Case study: Branach ladder training
08 July 2025
Training on Branach ladder reviewed and new training implemented.
Rail for London Infrastructure’s (RfLI) overhead line equipment team uses a type of ladder called a Branach ladder to reach overhead line switches.The ladder user must be harnessed suitably, the ladder secured to the line switch poles, and the fall-arrest mechanism set up correctly. This is so that the user can work safely and a colleague at ground level can lower them in case of injury or sudden illness.
The reporter to CIRAS said staff were only told briefly how to use a Branach ladder, in a depot, before they used one on overhead lines. There was no formal training using scenarios and no ability to test and try the equipment in a safe environment. This contrasts with the usual formal staff training and certifications. The working-at-height training didn’t cover training for this specific type of ladder.
The reporter also wasn’t sure those asked to take the ground-level position knew how to safely use the mechanism to lower someone incapacitated. The reporter felt that using this type of ladder without suitable knowledge and experience could lead to an incident.
RfLI’s infrastructure maintenance and engineering team had initially concluded that a toolbox talk briefing on specific equipment, such as Branach ladders and the use
of fall arrest, was sufficient after the formal working at height training.
After the report, local managers and the training and competency team reviewed this decision. In response, RfLI stopped using Branach ladders until staff had received training on this specific type of ladder. It sourced an external training provider to deliver Branach ladder familiarisation to a recognised industry standard. This includes competency assessment. Staff must renew this training every three years to maintain their competence.