Ladders and Stairs in Construction

Hazards of ladders Falls Slips Reaching too far Weather 1a

Hazards of ladders Oil or grease on a ladder Not securely set up Contact with electricity Objects that fall from ladders 1b

Hazards of stairs Clutter Slippery surfaces Damage Poor lighting Unsafe work practices 1c

OSHA regulations Construction – 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X Ladder and stairway construction, care, use, training Required when break in elevation 19+ inches at an access point 2a

Terms used in construction regulations Portable ladder Fixed ladder Individual-rung/step ladders Job-made ladder 3a

Terms used in construction regulations Single-cleat ladder Double cleat ladder Step stool 3b

Portable ladder specifications for construction Materials used in the construction Length restrictions Spacing between rungs/steps Width between side rails 4a

Portable ladder specifications for construction Non-skid Stepladder spreaders or locking devices Load-carrying capacities 4b

Fixed ladder specifications for the construction industry Load limitations Side rails Non-skid Clearance around the ladder 5a

Fixed ladder specifications for the construction industry Use of cages, wells, ladder safety devices, self- retracting lifelines Grab bars Step-across distance to the landing Pitch or angle of the ladder 5b

Safety devices for fixed ladders in construction Safety devices/support systems must be capable of withstanding a drop test consisting of an 18- inch drop of a 500-pound weight 6a

Safety devices for fixed ladders in construction Safety device must be activated within 2 feet after a fall occurs Safety device must limit the fall velocity of a worker to 7 feet/sec or less Connection between the carrier/lifeline and the point of attachment to the harness must not exceed 9 inches 6b

Safety devices for fixed ladders in construction Employees must be able to use the device leaving both hands free for climbing 6c

Ladder inspection Construction ladders are inspected by a competent person 7a

Ladder inspection Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for inspection No broken parts No missing parts No corrosion Parts fit tightly Clean No splinters, sharp points Moveable parts operate freely No frayed, worn rope 7b

Precautions for safe ladder use Inspect the ladder for defects before using it Select a ladder with adequate length and load limits Do not use metal ladders near electrical lines 8a

Precautions for safe ladder use Use ladders for their intended purpose Set up the ladder on a firm, solid surface Keep ladders secured/barricaded 8b

Precautions for safe ladder use Keep areas around the top and bottom of the ladder clear Open stepladders fully, and lock the spreaders Set up single, extension ladders using 4-to-1 rule Extension ladder upper section overlaps, rests on bottom section 8c

Precautions for safe ladder use Face ladders when ascending/descending Use both hands to grip whenever possible Only one person on a ladder at a time 8d

Precautions for safe ladder use Don’t stand on the top 2 steps of a stepladder Never move a portable ladder with someone on it 8e

Precautions for safe ladder use Hoist material up to you when you’ve reached the top of the ladder Work within the side rails Store ladders secured in designated areas 8f

Maintenance Remove ladders with structural defects, corrosion, or defective parts from service Tag ladders “Do Not Use” 9a

Maintenance Repair ladders to the original design Have qualified personnel make repairs 9b

Staying safe on stairs Eliminate slippery conditions Clean up spills Keep free of ice and snow Ensure proper lighting in stair areas 10a

Staying safe on stairs Use handrails Always walk up and down stairs - don’t run 10b

Staying safe on stairs Make sure you can see over materials you are carrying on a stairway Report unsafe conditions 10c