A carpenter is required to access a work area located 5 metres above ground level, which is only accessible by climbing a fixed ladder that is permanently attached to the building structure. What specific fall protection equipment is typically required for ascending and descending this fixed ladder if a potential fall hazard of 3 metres or more exists?

Question: A carpenter is required to access a work area located 5 metres above ground level, which is only accessible by climbing a fixed ladder that is permanently attached to the building structure. What specific fall protection equipment is typically required for ascending and descending this fixed ladder if a potential fall hazard of 3 metres or more exists?

Answer options:

• A full-body harness and a self-retracting lanyard (SRL). ✅ A fall arrest system with a full-body harness and a vertical lifeline or ladder safety system.
• Safety netting installed at the base of the ladder.
• Only safety CSA-approved footwear with good grip.

Correct answer: A fall arrest system with a full-body harness and a vertical lifeline or ladder safety system.

Explanation: For fixed ladders where a fall hazard greater than 3 metres exists, a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) specifically designed for ladder climbing is generally mandatory. This typically involves a full-body harness connected to a vertical lifeline or a dedicated ladder safety system (e.g., cable or rail system with a guided fall arrester) which workers can attach to while ascending and descending. An SRL alone might not be suitable for continuous climbing on a fixed ladder. Safety netting is a collective control but doesn't protect the worker on the ladder itself.