14 Apr Ladder Safety

Ladder Safety

Ladder safety requires selecting the correct ladder, inspecting it before use, setting it up properly, and following safe climbing practices. Falls from ladders can cause serious or fatal injuries, even from relatively low heights.

Portable ladders are primarily intended to provide access to elevated work areas. When prolonged work at elevation is necessary, use equipment designed for that purpose, such as a platform ladder or other suitable elevated work platform.

Inspection

Inspect ladders before use and remove damaged or defective ladders from service. Look for:

• Missing, loose, damaged, or excessively worn rungs, steps, or cleats.
• Cracked, split, bent, dented, or damaged side rails.
• Loose or missing screws, bolts, nails, or other hardware on job-made ladders.
• Splinters, cracks, or deterioration on wooden ladders.
• Corrosion, sharp edges, or structural damage on metal ladders.
• Damaged feet, locks, spreaders, ropes, pulleys, or other components.
• Oil, grease, mud, or other substances that could create a slipping hazard.

Ladder Use

• Select the proper type, length, and duty rating of ladder for the task.
• Place ladders on firm, stable, and level surfaces.
• Do not place ladders in doorways, passageways, driveways, or other traffic areas unless they are secured or the area is barricaded.
• Keep areas around the top and bottom of ladders clear of tools, cords, materials, debris, and other hazards.
• Set non-self-supporting ladders at approximately a 4:1 ratio—1 foot out from the supporting surface for every 4 feet of ladder working length.
• When a portable ladder is used to access an upper landing, the side rails must extend at least 3 feet above the landing, or the ladder must be otherwise secured and provided with a grasping device when such extension is not possible.
• Secure ladders as necessary to prevent accidental movement or displacement.
• Fully open stepladders and engage the spreaders or locking devices. Never use a folded stepladder as a leaning ladder unless specifically designed for that use.
• Always face the ladder when climbing or descending.
• Maintain three points of contact whenever possible while climbing.
• Keep your body centered between the side rails. Never overreach; climb down and reposition the ladder.
• Do not carry tools or materials that could interfere with safe climbing. Use a tool belt, hand line, or other appropriate means to raise and lower materials.
• Allow only one person on a ladder at a time unless the ladder is specifically designed for multiple users.
• Never move, shift, or extend a ladder while someone is on it.
• Never exceed the manufacturer’s rated capacity.

Remember

A ladder must be stable before you climb it and remain stable throughout the task. Never improvise a ladder setup or take shortcuts because the job will only take a few minutes.