Ladder Safety – Module 2 Styles and Types of Portable Ladders January, 2011.

Ladder Safety – Module 2

Styles and Types of Portable Ladders

January, 2011

1. Introduction

2. Self-Supporting Ladders

3. Non Self-Supporting Ladders

4. Special Purpose Ladders

Styles and Types of Portable Ladders

Topics Covered

Portable ladders are either self-supporting (can stand up on their own) or non-self-supporting (need to lean against something).  The standard general-purpose types of portable ladders are described in this module. 

Introduction

Self-Supporting Ladders (Step Ladders)

Portable self-supporting ladders can stand up on their own.

Standard stepladders have a front section with steps for climbing and a back section with two rear legs, which give them their stability.

They must be set up on firm, level surfaces such as floors, platforms, and slabs.

Front section

Back section

Self-Supporting Ladders (continued)

The standard stepladder is non-adjustable and has flat steps and a hinged back.  

It must have a metal spreader or locking device strong enough to securely hold the front and back sections in the open position. 

The back section is cross-braced and you cannot use it for climbing.

Spreader

Bucket Shelf

The ladder may also have a bucket shelf which must be able to support a load of 25 pounds.

Standard stepladders are usually intended for use by only one worker at a time, unless otherwise specified on the manufacturers' or other labels.

Self-Supporting Ladders (continued)

Bucket Shelf

Parts of the Self-Supporting Ladders

Self-Supporting Ladders (continued)

Bucket Shelf

Click the labels to see an explanation of each part of the ladder. Click the label again to close the explanation window.

Top Cap

Top Step

Rear Brace

Spreader

Rear Rail

Knees

Front Rails

Steps

Feet

If present, it must be fastened so that it can be folded up within the ladder when the ladder is closed. It must be able to support a load

of 25 pounds. Never lean or stand on the bucket shelf – it is not made to be able to support

your weight

The spreader securely holds and locks the front and back sections of a

stepladder in the fully open position.

Crosspieces or diagonals that join the rear rails to stabilize and support them. They are part of

the back section and are not intended for climbing on a standard stepladder.

The support members of the back section of a stepladder. They are joined by bars or other

bracing to form the back section.The bottom-most surfaces of the rails that are in contact

with the ground or supporting surface. Metal and fiberglass stepladders must have slip-resistant feet or be

covered with slip-resistant shoes.

TOP CAP Is not for stepping onto.

TOP STEP Is not for stepping onto.

The flat crosspieces of a stepladder on which a person climbs up and down the ladder. They must be regularly spaced, parallel and

attached securely to the front rails.

Front rails are joined by horizontal flat steps at regular intervals to form the front section

of a stepladder. The front section is the side of the ladder intended for climbing.

KNEES: (Truss) braces provide extra support and reinforcement to

the steps.

Non-Self-Supporting Ladders

Non-self-supporting ladders must be leaned against a stable structure strong enough to support the weight of the ladder, user, tools and materials being used by the worker on the ladder. They are intended for use by only one worker at a time.

Commonly used non-self-supporting ladders include single ladders and extension ladders.

Non-Self-Supporting Ladders (continued)

The single or straight ladder has a wide range of applications and uses. Single ladders are nonadjustable and must never be tied or fastened together to form a longer ladder.

Sectional ladders, which consist of two or more sections, are designed to be combined together to function as a single ladder

Side Rails

Parts of a Single, Non-Self-Supporting Ladder

Rung, Step or Cleat

Feet

Extension ladders offer convenience and the greatest length in a general-purpose ladder.

Extension ladders consist of two or more sections that travel in guides or brackets that allow you to adjust the length of the ladder.

The sections are assembled so that the sliding upper section (“fly”) is on top of the lower section when you are using the ladder.

Fly or Upper Section

LowerSection

Extension Ladders

Extension LaddersThe sections of an extension ladder are sometimes adjusted using ropes/cables and a pulley system to help raise and lower the sections.  

They must be equipped with positive stops to ensure the required overlap between the upper and lower sections.  

Rope & Pulley

Positive Locks

Ladder Length Minimum Overlap

Up to and including 36 feet 3 feet

Over 36 through 48 feet 4 feet

Over 48 through 60 feet 5 feet

Special Purpose Ladders

A special purpose ladder is a modification of a general purpose ladder, or a combination of design or construction features of general purpose ladders, that meet special needs for specific tasks.

Only a few “special purpose” ladders are addressed here, but the general ladder safety rules and practices apply to these ladders as well.

Special Purpose Ladders (continued)

If you are using a special purpose ladder, it is particularly important that you read and follow the manufacturers’ recommendations. Be sure to carefully read all labels on the ladder.

You must also receive training on the ladder’s special uses and how to use it properly and safely.

