Topics Covered
Introduction
Common ladder hazards
4 steps to ladder safety
Storage
Introduction
Ladders help us move up and down and work at different heights. Although ladders are
easy to use, they are often misused or abused, causing serious injuries and deaths. These
deaths and injuries could have been significantly reduced or eliminated with proper care
and use.
Common Ladder Hazards
Improper set-up
Portable ladders not 3 feet above landing surface
Not securing ladder correctly
Standing on the top two steps of a stepladder
Overreaching when working from a ladder (Loss of balance
Using worn or damaged ladders
Climbing one-handed
4 Steps to Ladder Safety
Choose the Correct Ladder
Inspecting your ladder
Setting up your ladders correctly
Climb and descend ladders properly
Choose the Correct Ladder
3 Considerations….
Height: is the ladder tall enough?
Performance: is the weight capacity rating enough to support the employee and
materials?
Material: is the ladder wood, fiberglass or aluminum? Is the ladder to be used to work on
energized equipment
Inspecting your Ladder
Inspect ladders frequently
Before each use
Documented thorough monthly inspections
Competent person must periodically inspect ladders
Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for inspection
Inspecting your ladder
Before use, check the condition of your ladder. Inspect for cracks and weak points.
Make sure ladder is free of foreign materials such as oil & grease
Make sure the feet are clean, rest securely on the ground and resist slipping. slip-resistant
pads should be secure
Aluminum or steel ladders should be inspected for rough burrs and sharp edges
Do not use a ladder with loose, broken or missing rungs, screws or bolts. If your ladder
is unsafe, report it to your manager.
Store your ladder safely. Don’t use your ladder for other than its intended purpose.
Broken or weak ladders or ladders that are not stable must be marked or tagged as
defective and taken out of service.
Setting up your ladder
Rest the base of the ladder on a dry, solid, even surface free of debris.
When possible tie the top and bottom of the ladder to a secure location or use an
‘effective ladder”
Have a person hold the ladder if you cannot secure it with ropes or straps
Secure your surroundings if your ladder is set up near a doorway or high traffic area. Use
a barricade or warning signs.
Always place the ladder at right angles to the work.
extend ¼ the ladder length
When erected, the ladder must be at an angle of 75°as this is the best angle
for stability.
If you cannot achieve this angle, because the ladder is too short, too long
or something is in the way, then don’t use it.
Ladder rails must extend at least 1 meter (or 3 rungs) above the landing.
Avoid…
placing ladder in front of unlocked/unguarded door
placing ladder on boxes, table, trucks or other movable objects
Climbing your ladder
Use proper (low heeled) shoes with clean, non-slip soles on the ladder. Never climb a
ladder with high-heeled shoes.
Always face the ladder when going up or down. Keep your body centered between the
sides of the ladder.
Make sure only one person at a time is on the ladder.
Use the 3-point contact method. Ensure that both feet and one hand (or two hands and
one foot) are in contact with the ladder at all times
Keep your body centered between the sides of the ladder “Belt-Buckle Rule”
Position the ladder within arm’s reach of the product you are seeking. Move the ladder if
necessary. Never over-reach
Never climb on the top 3 rungs of a ladder.
When reaching for an item, ensure you reach directly in front of you, not to the
sides
Do not “walk” or “shift” the ladder while on it.
Avoid
sliding down ladder
climbing with slippery hands/shoes
using hands to carry items
General Safety Tips
Do not paint ladders; use transparent preservative – hides defects
Do not load ladders beyond maximum load capacity
Self-supporting ladders must have a metal spreader or locking device to hold the
front and back sections in an open position when in use.
Never place a foot on another surface such as a window frame to extend your
reach
Don’t use a ladder if you are taking medication, have a medical condition or are under the
influence of drugs or alcohol
Don’t carry awkward or heavy objects on a ladder any over 10kg should be avoided if
possible.
When working with or close to electrical equipment ensure you use a ladder/stepladder
made from non-conductive material
Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections, unless they are
specifically designed for such use.
Final thoughts
Never take a shortcut in ladder safety: After a fall, it’s a long road back to
recovery!
