Portable Ladders

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When using portable ladders it is important to obtain the appropriate type of ladders for the work you are doing. Falls from ladders can be fatal and the proper selection and use of a ladder (extension or step ladder) is crucial for your safety.

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When using portable ladders you should:

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          ~ Inspect ladders daily (or before each use if ladders are not used daily).

          ~ Promptly tag defective ladders with a “DANGER –DO NOT USE” sign and remove them from service.

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Ladder Use

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When using an extension ladder:

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          ~ The pitch or angle should be one-fourth the working length of the ladder – the length from where the

             ladder touches the ground and where the ladder touches the vertical surface or object that supports it

             (and never leaned at more than a 30 degree angle).

          ~ At least 3 feet of the ladder must be above the surface onto which you will step.

          ~ Ladders must be placed or tied off so they will not slip.

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When using a step ladder:

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          ~ Hinge must be fully open.

          ~ You may not lean step ladders, unopened, against a wall or surface.

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Only one person is allowed on the ladder at a time, unless it especially designed for more than one person.

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General Responsibilities

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~ Obtain the appropriate type of portable ladders.
~ Ensure employees are trained in the safe use of ladders (proper pitch, angle, and hazard awareness).
~ Inspect ladders daily (or before each use if ladders are not used daily).
~ Promptly tag defective ladders with a “DANGER – DO NOT USE” sign and remove them from service.
~ Ensure defective ladders are properly repaired or properly disposed of.

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Ladder Maintenance

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Ladders must be maintained in good condition at all times. The joint between the steps and side rails must be tight, all hardware and fittings must be securely attached, and the movable parts must operate freely without binding or undue play.

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          ~ Lubricate metal bearings frequently.
          ~ Frayed or badly worn rope must be replaced.
          ~ Safety feet and other auxiliary equipment must be kept in good condition to ensure proper

             performance.
          ~ Inspect ladders frequently. Ladders with defects must be withdrawn from service for repair or

             destruction and tagged or marked, "Danger – Do Not Use."
          ~ Keep rungs free of grease and oil.

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Ladder Use

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          ~ Pitch should be one-fourth the length of the ladder (never more than a 30 degree angle).
          ~ Ladders must be placed or tied off so they will not slip. The side rails must have a secure footing.
          ~ Only one person is allowed on the ladder at a time, unless it is specially designed for more than one

             person.
          ~ The top resting surface must be reasonably rigid and have ample strength to support the applied load.
          ~ Ladders may not be used as a platform, runway, or part of a scaffolding system.
          ~ Ladders must not be placed in front of doors opening toward the ladder, unless the door is locked or

             guarded.
          ~ Ladders must not be placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.
          ~ Ladders with broken or missing steps, rungs, or cleats, broken side rails, or other faulty

             equipment may not be used and must be disposed of (not repaired).
          ~ Short ladders may not be spliced together.
          ~ Single-rail ladders may not be made or used.
          ~ Ladders must not be used as guys, braces, or skids.
          ~ Tops of ordinary stepladders must not be used as steps.

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Metal Ladder - General

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          ~ Ladders must be maintained in good usable condition at all times.
          ~ If a ladder is involved in a fall or accident, immediate inspection is necessary.
          ~ Ladders should be inspected at least quarterly. If ladder tips or parts are defective, further inspection

             should be performed for:

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               * side rail dents or bends
               * excessively dented rungs
               * all rung-to-side-rail connections
               * hardware connections, and
               * rivets for shear

 

          ~ If a ladder is exposed to oil and grease, it must be cleaned. This can easily be done with a solvent or

             using steam cleaning.
          ~ Defective ladders must be marked or tagged “Dangerous – Do Not Use” until repaired by either the 

             maintenance department or the manufacturer.
          ~ When ascending or descending, the climber must face the ladder.
          ~ A three-point stance is recommended at all times (3 points of contact: 2 hands and one foot or 2 feet

             and one hand).

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Pitch and Angle of Ladders

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          ~ Recommended pitch and angle is one-fourth of the length of the ladder.
 

             Example: If the ladder is 16 feet long, the base should be 4 feet away

             from the face of the building or support structure.
 

          ~ If the user will be stepping off onto another surface, at least three feet

             of the ladder must extend above the surface on which he will step.

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