•
Portable ladder categories: Type IAA:375 pounds, Type IA:300 pounds, Type I:250 pounds, Type II:225 pounds, Type III:200 pounds.
•
Climb and Work Safely on Ladders
•
While climbing and working on ladders, you need to climb or work with the body near the middle of the step or rung to keep the load on the ladder
centered.
•
Make sure that you do not overreach from the center position. To avoid overreaching, you need to descend and reposition the ladder.
•
Example of improper reaching from a ladder.
•
When it is not practical to work with the body near the middle of the step or rung, you need to secure the ladder at the top, and use a personal fall
protection system.
•
Always face the ladder and maintain contact with the ladder at three-points at all times. Contact with the ladder at three points means two feet and one
hand, or two hands and one foot which is safely supporting the user’s weight.
•
Example of proper ladder-climbing technique.
•
Do not carry equipment or materials on ladders. Have coworkers hand up tools and equipment instead of carrying them when on a ladder.
•
Example of coworker handing tools to ladder climber rather than the climber carrying up the tools himself.
•
Make sure that you are not standing and working on the top 3 rungs of a single or extension ladder. If you have to work from the top 3 rungs, ensure that
there are structures that provide you with a firm handhold or you use a personal fall protection system.
•
Do not stand on the topcap or the step below the topcap of a step ladder.
•
Example of improperly standing on top rung of a ladder.
•
Do not use cross-bracing on the rear section of step ladders for climbing.
•
Ladders shall not be moved, shifted, or extended while in use, unless permitted by the manufacturer.
•
Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations for proper use.
•
Follow Safe Work Practices
•
Following safe work practices like these given below can save your employees from the accidents and injuries while climbing and using ladders in
workplace.
•
Get help when needed. DO NOT try to do alone if you can’t do it safely by yourself.
•
Get help with awkward jobs when standing on a ladder.
•
DO NOT take short cuts.
•
Use ladder only for the purpose it is made for.
•
Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder.
•
Never use a ladder when under the influence of alcohol, on drugs or medication, or in ill health.
•
If you get sick, dizzy or panicky while on a ladder, do not try to climb down in a hurry. Wait. Drape your arms around the rungs and rest your head against
the ladder until you feel better. Then climb down slowly and carefully.
•
Allow only one person at a time on a ladder unless the ladder is specifically designed to hold more than one person at a time (e.g., double sided or
mechanics ladders).
•
Only one person on a ladder at a time.
•
Never use a ladder on a scaffold platform. If you need to reach higher, the scaffold should be higher.
•
DO NOT use step ladders as single ladders or in a partially closed position.
•
Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged.
•
Always open a stepladder completely and make sure the spreader is locked open before using the ladder.
•
Always open a ladder completely, and lock the spreader also.
•
Never slide down a ladder.
•
Never climb onto a ladder from the side, from above the top or from one ladder to another.
•
Do not straddle the front and back of a stepladder.
•
Ladders shall not be used in a horizontal position as platforms, runways, or scaffolds unless designed for such use.
•
Do not use a ladder horizontally as a paltform, runway or scaffold.
•
DO NOT use ladders as a brace, skid, guy or gin pole, gangway, or for uses other than they were intended.
•
DO NOT use wooden ladders that are painted.
•
Never tie or fasten ladders together to gain additional length/height.
•
Avoid overhead electrical hazards. Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines.
•
Never use metal ladders around exposed electrical wiring. Metal ladders should be marked with tags or stickers reading “CAUTION-Do Not Use Around
Electrical Equipment” or similar wording.
•
Use only the non-conductive ladders in wet and damp locations where electrical work is anticipated.
•
Wear shoes with slip resistant soles.
•
Clean mud and other slippery substances off your shoes and ladder rungs before climbing the ladder.
•
When moving an extension ladder always retract the “fly” section(s).
•
When carrying an extension ladder keep the bottom section lower than the top. Use a ladder dolly to help you carry heavy ladders.
•
When using extension ladders consider using fall protection systems
