I know ladders arnt banned you can use them for access only
your not suppose to work off them and only use them as a last resort eg to gain access to a flat roof for cleaning purposes,and safty devices must be fitted the last resort is footing a ladder checkhttp-www.hse.gov.uk-pub for what I think is latest h/s regs Was that h/s/ inspector who told you to do that,oor was it someone from the hotel,who may double up as a waiter,Iwould write out risk/method assessment and make sure he signed it,may be no good to you if you had a fall
but okay for those left behind.Sorry didnt mean to insult you ladder tecnique