Ladder Safety

Session Objectives
Recognize the importance of ladder safety
Identify common causes of ladder accidents
Select and inspect ladders correctly
Set up ladders properly
Climb and work on ladders safely
Maintain, store, and transport ladders
properly

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Prequiz:
How Much Do You Know?
A common reason for ladder accidents
is failure to inspect ladders before use.
The base of a straight ladder should be
1 foot from the wall for every 2 feet of
ladder height from base to support point.
If a ladder is defective, return it to where
you found it and take another ladder.
It is safe to stand on the top step of a
stepladder.

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Why Ladder Safety Matters

Frank
Bill
Mark,
Juan,
Carla overreaches
isstanding
climbing
fails to secure
on theto
a ladderantop
drill
fails
with aboth
stepto
extension ofhole
check above
aladdertheat
hands his
area
full,
stepladder, the
head
above
misses
loses
top a
and
hisand
himstep.plunges
and
falls 20hits
Unable
balance histo
feet
and
helplessly
grab head
falls,
when the to
on athe
ladder,
suffering
the ladder ground.
beam.
ahe falls,
spinal
slips
injury.
The He’s
spraining
away fromout
resulting hisof
the work
gash
back.onfor
wall.
his head sends him to
4 months.
the emergency room
for stitches.

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 3 Most Common Causes
Of Ladder Accidents
• Wrong ladder used
• Ladder in poor
condition
• Ladder used
improperly

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Accident Statistics
53%
73%30%
66%57%
LACKWET
OFOR
UNSECURED GREASY
INADEQUATE
LADDERS
HOLDING SHOES
INSPECTION
AT BOTTOM
OBJECTS
SAFETY INSTRUCTION
61% UNSECURED AT TOP

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Five Simple Steps to
Reduce the Risk of Falls
1. Inspect all ladders

2. Follow ladder safety rules

3. Use common sense

4. Avoid risky behavior

5. Report ladder safety problems

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Ladder Selection
• Height
• Capacity

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Ladder Selection (cont.)
No metal ladders around:
• Electricity
• Corrosives
• Flammables

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Ladder Inspections
• Steps/rungs
• Side rails
• Metal parts
• Rope
• Locking devices
• Splinters/sharp edges
• Safety feet
• Dents

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 What to Do with a
Defective Ladder
• Don’t use it
• Don’t try to repair it

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Exercise
SAFE UNSAFE
Inspecting
Securing
Standing
Reaching
Using onrather
a ladder thea2nd
an
with
Carrying
Climbing
aladder
extension
rung from
than
broken tools
a
theladder
before up aof
ladder
moving top
locking
ladder
with
top muddy
inladder
each
and
a straightyour
use shoes
bottom
adevice hands
ladder

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Review
Do you understand:
• Importance of ladder safety?
• Common causes of
ladder accidents?
• Basic ways to reduce
risk of falling?
• Ladder selection?
• Ladder inspection?
• What to do with
defective ladders?

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Ladder Setup
• Ground surface
• Unstable bases
• Doors
• Support
• Never fasten two
ladders together
• Locking devices

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Ladder Setup (cont.)
• 4-to-1 rule
• Support point
• Overlap
• Secured

8 ft

2 ft

Image courtesy of Ladder-Max, LLC

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Climbing and Descending

Never climb a ladder if you are impaired

Never slide down a ladder
Carry tools on a belt or shoulder strap
Don’t climb too high
Face the ladder
One person at a time
Check your shoes

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Working on a Ladder

• Hold on • Lean too far

• Keep centered • Reach too high
• Stay straight and • Try to reposition
close to the ladder ladder while on it
• Move carefully

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Ladder Maintenance
• Check joints
• Test hardware and fittings
• Lubricate moveable parts
• Replace worn rope on
extension ladders
• Make sure safety feet
are in good condition
• Clean rungs and
steps

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Storing Ladders
• Store securely, out of the way
• Store short stepladders vertically
• Store straight ladders flat or
hang horizontally
• Never store materials on top
of a ladder
• Keep in a well-ventilated area

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Transporting Ladders
• Pair up
• Balance the center on your shoulder
• Be careful around corners, aisles, or
where others are working

• Ladders should not stick out of vehicles

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Exercise
Make the Right Choice
Is it safe to place a ladder on a a. Yes
stack of pallets to gain height? b. No
If the distance between the base
of an extension ladder and the a. 3 feet
support point is 12 feet, how far b. 4 feet
should the base of the ladder be
from the wall?

When you climb a ladder, a. One hand

you should hold on with: b. Two hands

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Review
Do you understand:
• Ladder setup?
• How to climb and
descend ladders safely?
• Working safely on
ladders?
• Ladder maintenance
and storage?
• Transporting ladders
safely?

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204

 Key Points to Remember
Ladder accidents can cause serious
injuries or death.
You have the power to prevent accidents.
Always choose the right ladder for the job
and inspect before use.
Set up ladders correctly and climb safely.
Be careful when working on ladders and
avoid overreaching.

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1204