaffolding must be used.

Ladder height 2-5 m

At a standing height between 2 m and 5 m, work may be carried out for a maximum of 2 hours per work shift. Not beyond that.

Ladder height <2 m

Work may only be carried out continuously from ladder steps or platforms up to a standing height of 2 metres. If a ladder is used as a high workplace, both feet must always be on one step or platform.

If you need help assessing risks when working on ladders and scaffolding, please do not hesitate to contact us.