What Goes Up… Must Come Down Portable Ladder Safety Introduce yourself and explain who SDAO is, the type of learning environment you’d like to have, etc.

Overview Equipment Critical Number Set Up Ascending/descending Types Checks Critical Number Set Up Ascending/descending While in Use Safe Practices

When you have a task to complete, it is very important that you stop to consider what type of ladder would be appropriate to enable you to SAFELY complete the task at hand.

Equipment - Types There are a wide variety of ladder types. Basic step ladder, trestle ladders, extension ladders, step ladders, orchard ladder, platform ladders, etc. It’s important that you choose a ladder that will allow you to safely complete the task at hand. There are four different factors you should take into consideration to do this…

Choose the right tool for the job! Equipment - Types Choose the right tool for the job! Type & style Proper length Duty rating Special duty (IAA) – 375 lbs. Extra heavy duty (IA) – 300 lbs. Heavy duty (I) – 250 lbs. Medium duty (II) – 225 lbs. Light duty (III) – 200 lbs. Material We just discussed some of the types of ladders. Lets discuss four things that should be taken into consideration when choosing the ladder. The type should be appropriate for the surface you’re working on and the surface you’re working off and leaning the ladder onto if needed. Secondly it’s critical that the ladder is both long enough and short enough that it’s not a hazard. We’re going to talk in a minute about how far the ladder should extend beyond the surface it’s leaned onto if so. Thirdly, consider the weight capacity of the ladder. This is really important if you’re moving materials! Finally, if you have options of what material the ladder is, there are a few things to take into consideration. If there are electrical hazard, an aluminum ladder should not be used. Fiberglass ladders are often very heavy if they’re longer.

Equipment - Checks Prior to each use Replace steps showing ¼ surface is worn away Never paint wooden ladders Check feet to make sure they are securely attached Clean and lubricate moving parts (spreaders, hinges, locks & pulleys) Replace worn labels and components Never use ladders with broken components A general check that the ladder is in good working condition should be completed prior to every use. This includes scanning the entire structure for signs of wear or weakness. If the ladder is wooden, rungs should be replaced if they’re showing more than ¼ step is worn off. Labels are mandated by manufacturers so they should be replaced if they are worn off.

Critical Numbers 3 ft above the surface Distance from structure = ¼ height of the structure If the ladder you’re using is longer than 36 ft, it must over lap 4 ft. unless is it longer then 48 feet in which case it must overlap 5 ft.

Critical Numbers No less than 3 ft. 20 ft. height No less than 5 ft. Given a building’s height is 20 ft, how long far away from the building should its base be located? No less than 5 ft. How many feet should the ladder extend over the roof line? What would change if the building were 40 ft tall? Ladder should be out from base no less than 10 ft… And?? Assuming the ladder would have to be taller than 48 ft, the overlap would need to be 5 ft. No less than 5 ft.

Set Up – Extension Ladders Check for overhead hazards, electrical lines, etc. Stable surface If leaning against surface, should extend at least 3 ft. beyond the surface height Base of ladder ¼ of structure height from the base of the structure

Set Up – Extension Ladders Walk the ladder up Closed No overhead hazards Back the ladder’s legs up Raise the fly section

Set Up – Extension Ladder Secure the ladder Tie off/hook top Employee to hold ladder Level base Reiterate the 3’ overlap rule here. If your ladder cannot protrude beyond the roofline, then you are required to secure the top of the ladder to the structure.

Ladders should be safely secured… tying them together with rope is not likely an adequate solution. Photo from Scotland.

Set Up – Step Ladders Check for overhead hazards, electrical lines, etc. Stable surface Fully extend all supports, braces, etc.

Ascending/Descending Always… Maintain three points of contact Keep your center of weight (torso) between the legs of the ladder Use pulleys or a tool belt if you need to carry items with you “belt buckle rule” if you keep your belt buckle within the rails of the ladder, you’re keeping your center of balance within the rails too.

Ascending/Descending Fixed Ladders Must have cage, wells or ladder safety system if height is greater than 24’ but less than 50’ or 24’ above the ground Could include body harness

While In Use Never use the top two rungs One person per ladder Same rule applies while using a ladder too – keep your torso between the rails. It appears this construction worker is safely extending himself beyond the ladder because he has fall protection! His body harness is not actually anchored to anything 

If you can’t reach… MOVE THE LADDER While In Use If you can’t reach… MOVE THE LADDER Clowns are great at walking ladders. That doesn’t mean it’s safe or appropriate in the work place. Besides, you’ll feel like a clown if you fall off the ladder!

Safe Practices Prohibit ladders from being propped on boxes, barrels and other objects Both rails should be equally supported Ladders should never be moved while occupied Face ladders while climbing and descending Surfaces (both on ladder and ground around the ladder) should be free of oil and other slipping hazards OR-OSHA’s published a very useful list of additional safe practices that should be implemented in addition to the equipment inspection, type and safe setup of ladders. (Hand out several copies).

Safe Practices Safe storage… Dry location Away from direct sunlight Secure to prevent tipping Finally, let’s talk about how to keep the ladders in the best condition possible when they’re stored. Keeping them in a dry location will help prevent deterioration of the ladder’s material. As well, sunlight can cause significant wear. What materials are most suspetible to this year? (wood and fiberglass). It’s important to secure ladders to protect not only the ladder but also the employees and property surrounding them. How should the ladder in the picture n the right be secured? It’s an extension ladder. ON ITS SIDE. Keep in mind that ladders don’t have to be stored with a specific hood designed just for them. A upright step ladder can be secured by an inexpensive bungee cord if its attached to hold well.

SDAO Loss Control Department Questions? SDAO Loss Control Department (800) 285-5461 (503) 371-8667