Ladder Safety 101 Synergy Coverage Solutions. Working with Ladders Ladders are simple tools, yet often overlooked for potential hazards. Did you know.

Ladder Safety 101Synergy Coverage Solutions

Working with Ladders

Ladders are simple tools, yet often overlooked for potential hazards.

Did you know

Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents. These types of injuries on a ladder are more extreme and can lead to more devastating, and even fatal, consequences.

What are the different types of ladders?

Type I • Industrial use• Up to 250 pounds

Type II• Commercial use for medium

duty• Up to 225 pounds

Type III• Household, light duty use• Up to 200 pounds

▪ WOOD: Heavy, electrically non-conductive

▪ METAL: Lightweight, cannot be used near electrical equipment

▪ FIBERGLASS: Strong, lightweight, electrically non-conductive

Is your ladder safe for use?

• Rungs must be intact and free of grease/oil• No splinters or sharp edges• No dents or bends in metal ladders• Safety feet should be in place• Support braces and bolts must be secure• Hinge spreader must work properly• Side rails must not be damaged or broken

Once your ladder has been identified as safe to use, what are the important points to remember for

ladder use?

Things to Remember:

Maintain 3-point contact at all times.

Both feet and one hand or

One foot and both hands

Things to Remember:

Wear non-slip shoes

Things to Remember:

Avoid top four rungs of a ladder

Avoid top two steps on a stepladder

Things to Remember:

Ladder must extend 3 feet above point of support if being used to access an elevated level

Distance from bottom of ladder to wall should be about 1 foot for every 4 feet of ladder height

Things to Remember:

Never use a ladder without locking spreader in place

Things to Remember:

Never place ladder in front of doors opening towards the ladder unless doors are blocked, locked, or guarded

Things to Remember:

Always face ladder when ascending, descending, and performing work.

Both hands should be placed on ladder rails, not rungs, when ascending or descending.

Things to Remember:

Do not use a ladder if you’re feeling dizzy, light-headed, excessively tired, on medication, or recently consumed alcohol or otherwise temporarily impaired.

Now that you’re a PRO at ladder safety, let’s test your knowledge!

Test your knowledge on ladder safety!

Test your knowledge on ladder safety!

Answer: False. Wood and fiberglass ladders are electrically non-conducive and safe to use around electrical equipment. Metal ladders should never be used around electronics.

Test your knowledge on ladder safety!

Test your knowledge on ladder safety!

Answer: 3 feet. The ladder must extend 3 feet above the point of support. The distance from bottom of ladder to wall should be about 1 feet for every 4 feet of ladder height.

Test your knowledge on ladder safety!

Test your knowledge on ladder safety!

Answer: False. Hands should be placed on ladder rails, not rungs, when ascending or descending.

Test your knowledge on ladder safety!

Test your knowledge on ladder safety!

Answer: True. Maintain 3-point contact at all times – both feet and one hand, or one foot and both hands.

Thank you for reviewing this presentation on ladder safety. For additional presentations on safety in the workplace, visit www.synergyinsurance.net.