Revision Of The Technical Rules For Operational Safety - Ladders

The new version of the Technical Rules for Operational Safety (TRBS) 2121-2 for the commercial use of ladders has been in force for a year. But there is still uncertainty. We remedy the situation and have summarized the facts. The reform of the regulations is intended to further increase the occupational safety of users when working at heights. The following article explains the most important points:

First the risk assessment

One of the essential requirements of the Industrial Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV) and thus the new technical rules for operational safety 2121-2 is that companies must first carry out a risk assessment. For this, aspects are considered such as the complexity and duration of the planned activity, the height difference to be mastered, the structural environment or the nature of the floor. Based on the risk assessment, it is decided which climbing technique to use. Whether a ladder, a scaffolding or a lifting platform is the safest and most suitable tool for the job at this location.

The ladder as a traffic route

When the ladder is used as a traffic route - i.e. as an access aid to a higher work place - a new TRBS specification applies with regard to the boarding height. "Up to a maximum height of five meters, suitable rung or step ladders can be used for safe ascent and descent. If the workplace is above this, an alternative must be used in the future. Here, for example, a flexibly adjustable scaffold is suitable, such as the Hymer 6273 stair tower scaffold with traverse,”explains Volker Jarosch.

Up to five meters in height

In the painting and plastering trade, a ladder is often used as a high-altitude workplace. Here the new TRBS 2121-2 stipulates that a ladder up to a height of five meters is only allowed to be used as a work place if the user is standing with both feet on a step or platform that is at least 80 millimeters deep. With a stand height of two and up to five meters, use as a workplace is only permitted for a maximum of two hours. With the 71499 wooden step ladder, accessible on both sides, manufacturer Hymer has added a TRBS-compliant product to the range, which is perfectly matched to the requirements of the painting trade. The 80 millimeter deep steps made of stable hardwood enable the user to stand safely and ergonomically.65 millimeter wide bars with high torsional stiffness, the high-quality spar-step connection constructed by means of two-finger mortise and the spread protection by high-strength Perlong straps ensure a special stability and longevity of the ladder. The wooden step ladder 71499 available including tool bag and bucket hook is available in seven variants, from 2 x 4 steps to 2 x 12 steps. The ladder will be available from spring 2020. The ladder will be available from spring 2020. The ladder will be available from spring 2020.

From a stand height of five meters

From a stand height of 5 meters, an alternative climbing technology solution must be selected when using it as a workplace. "Mobile scaffoldings are ideal here," says Volker Jarosch, Head of Climbing Technology at Hymer Light Metal Construction. “They have a comfortable, secure work surface, can be moved flexibly from one location to the next and can be used indoors and outdoors. With the Advanced Safe-T mobile tower series, we have two high-quality mobile towers in our range. Thanks to the safety railing developed by us, which can be hooked in from below, it offers maximum safety even during assembly. It is simply latched into the toe board and locked with self-locking hooks."

How to make your ladder TRBS compliant

However, the existing climbing technology does not necessarily have to be completely replaced. A flexible option to ensure a TRBS-compliant, firm stand on a rung ladder are attachment steps or risers, which are purchased as accessories and turn a narrow rung into a convenient platform or step in no time at all. Volker Jarosch has another tip ready: “The BG for the construction industry, BG BAU, promotes investments in higher occupational safety. Members have the opportunity to co-finance the purchase of ladder accessories such as the attachment step or the riser levels through the 'Occupational Safety Awards - Preventive Measures against Falling' program.”

TRBS rules support BetrSichV

“Statistics show that many accidents can be attributed to the use of unsuitable equipment or improper use of the climbing technology. We therefore see the guidelines of the Technical Rules for Operational Safety 2121-2 as an instrument to sharpen the sensitivity for the safety of employees when using climbing technology at work,”sums up Volker Jarosch and emphasizes another positive effect. “The rules of the TRBS are not binding. However, they serve as important assistance in how companies correctly implement the statutory requirements of the Occupational Safety Ordinance. This means that if a company applies the TRBS, it also fulfills the protection goals of the Industrial Safety Ordinance. Otherwise, the company would have to prove this by means of other measures during an examination by the professional association. This should go hand in hand with significantly more work and time.”

Further information:

www.hymer-alu.de

PraxisPlus

Download info flyer

The reformed technical rules for operational safety 2121-2 concern not only the users. The manufacturers have also had their hands full since the new version came into force. Volker Jarosch: "As soon as a new guideline like the current TRBS 2121-2 for the commercial use of conductors comes into force, we as manufacturers are required to adapt our range accordingly. Because by developing compliant products, we support our users in implementing the new rules as simply as possible. "And further:" We are currently noticing the questions from our users that, above all, the new TRBS guidelines are not yet sufficiently anchored in our heads are. We want to change that through targeted information work.”

For all users who use a ladder professionally, the manufacturer has put together the contents of the new TRBS 2121-2 in a clear, easy-to-understand info flyer with graphic displays. The flyer is available for download on the website or can be requested in printed form free of charge from [email protected]

www.hymer-alu.de