Ladder Safety

Goals: This safety session should teach employees to

Understand how to choose, inspect, and use ladders correctly.
Applicable Regulations:       29 CFR 1910.25-.27

  1. Proper Ladder Selection, Inspection, and Use Can Prevent Falls and Injuries
    OSHA standards cover ladder design as well as requirements for:
    • Inspecting ladders and removing unsafe ladders from use
    • Safe ways to climb and work on ladders

  2. Select the Right Ladder for the Job
    Use a ladder, not a chair or box, to reach heights. The ladder should be:
    • Tall enough to reach the height you need
    • Rated to handle the combined weight of you and your equipment.
    • Ladders are rated I-A (holds 300 pounds); I (250 pounds); II (225 pounds); III (200 pounds. Not usually used on the job).
    • Safe for the conditions.
    • Don't use metal ladders around electricity, because metal is a conductor.

  3. Inspect Every Ladder Before Using It
    • Don't use a ladder that has any missing or broken parts.
    • Tag it as defective and remove it from service.
    • Don't try to fix a ladder yourself.

    • A ladder should have:
      • No missing parts
      • Firmly attached slip-resistant steps, rungs, or cleats free of grease or oil
      • Tight support braces, bolts, screws, and spreaders
      • Lubricated metal parts
      • Safety feet
      • Rope  in good condition (not worn or frayed)
      • No splinters or sharp edges
      • No dents or bent parts in metal ladders

  4. Set Up a Ladder Firmly and Properly
    • Place it on level floor or ground, with feet parallel to the surface it rests against.
    • Place the ladder on wide boards if the ground is soft or broken.
    • Extend the ladder at least three feet above the top support.
    • Don't rest it on a window or window sash or in front of an unlocked door.
    • Anchor the top. Tie the bottom or have someone hold it.
    • The distance from the ladder's base to the wall should equal one-fourth the ladder's length.

  5. Climb and Work on Ladders Safely
    • Wear shoes with clean, nonskid, non-leather soles.
    • Allow only one person at a time on a ladder.
    • Climb up and down facing the ladder and holding both side rails.
    • Carry tools on a belt or rope or hoist.
    • Work with one hand on the ladder.
    • Don't stand on the top two stepladder steps or top four ladder rungs.
    • Move slowly and cautiously on a ladder.
    • Don't move a ladder while you're on it.
    • Center your body on the ladder so your belt buckle is between the side rails.

  6. Carry and Store Ladders Properly
    • Carry a ladder with another person when possible.
    • If you must carry alone, balance the center on your shoulder. Keep the front end above your head and the back end near the ground.
    • Store ladders in a dry, ventilated area kept at a moderate temperature.
    • Store ladders standing up, if possible.
    • If they must lie down, support both ends and the middle to prevent sagging or warping.
    • Don't keep anything on a stored ladder, or the ladder will warp.

Discussion Points:
Ask participants which jobs they perform that would be dangerous with a metal ladder.
Ask for specific suggestions of how they would carry the tools and materials they use while working on ladders.

Conclusion: Attention to Ladder Safety Prevents Injuries
Take the time to choose, inspect, and use a ladder safely

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