Ladder Safety

Each year, more than 511,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical settings because they failed to use ladders safely. Ladder violations including lack of training documentation, improper use, and defective or wrong type of ladder is #8 of OSHA’s top ten citations.

Standing on top step or second from top step Loss of balance Setting up the ladder improperly Overreaching beyond frame of the ladder Mis-stepping or slipping while climbing or descending Common causes of ladder injuries

Other causes of falls from ladders Using the wrong type ladder for the job Exceeding the ladder weight capacity Climbing ladder with tools or material in hands Oil, grease or mud on ladder rungs Ladder not secure at the base or top Ladder not set up at the proper angle Improperly getting on or off ladder Placing ladder on unstable surfaces

Choose the Correct Ladder 3 Considerations…. Height: is the ladder tall enough? (hint 8 ft ladder = 5’8’’) Performance: is the weight capacity rating enough to support the employee and materials??? Material: is the ladder wood, fiberglass or aluminum? Is the ladder to be used to work on energized equipment?

WISHA Regulations General industry - WAC Construction - WAC Part J Type 1AA Industrial Special Duty Use Pounds Type 1A Industrial Extra Heavy Use - 300Pounds Type 1 - Industrial Heavy Use Pounds Type 2 - Commercial Medium Use Pounds Type 3 - Household Light Use Pounds (Type 3 NOT allowed to be used in schools) (Unlabeled ladders not permitted in any workplace)

Check for required stickers Check also for OSHA approval OSHA certified Ladder capacity

Ladder inspection Inspect ladders frequently -- Before each use -- Document thorough inspection monthly Portable metal ladder must be inspected immediately if it tips over Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for inspection Document inspections and preventative maintenance schedules

Read, understand and follow ALL warning stickers

Ladder Supports must always be in the locked-down position before climbing the ladder

Ladder Placement Place ladders on solid surfaces that will support the ladder and prevent displacement by other workers. Block, tape, lock or guard a door if the ladder is placed where the door will hit it when opened.

Electrical Hazards and Ladders Don’t use metal or conductive ladders near energized electrical equipment or overhead power lines.

Ladder misuse 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.

Precautions for safe ladder use Face ladders when ascending/descending Keep ladder rungs and boots clean Avoid leaning or over reaching

Precautions for safe ladder use Hoist material up to you when you’ve reached the top of the ladder Work within the side rails - “Belt-Buckle Rule” Store ladders in designated areas

Leaning, over-reaching, belt buckle rule

Maintenance Remove ladders with structural defects, corrosion, or defective parts from service Red-Tag ladders “Do Not Use”

Never Stand On the Top Step!

Never Stand On the Step Below the Top Step!

Never climb up the back side of a folding ladder, unless the ladder is designed for such use

Never Overreach

Make sure that the locking mechanisms are engaged before you climb the ladder

Bad Situations

A few more ladder safe practices Don't paint a wood ladder. Don't use any ladder that has been exposed to fire or chemicals. Don't drop or throw ladders. Store ladders out of the way of other employees. Secure ladders firmly when transporting on vehicles.

Accessorize Leveler Stabilizer Extension

Key Points Use proper ladder 3-points of contact when climbing or descending 4 to 1 rule Belt buckle rule

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? Don Ebert, Risk Manager (509)