14 Mar Ladder Safety Tips

Ladder Safety Tips

Ladder safety begins with choosing the correct ladder, inspecting it before use, setting it up properly, and following safe climbing practices every time. Even a short fall from a ladder can result in a serious injury.

Before using any ladder, take a few moments to evaluate the ladder, the work area, and the task.

Before Using a Ladder

• Inspect the ladder before use for broken, cracked, bent, loose, or missing rungs, steps, rails, or other components.
• On extension ladders, inspect ropes, pulleys, locks, and other operating components for damage or excessive wear.
• Check ladder feet and slip-resistant pads for damage or excessive wear.
• Remove defective ladders from service immediately and tag or mark them to prevent use until repaired or properly disposed of.
• Select a ladder of the proper type, length, and duty rating for the work. Never exceed the manufacturer’s rated capacity.
• Use a nonconductive ladder when electrical hazards are present.

Setting Up the Ladder

• Place the ladder on a stable, level, and firm surface.
• Never place a ladder on boxes, bricks, barrels, scaffolds, or other objects to gain additional height. Use a properly sized ladder instead.
• When a portable ladder is used to access an upper landing, its side rails should extend at least 3 feet above the landing surface. Secure the ladder to prevent displacement.
• Set straight and extension ladders at approximately a 4:1 angle—the base should be approximately 1 foot away from the supporting structure for every 4 feet of working ladder length.
• Fully open stepladders and make sure spreaders or locking devices are completely engaged before climbing.
• Secure or barricade ladders used near doors, passageways, driveways, or other areas where they could be struck or displaced.
• Keep the areas around the top and bottom of the ladder clear.

Climbing and Working Safely

• Always face the ladder when climbing up or down.
• Maintain three points of contact—two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand—whenever possible.
• Keep your hands available for climbing. Carry tools in a tool belt or raise and lower materials using a hand line or other suitable method.
• Keep your body centered between the ladder’s side rails.
• Never lean or reach excessively to the side. Climb down and reposition the ladder instead.
• Never move, shift, or extend a ladder while someone is on it.
• Do not allow more than one person on a ladder unless it is specifically designed for multiple users.
• Never use a ladder for a purpose other than that intended by the manufacturer.

Know Where to Stop

Never climb or stand above the highest level permitted by the ladder manufacturer.

As a general rule:

• Do not stand on the top or top step of a stepladder.
• Do not stand on the top three rungs of a straight, single, or extension ladder.
• Follow all warning labels and manufacturer’s instructions provided on the ladder.

Remember

A ladder may look simple, but using one safely requires proper selection, inspection, setup, and climbing technique. Never improvise because the correct ladder is inconvenient or because the task will “only take a minute.”