Environmental, Health,Safety, and Risk Management

Portable Ladder Safety

Compliance Directives 5 Steps of Ladder Safety Maintenance Transportation Storage

Ladder References

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.1053 - Ladders

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1917.118 - Fixed Ladders (Marine Terminals)

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.27 - Fixed Ladders (General Industry)

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.25 - Portable Wood Ladders

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.26 - Portable Metal Ladders

Ladder Safety

Portable ladders are one of the handiest, simplest tools we use. Because of their effectiveness, ladders are used by many different people to perform many different tasks. Although ladders are very uncomplicated, planning and care are still required to use them safely. Each year in the U.S., accidents involving ladders cause an estimated 300 deaths and 130,000 injuries requiring emergency medical attention.

Just the facts please………….

Ladder Hazards

• Ladder accidents are usually caused by improper selection, care or use; not by manufacturing defects

• Common hazards include instability, electrical shock, and falls

STEP 1: SELECT THE RIGHT LADDER FOR THE JOBSTEP 1: SELECT THE RIGHT LADDER FOR THE JOB

STEP 2: INSPECT THE LADDER BEFORE YOU USE ITSTEP 2: INSPECT THE LADDER BEFORE YOU USE IT

STEP 3: SET UP THE LADDER WITH CARESTEP 3: SET UP THE LADDER WITH CARE

STEP 4: CLIMB AND DESCEND LADDER CAUTIOUSLYSTEP 4: CLIMB AND DESCEND LADDER CAUTIOUSLY

STEP 5: USE COMMON SENSE WHEN WORKINGSTEP 5: USE COMMON SENSE WHEN WORKING ON A LADDERON A LADDER

Ladder Selection

Several styles of ladders available - Straight (single or extension) Ladders - Step Ladders

Made of wood, aluminum, and fiberglass (each with advantages/disadvantages)

All must have a label certifying that it complies with specifications of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and that it is listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Comfort and sturdiness are important

Aluminum is a good choice of construction since it is lightweight and is not affected by weather as much as wood. However, wood or fiberglass ladders are not as "shaky" as aluminum ladders

Ladder Selection

Wood: Sturdy, non-conductive (when dry), Aluminum: Lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant, resilientFiberglass: Lightweight, strong, corrosion and heat-resistant, insulated from electricity (when dry)

Wood: Heavy, susceptible to sunlight and water damage (age fast), cracks and splinters, requires a protective coating whichmay aid conductionAluminum: Dents easily, extreme heat may degrade load capacity Fiberglass: Conducts electricity, heavier than aluminum, can chip/crack on impact

Types of Portable Ladders

Stepladder – A self-supporting portable ladder, non-adjustable in length, having flat steps and hinged back.

Single (Straight) Ladder – A non self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, consisting of but one section. Its size is designed by overall length of the side rail.

Extension Ladder – A non self-supporting portable ladder adjustable in length.

Types of Portable Ladders

Ladder Selection

Type I Industrial — Heavy-duty with a load capacity not more than 250 pounds.

Type II Commercial — Medium-duty with a load capacity not more than 225 pounds (suited for painting and similar tasks).

Type III Household — Light-duty with a load capacity of 200 pounds.

Portable ladders are designed as "one-personone-person" equipment with the proper strength to support the worker as well as tools and materials. Ladders are constructed under three general classes:

Ladder Selection

Portable Ladders

Step ladders longer than 20 feet shall not be used

Special purpose “Painter’s Ladders” longer than 12 feet shall not be used

Single ladders longer than 30 feet shall not be used

Extension ladders longer than 60 feet shall not be used

Ladder Inspection

GENERAL Loose steps or rungs? Loose nails, screws, bolts, or other metal parts? Cracked, split, broken uprights, braces or rungs? Damaged or worn non-slip braces?

STEP LADDERS Wobbly, or loose/bent hinge spreaders? Stop on hinge spreader broken? Loose hinges? Broken, split, worn steps?

EXTENSION LADDERS Loose, broken, missing extension locks? Defective locks that do not seat properly when extended? Worn or rotted rope?

Ladder Inspection

Portable ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, corroded components, or other faulty or defective components, shall either be immediately marked in a manner that readily identifies them as defective, or be tagged with

Do Not Use Do Not Use or similar language signage, and

shall be withdrawn from service until repaired.

