Portable Ladder Safety 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 Just the facts please…………. 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.

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

5 Steps of Ladder Safety STEP 1: SELECT THE RIGHT LADDER FOR THE JOB STEP 2: INSPECT THE LADDER BEFORE YOU USE IT STEP 3: SET UP THE LADDER WITH CARE STEP 4: CLIMB AND DESCEND LADDER CAUTIOUSLY STEP 5: USE COMMON SENSE WHEN WORKING ON 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 Advantages Disadvantages Wood: Sturdy, non-conductive (when dry), Aluminum: Lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant, resilient Fiberglass: Lightweight, strong, corrosion and heat-resistant, insulated from electricity (when clean and dry) Disadvantages Wood: Heavy, susceptible to sunlight and water damage (age fast), cracks and splinters, requires a protective coating which may aid conduction Aluminum: Dents easily, extreme heat may degrade load capacity Fiberglass: May conduct electricity if not clean and dry, 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 STEP Straight Extension

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

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 Do Not Use 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 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

Maintain 10 foot buffer zone WARNING Maintain 10 foot buffer zone 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 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.