ladders

SAFETY GUIDELINES
LADDERS

1.0 STORAGE

1. Store ladders either vertically or horizontally with supports at each end and in the middle.

2. Store ladders where they will not be exposed to excessive heat or dampness and where there is good ventilation

3. Keep storage space free of obstructions and accessible at all times so that ladders can be obtained quickly in an emergency.

2.0 SELECTION

1. When you have to climb, use a ladder, and not a chair, box, or other substitute.

2. Select a ladder that's the right length and weight capacity for the job.

3. Do not use metal ladders near exposed energized parts.

4. Use a ladder only for the purpose for which it was designed

5. Do not use a ladder as a platform, runway, or scaffold.

3.0 INSPECTION

1. Always inspect a ladder prior to use. Look for:

Cracked, split, or broken uprights, steps, rungs, braces

Loose steps or rungs

Lose metal parts

Visible wood or metal slivers or splinters

Condition of non-slip feet

Grease or oil on the rungs.

Loose or bent hinge spreader

Wobbly ladder

Broken or excessively worn steps

Deteriorated ropes

Broken, loose, or missing extension locks

Defective locks that do not seat properly

2. Do not use ladders with missing or broken parts; tag the ladder as "Dangerous Do Not Use" and withdraw it from service.

3. Ensure that portable ladders are equipped with non-slip bases when there is a hazard of slipping. Non-slip bases are not to be used as a substitute for lashing or holding the ladder on oily, metal, concrete, or slippery surfaces.

4. Ensure that on extension ladders the minimum overlap is:

3 ft. (up to 36 feet)
4 ft. (36-48 ft)
5 ft. (48-60 ft)

4.0 PLACEMENT

1. To carry a ladder position it so the front end is above your head and the back end is near the ground.

2. Place the ladder so that the distance from the wall to the front of the ladder is one/fourth the working height of the ladder.

3. Place a ladder so that both sides have secure footing or lash/ hold the ladder in position. Provide solid footing on soft ground to prevent the ladder from sinking.

4. Set the feet so they're parallel with the surface the ladder rests against.

5. To prevent trip hazards keep the area around the top and bottom of the ladder clear.

6. Ensure that the top of the ladder extends at least 3 ft above the point of support.

7. Do not leave a placed ladder unattended.

8. Do not place ladders on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height

9. Do not place ladders in front of door opening towards the ladder unless the door is blocked open, locked, or guarded.

10. Be sure spreaders are fully extended and locked on step ladders.

11. Do not place a ladder against a window pane or sash. Securely fasten a board (not with nails) across the top of the ladder to give support on each side of the window.

5.0 ASCENDING & DESCENDING LADDERS

1. Never allow more than one person on a ladder.

2. Don't move a ladder while your on it.

3. Always face the ladder. Keep your movements on the ladder slow and cautious.

4. Never slide down a ladder.

5. Keep one hand on the ladder while working.

6. Always maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder (2 feet/1 hand or 2 hands/1 foot should be in contact with the ladder at all times.

7. Carry tools in pouches around your waist, use a rope to raise or lower large items such as tool boxes or utensils.

8. Do not overextend the siderail. Use the belt buckle rule. Keep the belt buckle positioned between the siderails at all times, which will maintain your center of gravity.

9. Always wear dry, non-skid shoes.

10. Do not stand on cross bracing or the back legs of step ladders.

11. Don't step on the top two steps of a step-ladder or top four rungs of an extension ladder.