Set up the ladder with care

Do not set up in dangerous or high traffic area If high traffic is unavoidable, use a barricade, safety cones, or guard to prevent collisions Temporarily lock or block any nearby door that opens toward you The area around the base should be kept uncluttered The ladder should be set on a solid, level surface Step ladders should be fully opened with the spreaders locked Never use a folding ladder in the closed position Be aware of overhead power lines

WARNING

Never use a metal ladder when working around electricity!

Set up the ladder with care

Straight ladders should be placed at a four-to-one ratio. This means the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall or other vertical surface for every four feet of height to the point of support To access a roof or platform from a ladder, the ladder must extend above the edge at least three feet (Figure2) If possible, secure a straight ladder as close to the point of support as possible to prevent shifting Never lean a ladder against an unstable surface

Climb and Descend Cautiously!

3 points of contact climbing ladder at all times Do not stand on top 2 rungs

Secure base and top to stabilize Always face the ladder and hold on with both hands If you need tools, carry them in a tool belt or raise

and lower them with a hand (tag) line To avoid slipping, always check the rungs and the

bottoms of your shoes for slippery substances. You may wish to apply a slip-resistant material to the steps of a metal ladder to provide better footing

Do not try reaching so far that you lose your balance; move the ladder as needed.

Ladder Maintenance

Wood ladders should be protected with a clear sealer varnish, shellac, linseed oil or wood preservative. Wood ladders should not be painted, because the paint could hide defects. Check carefully for cracks, rot, splinters, broken rungs, loose joints and bolts and hardware in poor condition.

Aluminum or steel ladders should be inspected for rough burrs and sharp edges before use. Inspect closely for loose joints and bolts, faulty welds and cracks. Make sure the hooks and locks on extension ladders are in good condition. Replace worn or frayed ropes on extension ladders at once.

Fiberglass ladders should have a surface coat of lacquer maintained. If it is scratched beyond normal wear, it should be lightly sanded before applying a coat of lacquer.

Ladder Transportation

Transportation:

One/two-person carry: The front of the ladder should be kept high enough to clear a person’s head, especially around corners, in aisles and through doorways.

Vehicle Transportation: Use side stakes when hauling to prevent lateral swing and tie the ladder down securely. Drive slowly over rough terrain.

Prevent Damage: Avoid damaging a ladder at all times. Do not drop, toss or throw a ladder.

Ladder Storage

Storage:

Well ventilated areas

In a manner that will prevent sagging and warping

Straight/extension ladders are best stored in flat racks or on wall brackets

Step ladders should be stored in the vertical, closed position

Wood ladders should be protected from moisture, insect damage and excessive heat

Moisture and sun exposure are the two main enemies of wooden ladders, and can rapidly shorten the useful life of a ladder.

Ladder Safety (It’s up to you!!)

1) Name 3 types of ladders?a. upright, folding, woodenb. straight, folding, stepc. plastic, aluminum, fiberglass

d. step, straight, extension 2) Name the 2 worst enemies of a wooden ladder?

a. fire and waterb. termites and waterc. Moisture and sun exposure

d. cracks and splinters

3) Ladders must be positioned at least __ feet from power lines?a. 2 b. 10 c. 15 d. 20

4) To access a roof or platform from a ladder, the ladder must extend above the edge at least

a. 1 footb. 2 feetc. 3 feet

e. None of the above. It is acceptable to have the ladder even with, or just below, the roof or platform edge.

5) Workers may stand on the top 2 rungs of a ladder? True___

False___

6) Ladder accidents are typically caused by?a. Improper ladder selectionb. User mistakesc. Poor care and maintenanced. All the above

7) Ladders are primarily designed to be used by?a. One person onlyb. Two personsc. Anyone up to 250 poundsd. Maintenance workers only

8) Ladders identified with defects should be?a. Painted to hide cracksb. Used with cautionc. Tagged and removed from serviced. Used only for emergencies

9) Straight ladders should be placed at a ______ ratio? a. 2:1b. 3:1c. 4:1d. Even, 1:1

10) When carrying a ladder, ensure you a. Don’t drag it on ground

b. Carry it high overhead when rounding corners/doors c. Know where you are taking itd. Use two or more to lift it