Project Type: Ladder Stay Installation and Re-Certification
Location: Manchester City Centre
Scope of Work: Fitting new ladder stays into concrete wall and re-certification of fixed access ladder in accordance with BS EN ISO 14122-4: 2016
Overview:
Think Worksafe Ltd was engaged to install new ladder stays and carry out re-certification of a fixed access ladder at the Bloc building in Manchester city centre. The scope of work covered the installation of two new ladder stays into a concrete wall and the full re-certification of the ladder in accordance with BS EN ISO 14122-4: 2016.
Works were carried out as a single-day programme by a working-at-heights engineer, with all activity recorded via the Get Konnected management platform and signed off digitally by both the client representative and Think Worksafe management.
Scope and Challenges:
The task required the installation of two new ladder stays into a concrete wall at ground floor level within the post room of the Bloc building. The existing top ladder stays were to remain in place, with the new stays fitted at equal spacing below, ensuring correct toe clearance behind the rungs throughout.
Works were completed in line with RAMS documentation (TWS-RAMS-20179) and certified against BS EN ISO 14122-4: 2016 — the recognised standard for fixed means of access to machinery and industrial structures, specifically addressing fixed ladders.
Key considerations included:
- Access to the work area was at ground floor level within an occupied commercial building, requiring adherence to site induction requirements and client welfare protocols at all times.
- All noisy works, including SDS drilling into the concrete wall, were required to be completed before 08:00 to minimise disruption within the building.
- Correct positioning of the new stays required careful marking to ensure equal spacing from the existing fixture and adequate toe clearance of at least 150mm behind the rungs, in line with the standard.
- The re-certification process required a thorough visual and physical inspection of the full ladder structure, including stringers, rungs, fixings, clearances and any fall-arrest components, with all findings formally recorded.
Project Solution
Ladder Stay Installation
Using a step ladder to access the work point safely, the operative marked out the positions of the new stays beneath the existing ply board and into the concrete wall below, ensuring equal spacing and correct toe clearance behind the rungs. Holes were drilled out using an SDS drill with water suppression applied throughout to control silica dust exposure. The new stays were fixed into position using anchor bolts and attached securely to the ladder. All bolts were tightened firmly, avoiding over-tightening, before final checks were completed.
Re-Certification
Following installation, a full re-certification inspection was carried out in accordance with BS EN ISO 14122-4: 2016. The inspection covered:
- Structural integrity of both stringers (side rails) and all rungs, checking for bending, cracks, corrosion or deformation
- Condition of rung surfaces, including worn surfaces or sharp edges
- Inspection of all fixings, including anchor bolts, welds and brackets, for looseness or rust
- Clearance checks to confirm minimum clearance behind rungs and from surrounding hazards
- Confirmation that ladder ID markings, load rating plate and inspection date were correctly in place
- Verification that any locking, guide or brake systems were operating correctly
All inspection findings were formally recorded in a Ladder Inspection Report, referencing the applicable standard and the ladder was tagged with the next inspection due date.
Execution Summary:
On-site works were carried out by a working-at-heights engineer, with operational and management sign-off provided via the Get Konnected platform.
Key activities carried out during the programme included:
- Site induction completed on arrival and all relevant permits obtained prior to commencing works
- Marking out and drilling of new ladder stay positions into the concrete wall, with SDS drilling completed before 08:00 in line with site noise restrictions
- Installation and securing of two new ladder stays, with all fixings tightened and the ladder confirmed structurally sound
- Full re-certification inspection carried out against BS EN ISO 14122-4: 2016, with all findings recorded and the ladder tagged accordingly
All site activity was recorded via the Get Konnected management system, with photographic evidence and manager sign-off logged upon completion.
Results and Impact
- Ladder upgraded and compliant: Two new ladder stays installed to BS EN ISO 14122‑4:2016 and the full fixed ladder system re‑certified with all findings recorded and tagged for the next inspection.
- Efficient, safe delivery: Works completed in a single day with full adherence to RAMS (TWS‑RAMS‑20179) and all relevant safe systems of work.
- Transparent and fully warranted: Complete audit trail provided via Get Konnected, with all workmanship covered by a 12‑month warranty.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates Think Worksafe Ltd’s capability to deliver compliant ladder safety installations and re-certifications within occupied commercial buildings, working efficiently within site-specific constraints and noise restrictions. The team’s experience in height safety systems and working-at-heights engineering ensured the works were completed safely, to the correct standard and with minimal disruption to the client’s operations.
From fixed ladder inspections and re-certification to the installation of new ladder stays, fall protection components and permanent access systems, Think Worksafe Ltd provides the specialist expertise needed to keep your building’s height safety infrastructure compliant and safe.
