Ladder Safety

Safe Use of Ladder Checklist

WOOD LADDERS Acceptable Unacceptable

The ladder is dry and clean
Free of paint
Free of splits, shakes or cracks
Rungs in good condition, no warps
No loose rungs or hardware
Ropes not frayed or worn

ALUMINIUM LADDERS
Not used for or near electrical work
Side rails not damaged or bent
Rungs not damaged, loose or bent
Slip resistant feet in place and in good condition
Ropes not frayed or worn

FIBREGLASS LADDERS
Side rails not damaged or cracked
Rungs not damaged, loose or bent
Slip resistant feet in place and in good condition
Ropes not frayed or worn

FIXED LADDERS
Side rails and rungs in good condition
Extend 1 metre (3 feet) above the landing
Rungs 150 mm (6 inches) away from securing surface
Rest platform at every 9 metres (30 feet) or fall arrest used
Safety cage where a worker may fall of 3 metres (10 feet)

STRAIGHT AND EXTENSION LADDERS

Properly secured to vehicle during transportation
Ladders placed at proper angle of 1 to 4
Extends 1 metre (3 feet) above the landing
Placed on firm, stable footing to avoid movement or "kick out"
Properly secured for use (top and/or bottom)
Straight ladders not used above 4th rung from top
Use of 3 point contact (ascending/descending)
Hands free of tools (ascending/descending)
Face ladder when ascending/descending
Immediate surrounding area free of potential hazards
Base of ladder roped off in high traffic areas
Keep the body centred between the side rails (belt buckle rule)
- no leaning out
Only appropriate ladders used for or near electrical utilities
Proper ladder for the job (length, type, etc.)
Not set in doorway, passageways
Defective ladders tagged "Out of Service"
For extension ladders, be sure the locks are intact and function
smoothly

STEP, ARTICULATED, PLATFORM LADDERS

Properly secured to vehicle
Spreader arms opened completely and locked
Not used as a straight ladder against structure
Placed on proper footing to avoid movement
Use of 3 point contact (ascending/descending)
Hands free of tools (ascending/descending)
Face ladder when ascending/descending
Not standing on top 2 steps or paint/tool tray
Area secured in high traffic area
Immediate surrounding area free of hazards
Immediate surrounding area free of potential hazards
Keep the body centred between the side rails (belt buckle rule)
- no leaning out
Only appropriate ladders used for or near electrical utilities
Not set in doorways or passageways
Defective ladders tagged "Out of Service"
Side rails not bent or damaged
Steps not damaged, bent, or loose