Ladder Safety

General Rules For All Ladders If you feel tired or dizzy, or are prone to losing your balance, stay off the ladder. Users who tire easily or who have physical limitations that inhibit safe climbing such as fainting and/or under medication or prescription drugs which may cause physical impairment are not permitted to use ladders. Do not use ladders in high winds or storms.

General Rules Wear clean slip-resistant shoes. Shoes with leather soles are not appropriate for ladder use since they are not considered sufficiently slip- resistant. Flat-soled shoes are not appropriate, and footwear with heels when climbing ladders is mandatory. Steps, rungs, gripping surfaces and platforms must be kept free of oil, grease or slippery materials

General Rules Only one person at a time is permitted on a ladder unless the ladder is specifically designed for more than one climber (such as a Trestle Ladder). Never jump or slide down from a ladder or climb more than one rung/step at a time.

Stepladders

Stepladders Stepladders range in size from 3 ft. to 20 ft in length along the side rail. Stepladders shorter than 3 ft are considered Step Stools. A Stepladder requires level ground support for all four of its side rails. If this worksite condition does not exist, a stepladder should not be selected for the job. In order to prevent tipping the ladder over sideways due to over-reaching, the user must climb or work with the body near the middle of the steps. The ladder should be set-up close to the work. Never attempt to move the ladder without first descending, relocating the ladder, and then re-climbing. Do not attempt to mount the ladder from the side or step from one ladder to another unless the ladder is secured against sideways motion.

Stepladders When ascending or descending the ladder, always face the ladder and maintain a firm hand hold. Do not attempt to carry other objects in your hand(s) while climbing. The braces on the rear of a stepladder are not intended for climbing or standing and must not be used for that purpose. A stepladder must never be placed upon other objects such as boxes, barrels, scaffolds, or other unstable bases in an effort to obtain additional height.

Single Ladders

Single Ladders Single Ladders rated for heavy-duty or extra heavy-duty service range in length up to 30 feet as measured along the side rail. Single Ladders rated for medium-duty service are available in lengths up to 24 feet, and those rated for light-duty service do not exceed 16 feet in length. Single Ladders require only two level ground support points in addition to a top support.

Single Ladders Single Ladders should be erected as close to a pitch of 75 1/2 degrees from the horizontal as possible for optimum resistance against the bottom of the ladder sliding out, strength of the ladder, and balance of the climber. A simple rule for setting-up the ladder at the proper angle is to place the base a distance from the wall or upper support equal to one-quarter of the length of the ladder side rails. Single Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to provide a longer length.

Extension Ladders

Extension Ladders Selection of proper Extension Ladder size requires knowledge of the height of the top support point. In the event the top support point is a roof eave, the top of the Extension Ladder must extend one to three feet above the roof eave if the climbers’ intent is to access the roof. The ladder must also be tied to the upper access level before climbing onto or off the ladder at the upper level.

Extension Ladders Extension Ladders should be erected as close to a pitch of 75 1/2 degrees from the horizontal as possible for optimum resistance against the bottom of the ladder sliding out, strength of the ladder, and balance of the climber. A simple rule for setting-up the ladder at the proper angle is to place the base a distance from the wall or upper support equal to one-quarter of the extended length of the ladder side rails.

Conclusion In the year 2000 412 people in the U.S. died from falling off a ladder. At all times during ascent or descent, the climber must face the ladder and have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder cleats and/or side rails. Although the user’s weight or size typically does not increase the likelihood of a fall, improper climbing posture creates user clumsiness and may cause falls.