fittings. 3276(e)(12)
12. Extension ladders shall be erected so that the top section is above and resting on the bottom section with the rung locks engaged. 3276(e)(13)
13. Do not place ladders in passageways, doorways, driveways, or any location where they may be displaced unless protected by barricades or
guards. 3276(e)(14)
14. Climb or work with the body near the middle of the step or rung and do not overreach from this position. To avoid overreaching, the employee
shall descend and reposition the ladder. 3276(e)(15)(A)
15. Employees shall be prohibited from carrying equipment or materials which prevent the safe use of ladders. 3276(e)(15)(B)
16. Face the ladder while climbing and descending, and maintain contact with the ladder at three-points at all times. 3276(e)(15)(C)
17. Do not stand and work on the top three rungs of a single or extension ladders. 3276(e)(15)(D)
18. Employees shall not stand on the top-cap or the step below the top-cap of a stepladder. 3276(e)(15)(E)
19. Do not use the X-bracing on the rear section of a stepladder for climbing unless the ladder is so designed and provided with steps for climbing
on both front and rear sections. 3276(e)(15)(F)
20. Ladders shall not be moved or extended while occupied, unless designed and recommended by the manufacturer. 3276(e)(15)(G)
21. Portable rung ladders with reinforced rails shall be used only with the metal reinforcement on the underside. 3276(e)(17)
22. Non-conductive ladders shall be used in locations where the ladder or user may contact unprotected energized electrical conductors or
equipment. Conductive ladders shall be legibly marked with signs reading “CAUTION-- DO NOT USE AROUND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT”,
or equivalent. 3276(e)(18)
23. The area around the top and bottom of a ladder shall be kept clear. 3276(e)(19)
L. The following are training requirements for employees using portable ladders: 3276(f)
1. Employees shall be trained in the safe use of ladders before using them. 3276(f)
2. Supervisors of employees who routinely use ladders shall also be trained in ladder safety training. 3276(f)
3. The training may be provided as part of the employer’s IIP Program (T8 CCR 3203). 3276(f)
4. The training shall address the following topics, unless the employer demonstrates that a topic is not applicable to the workplace:
a. Importance of using ladders safely including injuries due to falls from ladders. 3276(f)(1)
b. Selection of ladders, including types, proper length, maximum working loads, and electrical hazards. 3276(f)(2)
c. Maintenance, inspection, and removal of damaged ladders from service. 3276(f)(3)
d. Erecting ladders including footing support, top support, securing, and angle of inclination. 3276(f)(4)
e. Climbing and working on ladders including user’s position and points of contact with the ladder. 3276(f)(5)
f. Causes of falls, including haste, sudden movement, lack of attention, footwear, and user’s physical condition. 3276(f)(6)
g. Prohibited uses including climbing on cross bracing, uses other than designed, exceeding maximum lengths, and not meeting minimum
overlap requirements. 3276(f)(7)
Use of Ladder
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Position Ladders Correctly
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Keep the area around the top and bottom of a ladder clear.
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Example of too much debris near the ladder.
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When using a ladder in a crowded area, erect warning signs or barricades to guide traffic away from the foot of the ladder. If this is not possible, have
someone hold and guard the bottom of the ladder.
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Rest the base of ladder on a spot away from hallways, passageways, doorways, driveways or heavy traffic areas. Never set up a ladder in front of a door
unless the door is locked or a guard is posted.
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Rest the base of ladders on firm, level, dry, non slippery surfaces. If one foot sits in a low spot, build up the surface with firm material or use leg levelers or
mudsills when necessary to provide firm support.
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Example of proper placement of ladder on a level surface.
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Make sure the ladder is sitting straight and secure before climbing it. Do not allow ladders to lean sideways. Level them before using.
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Position the extension ladder such that top section is above and resting on the bottom section with the rung locks engaged.
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To provide the correct angle so extension ladders won’t slip, place the base of the ladder one foot away from whatever the top of the ladder leans against,
for every four feet in height of the ladder.
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To check, put your feet at the base of the ladder and extend your arm straight out. If you can touch the closest part of the ladder without bending your
arm, or bending over, the ladder is at the correct angle. If not, the ladder is not at a safe angle.
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Example of proper ladder leaning angle.
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Do not try to make a ladder reach farther by setting it on boxes, barrels, bricks, blocks or other unstable bases.
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Never set up or use a ladder in a high wind, especially a lightweight metal or fiberglass type. Wait until the air is calm enough to insure safety.
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Do not use ladders on ice or snow unless absolutely necessary. If they must be used on ice or snow, use spike or spur-type safety shoes on the ladder feet
and be sure they are gripping properly before climbing.
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When two or more separate ladders are used to reach an elevated work area, make sure that the ladders are offset with a platform or landing between the
ladders.
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Example of correctly using two ladders at once.
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Remember that the side rails shall extend 36 inches or more above the upper landing surface. When such an extension is not possible, then the ladder
shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grab-rail must be provided to assist employees in
mounting and dismounting the ladder.
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Example of properly extending ladder past its top resting point.Secong example of properly extending ladder past its top resting point.
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Secure Ladders Properly
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The ladder shall be so placed as to prevent slipping, or it shall be tied, blocked, held, or otherwise secured to prevent slipping. One way to prevent slipping
is to use safety shoes on ladder feet.
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Brace the foot of the ladder with stakes or place stout boards against the feet if there is any danger of slipping.
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Tie, block or otherwise secure the ladder to prevent it from being displaced.
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Make sure that the top support is supported equally on the two rails, unless a single support attachment is provided and used.
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Example of securing a ladder top.Example of top ladder securing brackets.
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Top support for a ladder is as important as good footing. The top should rest evenly against a flat, firm surface. If a ladder is to be leaned against a surface,
test the surface first for strength and stability.
