Ladder Safety

Ladders are a common working surface for the maintenance staff and a less frequent tool for just about all staff.

Ladders are a common working surface for the maintenance staff and a less frequent tool for just about all staff.

There are two main types of ladders: fixed and portable. In general, ladders must be capable of supporting their maximum intended load, while mobile ladder stands and platforms must be capable of supporting four times their maximum intended load.  Ladders must also be inspected before and after each use to identify and defects that could cause an injury.

Fixed Ladders

A fixed ladder is one that is permanently attached to a structure, building or piece of equipment.  These include individual rung ladders, but not ship stairs, step bolts or manhole steps.

OSHA has new rules that are being phased in for all employers.  The rules require ladder safety systems or personal fall arrest systems for all fixed ladders that extend over 24 feet.  The new rules also phase out the use of cages and wells for fall protection.

Portable Ladders

Ladders are tools.  Many of the basic safety rules that apply to most tools also apply to the use of a ladder.  The following is information from the American Ladder Institute.

• If you feel tired or dizzy, or are prone to losing your balance, stay off the ladder.
• Do not use ladders in high wind.
• Wear clean slip-resistant shoes. Shoes with leather soles are not appropriate for ladder use since they are not considered sufficiently slip resistant.
• Before using a ladder, inspect it to confirm it is in good working condition.
• Ladders with loose or missing parts must be rejected. Rickety ladders that sway of lean to the side must be rejected.
• The ladder you select must be the right size for the job.
• The Duty Rating of the ladder must be greater than the total weight of the climber, tools, supplies, and other objects placed upon the ladder. The length of the ladder must be sufficient so that the climber does not have to stand on the top rung or step.
• The on-product safety information is specific to the particular type of ladder on which it appears. The climber is not considered qualified or adequately trained to use the ladder until familiar with this information.
• When the ladder is set up for use, it must be placed on firm level ground and without any type of slippery conditions present at either the base or top support points.
• Only one person on a ladder at a time is permitted on a ladder unless the ladder is specifically designed for more than one climber (such as a Trestle Ladder).
• Ladders are not to be placed in front of closed doors that open towards the ladder. The door must be blocked open, locked, or guarded.
• Read the safety information on the label.

The Three Point-of-Contact Climb

Factors contributing to falls from ladders include haste, sudden movement, lack of attention, the condition of the ladder (worn or damaged), the user’s age or physical condition, or both, and the user’s footwear.

Although the user’s weight or size typically does not increase the likelihood of a fall, improper posture creates user clumsiness and may cause falls.  Reduce your chances of falling during a climb by:

• Wearing slip-resistant shoes with heavy soles to prevent foot fatigue.
• Cleaning the soles of the shoes to maximize traction.
• Using towlines, a tool belt or an assistant to convey materials so that the climber’s hands are free when climbing.
• Climbing slowly and deliberately while avoiding sudden movements.
• Never attempting to move a ladder while standing on it.
• Keeping the center of your belt buckle (stomach) between the ladder side rails when climbing and while working. Do not over reach or lean while working so that you don’t fall off the ladder sideways while standing on it.

When climbing a ladder, it is safest to utilize Three Points-of-Contact because it minimizes the chances of slipping and falling from the ladder.  At all dimes during the ascent, decent, and working, the climber must face the ladder and have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder steps, rungs and/or side rails.  In this way, the climber is not likely to become unstable in the event one limb slips during the climb.  It is important to note that the climber must not carry any objects in either hand that can interfere with a firm grip on the ladder.  Otherwise, Three Points-of-Contact with a ladder cannot be adequately maintained and the chance of falling is increased in the event a hand or foot slip occurs.

For more information on ladder safety please email safety@longwood.edu.