Regulation 14 Ladders
Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this Regulation, every ladder which affords a means of access, communication or support to a person or persons employed shall—
be soundly constructed and properly maintained; and
be of adequate strength for the purpose for which it is used; and
be securely fixed either—
as near its upper resting place as possible, or
where this is impracticable, at its base, or where such fixing is impracticable a person shall be stationed at the base of the ladder when in use to prevent it from slipping; and
unless there is other adequate hand-hold, extend to a height of at least two feet six inches above the place of landing or the highest rung to be reached by the feet of any person working on the ladder, as the case may be, or, if this is impracticable, to the greatest practicable height.
Requirements (c) and (d) of the preceding paragraph of this Regulation shall not apply to fixed ladders of a ship or to rope ladders. Effective measures by means of roping off or other similar means shall be taken to prevent the use of fixed ladders of a ship which do not comply with requirements (a) and (b) of that paragraph.
Requirement (c) of paragraph (1) of this Regulation shall not apply in the case of a small portable ladder carried from place to place in the course of his work by a person employed.
Any person employed who removes any ladder and sets it up in a new position shall, as regards that ladder, comply with requirement (c) of paragraph (1) of this Regulation.
Rope ladders shall provide adequate foothold and, so far as is reasonably practicable, suitable provision shall be made for preventing such ladders from twisting.