QUICKCARD

Falls from portable ladders (step,straight, combination and extension) are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities andinjuries.

• Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder.

• Avoid electrical hazards! – Look for overheadpower lines before handling a ladder. Avoidusing a metal ladder near power lines orexposed energized electrical equipment.

• Always inspect the ladder prior to using it. If theladder is damaged, it must be removed fromservice and tagged until repaired or discarded.

• Do not use a self-supporting ladder (e.g., stepladder) as a single ladder or in a partially closedposition.

• Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it was designed for that purpose.

(continued on reverse)

Portable LadderSafety Tips

TM

• Always maintain a 3-point(two hands and a foot, ortwo feet and a hand) con-tact on the ladder whenclimbing. Keep your bodynear the middle of the stepand always face the ladderwhile climbing (see diagram).

• Only use ladders and appro-priate accessories (ladderlevelers, jacks or hooks) fortheir designed purposes.

• Ladders must be free of anyslippery material on therungs, steps or feet.

3-Point Contact

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• Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface,unless it has been secured (top or bottom) toprevent displacement.

• Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or otherunstable bases to obtain additional height.

• Do not move or shift a ladder while a person orequipment is on the ladder.

• An extension or straightladder used to access anelevated surface mustextend at least 3 feetabove the point of sup-port (see diagram). Donot stand on the threetop rungs of a straight,single or extension lad-der.

• The proper angle for setting up a ladder is toplace its base a quarterof the working length ofthe ladder from the wallor other vertical surface(see diagram).

• A ladder placed in anylocation where it can be displaced by otherwork activities must be secured to prevent displacement or a barricade must be erected tokeep traffic away from the ladder.

• Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder areproperly engaged.

• Do not exceed the maximum load rating of aladder. Be aware of the ladder’s load rating andof the weight it is supporting, including theweight of any tools or equipment.

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OS

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U.S. Department of Labor

www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA

For more complete information:

OccupationalSafety and HealthAdministration