Photo courtesy of Bauer Corporation, Wooster, Ohio.  Visit them at www.bauer.ladder.com

Special Purpose Ladders – Platform Ladder

The platform ladder is a special purpose ladder that has a large stable platform from which you can work at the highest standing level.  The ladder's length is determined by the length of the front edge of the side rail from the bottom of the ladder to the base of the platform.  It is useful for when you have to work for a period of time at one height.

Photo courtesy of Bauer Corporation, Wooster, Ohio.  Visit them at www.bauer.ladder.com

Special Purpose Ladders – Two Way Ladder

The two-way or double-front stepladder is designed to be used on both sides, making it convenient and versatile.  

One person can work from either side or two people can work from the ladder at the same time, one on each side. 

 Each side of the two-way ladder has a set of steps and must meet the requirements for the standard (one-way) industrial stepladder.

Special Purpose Ladders – Tripod Ladders

Some special purpose ladders, called tripod ladders, have three legs, which give them more stability on uneven surfaces and in areas where it is difficult to set up a standard stepladder, such as corners and other limited access areas.

Orchard ladders have heavy use in tree fruit harvest and numerous falls occur during harvest season.

Tripod construction ladder

Tripod orchard ladderLink to orchard ladder safety online video

Special Purpose Ladders – Trestle Ladder

A trestle ladder is a self-supporting portable ladder that has two sections hinged at the top, forming equal angles with the base.  

The rails must have spreaders or locking devices to keep them in place.  

They are designed for climbing on one or both sides at the same time by two workers, similar to the two-way ladder.

Special Purpose Ladders – Extension Trestle Ladder

A variation of the trestle ladder, the extension trestle ladder, includes a vertically adjustable single ladder that can be locked in place. 

 The single extension section cannot be longer than the base section size, which determines the size of the ladder, and must overlap at least three to six feet into the base section, depending on the size of the ladder.  

Extension trestle ladders are used in pairs to support planks or staging.

Special Purpose Ladders – Combination Ladder

A combination ladder is an example of a special purpose ladder that can be used either as a stepladder or as a single or extension ladder.  It may also be capable of being used as a trestle ladder.  

Different manufacturers may have other kinds of combination or multiple use ladders which are uniquely designed for specific uses.

Special Purpose Ladders – Articulated Ladder

An articulated ladder is a portable ladder with one or more pairs of locking hinges which allow the ladder to be set up in several configurations such as a single or extension ladder, with or without a stand-off, a stepladder, a trestle ladder, scaffold or work table.

More Information

L & I – Ladder Safety Webpage

OSHA – Construction Ladder Misuse

OSHA – QuickCard Portable Ladder Safety Tips

Ladder Safety.org

WorksafeBC – Safe Ladder Use – 13 minute online video

Note: for review, 4 quiz questions with answers follow this slide

Portable Ladder SafetyPortable Ladder Safety

Self-Supporting LaddersQuestion 1

The back section of a standard stepladder is stabilized by braces which are used for climbing and descending.

True

False

True

False

Portable Ladder SafetyPortable Ladder Safety

The back section of a standard stepladder is NOT intended for climbing.

Self-Supporting LaddersQuestion 1 - ANSWER

The back section of a standard stepladder is stabilized by braces which are used for climbing and descending.

Portable Ladder SafetyPortable Ladder SafetySelf-Supporting Ladders

Question 2

Which of the following statements are true regarding standard stepladders?

Never sit or stand on the bucket shelf

Climb only the front section of a standard stepladder

Make sure the front and back sections are fully open and the spreader is locked.

All of the above are true.

Portable Ladder SafetyPortable Ladder Safety

Which of the following statements are true regarding standard stepladders?

Never sit or stand on the bucket shelf

Climb only the front section of a standard stepladder

Make sure the front and back sections are fully open and the spreader is locked.

All of the above are true.

Any or all of these answers can be correct.

Self-Supporting LaddersQuestion 2 - ANSWER

Portable Ladder SafetyPortable Ladder Safety

Non-Self-Supporting LaddersQuestion 3

Extension ladders must have positive locks to ensure the correct overlap between sections.

True

False

True

False

Portable Ladder SafetyPortable Ladder Safety

Extension ladders must have positive locks to ensure the correct overlap between sections.

Non-Self-Supporting LaddersQuestion 3 - ANSWER

Portable Ladder SafetyPortable Ladder Safety

Special Purpose LadderQuestion 4

The trestle ladder was designed for use on uneven ground.

True

False

True

False

Portable Ladder Safety

The tripod ladder was designed for uneven ground, not the trestle ladder.

The trestle ladder was designed for use on uneven ground.

Special Purpose LadderQuestion 4 - ANSWER