Can You Put A Ladder On Scaffolding?

If you’ve ever worked on or around scaffolding, you’ve probably wondered if you can just put a ladder on top of it to reach higher spots.

It seems like a quick and easy fix, right?
Well, before you grab that ladder and start climbing, there are a few important things to keep in mind. 

Sure, it might seem simple, but using a ladder on scaffolding is VERY dangerous. 
Adding ANYTHING extra to installed scaffolding is a bad idea

In this post, we’ll explain why putting a ladder on scaffolding is a bad idea, and what safer alternatives you can use instead.

Can I Use A Ladder On Scaffolding?

The short answer is NO you should NOT use a ladder on scaffolding. 

Using a ladder on scaffolding is super dangerous. 

Scaffolding is built to specifications and it must support a certain load and be stable when used correctly. Adding a ladder or any other additions will make the whole setup less safe, and in some cases, even lead to accidents.

So, while it might seem like a clever shortcut, it’s not worth the risk.

Also Read: What NOT to do when using Scaffolding

Why You Shouldn’t Put Ladders On Scaffolding

Now that we’ve established you shouldn’t use a ladder on scaffolding, let’s go into why exactly that’s the case:

#1 It Makes The Scaffolding Unstable

Scaffolding is designed to be a safe and sturdy working platform, but when you add a ladder to the mix, it changes things. 

Ladders are meant to be placed on solid surfaces or on the ground, not on top of another structure. When you put a ladder on scaffolding, it can throw off the balance and make the whole thing unstable , leading to falls, slips, or even the scaffold tipping over, which puts everyone at risk.

#2 You’re Higher Up, So The Fall Is Worse

When you’re on scaffolding, you’re already a fair bit off the ground. Adding a ladder can make you even higher, which increases the risk of falling. 

Using a ladder on scaffolding can make that height even more precarious. If the ladder shifts, slips, or fails to stay in place, you could find yourself in a dangerous situation, and the injuries could be much worse.

Also Read: Who Is Responsible For The Scaffold Hire?

#3 Harder To Get The Right Angle

Ladders are designed to be used at specific angles to be safe. If you just throw a ladder on top of scaffolding, you won’t have the right angle for stability. 

A ladder that’s not positioned correctly can easily slip or slide, especially when there’s no solid ground underneath it. 

Plus, scaffolding doesn’t provide the same support as a solid surface, so it can be harder to make sure your ladder is at the correct angle. 

#4 Lack Of Secure Attachment

When you use a ladder on scaffolding, it’s often not secured properly. 

Most scaffolding setups aren’t designed to hold a ladder, so there’s no way to attach the ladder securely. It might seem okay at first, but with movement, vibration, or a slip, the ladder could easily fall or tip over. 

#5 OSHA Violation

If you’re working on a job site, chances are you’re required to follow safety regulations. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict rules when it comes to scaffolding and ladder use. If you use a ladder on scaffolding in an unsafe way, you might be violating OSHA standards (e.g., 1926.1053 for ladders and 1926.451 for scaffolds). 

Not only is that illegal, but it can also lead to fines, penalties, and even shutdown your project. 

Following proper safety guidelines is critical, and using a ladder on scaffolding the wrong way is definitely a no-go.

#6 Nulls And Voids Any Certification

Every scaffolding installation goes through a certification process. This means a professional signs off on the scaffolding, confirming it’s set up correctly and is safe to use. 

If you start making changes to that setup (like adding a ladder) you’re voiding that certification. 

If something goes wrong and there’s an incident, you’ll have zero coverage when it comes to work health and safety. 

Without the certification, you’re on your own, and that’s a risk that isn’t worth taking.

Safer Ways To Get Up There

Okay, so now that we’ve covered why using a ladder on scaffolding is a bad idea, let’s talk about safer alternatives. There are definitely better ways to get where you need to go without risking your safety or breaking any rules:

Use Built-In Scaffold Access

Most scaffolding setups come with built-in access points, like ladders or stairways. 

These are specifically designed to keep you safe while moving up and down the scaffolding. 

If your scaffolding has these built-in options, use them! They’re meant to work with the system and keep everything secure.

Go For A Work Platform Or Extension

Another good option is to use a work platform or an extension. These are designed to give you a stable surface to work on and provide safe access to higher levels. 

They’re a better choice than trying to balance a ladder on scaffolding. 

Work platforms are sturdy and certified for use with scaffolding, so they’ll keep you safe and help you get the job done without the added risk.

Bottom Line

So, can you put a ladder on scaffolding? 

The short answer is no! Using a ladder on scaffolding can make the structure unstable, increase the danger of a fall, and cause you to break safety regulations. It’s really not worth it. 

Instead, use the built-in scaffold access or opt for safer alternatives like a work platform. 

Remember, safety first! The last thing you want is to put yourself or anyone else at risk just for the sake of convenience. Stay safe and follow the proper guidelines, and you’ll be good.