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Ladder Safety: General Information

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97 views

Ladder Safety: General Information

Uploaded by

arm madagascar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Ladder Safety

Toolbox Talks are intended to facilitate health and safety discussions.


Find more Toolbox Talks on the Occupational Safety web page.

Discussion Date:
General Information
Every year, many people
die in ladder-related Supervisor:
accidents and thousands,
suffer disabling injuries.
Deaths and injuries from
Participants:
falls remain a major hazard
for workers. Every step
matters, learn how to use
ladders safely.

Proper Use
 Receive instruction and
understand how to use ladders safely.
 Choose the right ladder for the job; know the difference in use between
a stepladder, an extension ladder, and an articulating ladder.
 Know potential hazards.
 Know the maximum work height
(i.e. user’s height + the highest standing level).
 Perform a pre-use inspection.
(https://www.ehs.iastate.edu/forms/ladderinsp.pdf)
 If a ladder is damaged remove it from service and identify with a
“Do Not Use” tag.
 Ensure the ladder is positioned on firm and level ground.
 Always face the ladder.
 Keep your body centered between the rails of the ladder.
 Maintain three points of contact
(i.e. two hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand).
 If necessary, wear a tool belt to carry tools and supplies.
That way, you will have both hands free when climbing up and down.
 Stay clear of power lines with a working distance of at least 10 feet.
Use a fiberglass ladder if you must work near electricity.
 Protect the work area using barriers or cones.
 Wear slip-resistant footwear.

(515) 294-5359 | [email protected] | www.ehs.iastate.edu | ©2020


Ladder Safety

Ladder Safety Tips


 Do not position ladders on moveable objects (elevated work platforms)
Stepladder
or other objects in an effort to obtain additional height.
 Avoid overreaching – ensure your navel stays within the rails.
 Do not set up or take down a ladder when extended.
 Overloading – consider the worker weight and equipment and don’t
exceed the rated limit.
 Do not work from the top two steps.
 Do not try to move a ladder while standing on the rungs.
 Remove all tools and materials from the ladder before moving.
 Avoid using a ladder in doorways or other high traffic areas.
 Avoid using a ladder in inclement weather.

1. Ladder Selection
 Stepladder – self-supporting ladder that is non-adjustable in
length, with flat steps and a hinged design for ease of storage.
Intended to be used by one person. Stepladders range in size from
4 feet to 20 feet.

 Extension ladder – Adjustable length Extension


with two or three telescoping sections.
o Extend 3 feet beyond the top
dismounting surface.
o Secure to prevent outward or
sideways movement.
o Set up using a 1 to 4 ratio
(1 foot out for every 4 feet up).

 Multi-position ladder – (Articulated


ladder) is a portable ladder with one or
more pair of locking hinges that allow the
ladder to be set up in several
configurations.

2. Duty Ratings – The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has


developed ladder ratings based on the amount of weight that can be
safely held on a ladder.
Multi-Position
Type I 250 lbs./113 kg Heavy Duty Grade 1
Type II 225 lbs./102 kg Medium Duty Grade 2
Type III 200 lbs./91 kg Light Duty Grade 3
Type IA 300 lbs./136 kg Heavy Duty Grade 1A
Type IAA 375 lbs./170 kg Heavy Duty Grade 1AA

Source: https://www.americanladderinstitute.org/

(515) 294-5359 | [email protected] | www.ehs.iastate.edu | ©2020

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