Safe Work Practices for Portable Ladders & Fixed Ladders Prepared by: Hettrick, Cyr & Associates, 287 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118 – (860) 568-2999.

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Safe Work Practices for Portable Ladders & Fixed Ladders

Prepared by: Hettrick, Cyr & Associates, 287 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118 – (860) 568-2999 – www.hettrickcyr.com

Prepared By:Hettrick, Cyr & Associates

Fatal Occupational Injuries by Fatal Occupational Injuries by Event or Exposure 2002Event or Exposure 2002

2375

873

712

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

2002

Highway Collisions

Assaults

Struck by Objects

Falls

Electrical Contact

Fire or Explosion


Non - Fatal Occupational Injuries Non - Fatal Occupational Injuries from Falls 2002from Falls 2002

3,452 3853

176,019

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

2002

Fall from Ladder

Fall from Roof

Fall from Scaffold

Fall from Same Level

24,086


Ladder Hazards & ControlsLadder Hazards & Controls

Hazards– Instability– Electric shock– Falls

Controls– Proper Planning– Correct Ladder Selection– Good Work Procedures– Adequate ladder Maintenance


Six Rules of Ladder SafetySix Rules of Ladder Safety

Rule #1 – Purchasing the correct ladders Rule #2 – Select the right ladder for the job. Rule #3 – Inspect the ladder before you use it. Rule #4 – Set up the ladder with care. Rule #5 – Climb and descend ladders cautiously. Rule #6 – Use common sense when working on a

ladder.


Inspecting the LadderInspecting the Ladder Step Ladders

– Ladder shall have spreader bars that lock and have four safety feet Extension Ladders

– Ladders shall have two safety feet and two rung locks

Inspecting Wood Ladders– Check for splinters, cracks, chips, and all but small knots

Inspecting Aluminum Ladders– Check for sharp edges, dents, and bent steps, rungs, rails,

Inspecting Fiberglass Ladders– Check for loose or damaged rungs, steps, rails or braces.

No matter what type of ladder you are using, it should always be inspected before each use!


Proper Ladder Set-upProper Ladder Set-up General Rules to Follow

– Never place a ladder on uneven or loose surfaces– Never place a ladder in a high traffic area, unless the area is

barricaded– Never place a ladder behind a closed door, unless the door is locked

Step Ladders– Step ladders shall be fully opened, with the spreader locked

Step ladders shall not be used in the closed position Extension Ladders

– Extension ladders should be at a four to one ratio. This means the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall for every four feet of height.

– Extension ladders shall extend three feet above the point of support


When Using an Extension When Using an Extension LadderLadder

The base of the ladder should be braced against a firm surface.

Grab the top rung with both hands Raise the top of the ladder and walk underneath it,

moving down the ladder until the ladder is vertical.

The base of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall for every four feet of height. Remember, rungs are usually one foot apart, which makes it easy to calculate base distance.


When Using a Step LadderWhen Using a Step Ladder

Erect a step ladder on a flat level surface. Do not place it on a table or any other platform to gain height.

Never use a step ladder as a straight ladder Before climbing a step ladder, make sure that it’s legs are fully

extended and the spreaders are locked. The locking device on some ladders may present a pinching hazard, so

keep fingers clear when setting up the ladder Do not step on the top platform or the top step Do not step on the rear sections supports, as they are not designed to

support the weight of a person.


1. Fixed ladders must be designed to hold at least 200 pounds.The rungs on a metal fixed ladder must be at least ¾ inches in diameter and 1 1/8 inches on a wood ladder.The distance between rungs must be 12 inches and uniform.Rungs must be at least 16 inches between the side rails and free of hazards

2. There must be seven inches clearance in the back of a fixed ladder.Cages or wells must be provided on fixed ladders 20 to 30 feet. They must extend at least seven to eight feet above the ladder.A landing platform must be provided for each ladder with a cage at each 30-foot height.

Fixed Ladder RequirementsFixed Ladder Requirements


Climbing & DescendingClimbing & Descending

Always face the ladder Check the rungs and the bottom of your shoes for slippery

materials (ice, snow, grease, etc.) Maintain at least three points of contact

– Two feet & one hand– One foot & two hands

Never carry tools or equipment up the ladder– Use a tool belt or– Hoist them up with a hand line


Using Common SenseUsing Common Sense

Keep ladders at least 10 feet away from live overhead powers.

Always hold on with at least one hand Never reach to far to either side of the rear. Maintain your

balance by keeping your body centered inside the rails Never leave a raised ladder unattended, unless it is secured

against movement. Climbing to high also leads to accidents

– Never use the top two rungs on a set ladder– Never use the top three rungs of an extension ladder


Carrying a LadderCarrying a Ladder

One person carry:– Hold the front of the ladder high enough to

clear a man’s head, especially around corners, in aisles and through door ways.

Two person carry– Stand on the same side of the ladder– Continually communicate about obstacles,

stairs, and pedestrians.


Setting Up Short LaddersSetting Up Short Ladders

Short ladders can be raised by ONE person– Place the base against a solid surface– Lift the top of the ladder and “walk down” it,

rung by rung and hand by hand, moving in towards the base until the ladder is upright

– Rest the top of the ladder against the wall or other firm surface, then lift or slide the base out to it’s final position.

– Remember the 4 to 1 slope


Setting Up Long LaddersSetting Up Long Ladders

Long Ladders need two people– Lay the ladder on the ground with the base at the spot

where it is to stand (estimate 4 to 1 slope)

– One person should stand at the base and put a foot on the bottom rung.

– As the second person raised the ladder, the person at the base should reach forward and grab the stile

– Once the ladder is upright, ease the top to rest against the wall or other firm surface


OSHA's Official Ruling

Question (11/9/99): Is it necessary to protect a roof hatch opening?

OSHA'S Answer (6/12/00): "Yes...Unprotected openings in roofs could, therefore, be cited under the general duty clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act...by Richard E. Fairfax, Director of Compliance Programs (OSHA)


Transporting a LadderTransporting a Ladder

Reasonable care should be taken to avoid damaging a ladder at all times

Do not drop, toss, or throw any ladderAlways secure the ladder to the vehicle rackDouble check the tie downs before leaving

the shop and the job-site.Drive slowly over rough terrain


Prevention TipsPrevention Tips Do not hand-carry loads on a ladder. Do not try reaching so far that you loose your balance. Always use the non-skid feet to prevent sliding. Do not stand on the top two step/three rungs. Inspect the ladder before each use. Ladder used to reach a walking surface or roof must extend three feet beyond. The point where the ladder rests against the wall should be flat and firm Extension ladders need both locks holding to prevent overloading one rail. Step ladders must have the spreaders in the locked position. Never use a closed

step ladder. Electric shock can occur with both wood and metal ladders. Shocks may also

lead to falls. Never use a ladder in strong winds Before positioning the ladder, check for insects or birds nests under the eaves, as

the top of a ladder is not the place to discovers a wasp nest.

Safe Work Practices for Portable Ladders & Fixed Ladders Prepared by: Hettrick, Cyr & Associates, 287 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118 – (860) 568-2999.

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