Mandatory Safety Standards for Ladders at Surface Coal Mines

OBJECTIVE Trainees will list the most important facts from the 6 mandatory safety standards for ladders according to CFR 30 Part

Objective 2 Trainees will receive brief common sense ladder use information – beyond mandatory safety standards

Carl Calcaterra, mechanic, age 46, sustained a head injury on June 9, when he fell approximately 10-ft while trying to reposition himself from an unsecured ladder to the top of the rear tires on a Wabco 170-D haul truck. He died on June 13, at 4:59 a.m., due to his injury. Calcaterra had a total of 23 years mining experience which included 14 years as a shift foreman/mechanic for a previous company and 9 years as a mechanic for Montana Resources.

Sec Ladders; construction; installation and maintenance. (a) Ladders shall be of substantial construction and maintained in good condition. (b) Wooden members of ladders shall not be painted. (c) Steep or vertical ladders which are used regularly at fixed locations shall be anchored securely and provided with backguards extending from a point not more than 7 feet from the bottom of the ladder to the top of the ladder. (d) Fixed ladders shall not incline backwards at any point unless provided with backguards. (e) Fixed ladders shall be anchored securely and installed to provide at least 3 inches of toe clearance. (f) Fixed ladders shall project at least 3 feet above landings, or substantial handholds shall be provided above the landings.

(a) Ladders shall be of substantial construction and maintained in good condition.

(b) Wooden members of ladders shall not be painted.

(c) Steep or vertical ladders which are used regularly at fixed locations shall be anchored securely and provided with backguards extending from a point not more than 7 feet from the bottom of the ladder to the top of the ladder.

(d) Fixed ladders shall not incline backwards at any point unless provided with backguards.

(e) Fixed ladders shall be anchored securely and installed to provide at least 3 inches of toe clearance.

(f) Fixed ladders shall project at least 3 feet above landings, or substantial handholds shall be provided above the landings.

Mandatory Common Sense Safety Standards Say to Use Ladders Safely

Using a Ladder Always check a ladder before you use it; recheck it if it has been unattended. Always face a ladder when using it. Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles. Always have a 3-point contact (such as, one hand and two feet). Keep your body centered between the side rails of the ladder – so you don’t tip over the ladder. Never work from the top or top step of a stepladder, or from any of the top 3 steps of a straight or extension ladder.

If you must work from an extension ladder, consider using a fall protection system attached to a secure anchor point on the building, especially if pushing, pulling, or prying. (The fall protection should be designed by a qualified person.**) And keep both feet on the same rung. Do not hold objects in your hand when moving up or down or stepping on/off a ladder to an upper level. Attach objects to your tool belt or pull them up on a line after you get to your work spot. Do not use a ladder when it is windy. Never move a ladder while someone is on it. Lower the top section of an extension ladder before you move it.

Sec Ladders; construction; installation and maintenance. (a) Ladders shall be of _________ construction and maintained in ___ condition. (b) Wooden members of ladders shall not be _______. (c) Steep or vertical ladders which are used regularly at fixed locations shall be anchored securely and provided with backguards extending from a point not more than ___ feet from the bottom of the ladder to the top of the ladder. (d) Fixed ladders shall not incline backwards at any point unless provided with _________. (e) Fixed ladders shall be anchored securely and installed to provide at least __ inches of toe clearance. (f) Fixed ladders shall project at least___ feet above landings, or substantial handholds shall be provided above the landings.