Ladder Safety

KNOWLEDGE BASEDSOLUTIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Determine the proper ladder to use based on weight capacity and height.

• Calculate the proper pitch of extension ladders for proper set-up, and identify how to secure and stabilize ladders.

• Identify how to maintain a safe position when using a ladder.

LADDER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Each employee using ladders should be trained to recognize hazards related to their use.

This includes:

•Nature of the fall hazards in the work area

•Correct procedures for placement, use, and maintenance

•Maximum intended load-carrying capacities

COMMON CAUSES OF LADDER INJURIES

• Improperly getting on or off the ladder

• Loss of balance

• Setting up the ladder improperly

• Overreaching while on the ladder

• Miss-stepping or slipping while climbing or descending

• Lack of training on safe ladder use

• Using the wrong type ladder for the job

• Exceeding the ladder weight capacity

OTHER CAUSES OF FALL FROM LADDER

• Climbing or descending not facing the ladder

• Oil, grease or mud on ladder rungs

• Ladder not secure at the base or top

• Ladder not set up at the proper angle

• Ladder not extended 3 feet above upper surface

• Using the top step of a step ladder

• Placing ladder on unstable surfaces

• Over-reaching beyond the side rails of the ladder

• Climbing ladder with tools or material in hands

SELF SUPPORTING LADDER

Trestle ladder Fiberglass stepladder Tripod Ladder Wood stepladder

STEP LADDER-PARTS

NON SELF SUPPORTING LADDER

These include straight ladders and extension ladders.

A ladder is “non-self supporting” type when it must be leaned against a solid structure for support and can’t stand alone.

In the photo, this extension ladder will be supported by the building structure.

Leaning extension ladder against building for support

EXAMPLE OF NON SUPPORTING LADDER

Extension ladderStraight ladder

EXTENSION LADDER- PARTS

MULTI PURPOSE LADDER

These ladders can be used in a variety of configurations

LADDER- LOAD CAPACITY

Each ladder type has a “duty rating” that is specific to the maximum safe load capacity of the ladder.

A person's fully clothed weight plus the weight of the persons tool belt must be less than this duty rating.

Workers should select a ladder based on load capacity and the type of work to be done.

Exceeding the load capacity may cause the ladder to collapse.

Ladders will be labeled as shown above.

KEEP LADDER IN GOOD CONDITION

Ensure the following:

•Side rails aren't bent, broken, or split•Rungs, cleats, or steps aren't bent, broken, or missing•All bolts and rivets are in place and securely tighten•Joint between the side rails and the individual rungs/steps is tight•Safety feet are not excessively worn •Hardware and fittings are securely attached and working properly•Ropes aren't frayed or badly worn •Moveable parts operate freely without binding or excessive play. •Metal components aren't corroded. •No other faulty or defective components exist.•Any auxiliary equipment is securely attached, not excessively worn and functions properly.

INSPECT LADDER BEFORE USE

Look for cracks, splits, dents, bends, corrosion, and missing hardware.

All of these ladders are unsafe and could fail if used by employees

MUD, OIL AND GREASE

Keep shoes/boots free of slippery substances.

Inspect ladder rungs for any oil, grease, mud or other slippery substances which could affect traction.

NEVER USE THE TOP OF A STEP LADDER

Warning labels on stepladders clearly state that the top step and top cap are not to be used as a step. The higher you are on a step ladder, the less stable it becomes.

SETTING UP EXTENSION LADDER

Position the ladder on solid ground or shoring to ensure stability.

An unstable base

CLIMBING OR DESCENDING A LADDER

When climbing a ladder, you must have both hands free and face the ladder. This allows for THREE POINTS OF CONTACT with the ladder at all times and reduces the chances of falling. The three point contact is two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet.

CLIMBING AND DESCENDING

GOOD BAD

OVER REACHING

TYING EXTENSION LADDER

Don’t tie or fasten ladder sections together to make a longer ladder, unless the manufacturer specifically endorses this modification using hardware fittings designed for that purpose.

STRAIGHT LADDER MIS-USE

A ladder must be used only for purposes specifically recommended by the manufacturer.

The ladder in this photo is being as a ramp to enter the house interior.

STEP LADDER MIS-USE

STEP LADDER MIS-USE

This step ladder is not fully opened with spreader bar locked.

the step ladder side rails are straddling a scaffold plank being set up in a position not intended by the manufacturer.

HAZARDOUS LADDER USE

A 3-legged step-ladder leaned against a 2x4 nailed across the window.

A repair patch on the left front side rail of ladder.

No fall protection in use while working at height.

HAZARDOUS LADDER USE

Unsecured, folded step-ladder set on an angled shed roof so that only the tips of the side rails lay on roof.

Extension ladder not extended at least 3-feet above roof, set up at an angle greater than a 4:1, and it’s not secured top and bottom to prevent movement.

No fall protection being used while on this walking/working surface.

LADDER OR SCAFFOLD???

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LADDER

Before stepping onto a ladder, think about these things:

•Duty rating of the ladder—what capacity can it hold?

•Height of the ladder—too short or too tall?

•Condition of the ladder and instructions unique to the ladder selected.

PROPER DUTY RATING

Select a ladder with the proper duty rating for your weight and the materials you are handling.

PROPER HEIGHT OF LADDER

When using an extension ladder for access to another level.

the ladder must extend at least 1 meter above the landing to provide a hand hold for getting on and off the ladder.

BEFORE USING A LADDER

• Inspect the ladder for visible defects.

• Never use a ladder that is broken or otherwise damaged.

• Remove damaged ladders from service and tag them as damaged

• Review the safety labels on the ladder.

• Always comply with the warnings and instructions.

LADDER LABEL

What type of information can be found on ladder labels?

•Warnings

•Capacity

•Set-up

CORRECT PITCH???

STEP LADDER PRINCIPLE

Stepladders are designed for use in an opened-and-locked position.

Do not use a stepladder that is folded or in a leaning position

HIGHER CEILING NEED A TALLER LADDER

SECURING A LADDER

• Extension or straight ladders should be secured at the top and bottom to prevent movement.

• The base of an extension ladder must be secured in place by using the safety feet on the ladder or other effective means.

• Straight ladder above 3 meter length should be supported by three support on top middle and below

• Ladder angle should be 4:1 or 750 angle

Slippery Surfaces;

•Never use a ladder on a slippery surface, unless it is secured to prevent movement. •Wet or slippery surfaces may require a cleat.•Ladder feet should dig into the ground, and the ladder should be secured at the bottom to prevent movement/slipping.

SECURING A LADDER

FOUNDATION

loose soil firm based

UNSTABLE BASE

SUMMARY

• Face the ladder when ascending or descending and maintain three points of contact at all times.

• Keep your body centered on the ladder.

• Never let your belt buckle pass either ladder side rail.

• Do not overreach when working from the ladder.

• Do not stand on the top two rungs of a stepladder.

• Do not allow another person on a ladder at any given time, unless you are using a double-cleated ladder that is intended for two-way traffic.