1. Ladders and Stairs in Construction

2. Hazards of ladders
Falls
Slips
Reaching too far
Weather 1a

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

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

5. 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

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

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

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

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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

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

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

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

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

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