ok so after the last "discussion" we had about this, i tht id start a new thread.
after doing some research, (triggered by said last discussion) i have found out the following:
doing ANY work from a ladder leaning against a gutter is AGAINST WHS best practices - cant use an extension ladder to work from, clear gutters from etc. - and a stepladder opened out into a single ladder, leaning against the gutter/building is the same.
these type of ladders are for accessing and egressing the roof only.
a stepladder may only be used when 3 points of contact are kept at all times.
cutting hedges from a stepladder (if using two hands on the trimmer) is against whs best practice UNLESS the ladder is a platform ladder, or LIKE a platform ladder, has the bar that extends above the top step to "lean against" for want of a better word.
so using your body, your bum or another body part as your "3rd point of contact" is not on.
theres a requirement under WHS, that if it is "foreseeable" that you will be hurt from a fall, whether that is 4 metres falling or 1 to 1.5 metres, that you should be height safety trained - even to work from a step ladder trimming hedges.
there is no 3 metre minimum rule anymore, as there used to be pre 2011 (in the regulations dated 2008 i think it was) - this was changed 2011 to the rule they use now, and in 2012 they tried to nationalise WHS, but vic and nsw refused, so its still in the works.
as everyone on this forum is so safety orientated im sure this news will come as a wake up call.
theres also some talk within the whs industry of our customers being held responsible if they dont ensure contractors they employ are properly trained and certified (not mentally, lol) - just as if they are an employer/employer of subbies.
apparently it is expected by quite a few that when the nationalisation of whs legislation rolls out (apparently nsw and vic are dragging their heels) this will become law.
i was also told it is now government policy (when working for them) to make anyone mowing a 20 degree embankment or greater hold a "working at heights" qualification - lol !!! what they expect you to connect a rop to idk !!!
i was told should you breach whs best practices, your insurance company may not cover you for any damage you do to property or yourself. Its an "out" for them - and we know what they like to do with that !!
so anyway in the spirit of the forum i thought i would share this info
if you doubt any info on here, please do your own research, i dont intend to defend my findings - just passing the info along.
cheers!!!