Step-By-Step: Ladder Safety
Step-By-Step: Ladder Safety
LADDER SAFETY
Up To 32’ 3’ 3’
32’ To 36’ 4’ 4’
36’ To 48’ 5’ 5’
Over 48’ 6’ ----
INSPECTING A
LADDER
Feet are not broken; slip pads are secure.
Check for cracks on each individual part.
Check hardware, fittings, connections, and accessories.
Test rope and pulley.
Be sure all bolts and rivets are in place and secure.
Make sure ladder is free of foreign material.
TRANSPORTING
A LADDER
Never transport or reposition an extension ladder
without complete retraction.
When possible, use two persons.
If one person is carrying, keep front higher than
back.
Secure both ends when carrying on a vehicle.
SETTING UP
A LADDER
RID THE AREA OF HAZARDS!
Look above for wires or obstructions.
Clear clutter from area.
Block off area so people or equipment won’t
interfere.
If close to a corner or near a door, use a guard and/or
proper signage.
SETTING UP A LADDER
(Extension Ladder)
75.5 from the horizontal is optimum
resistance to sliding, ladder strength, and
balance (angle of inclination).
One-Quarter Rule - One foot away from
wall or object for each four feet of ladder’s
length.
Place feet against object and “walk” ladder
up; then position.
SETTING UP A LADDER
(Self-Supporting Ladder)
Place so all four legs are on solid level surface.
Use extension levelers on uneven surface.
Never use a self-supporting ladder as a straight
ladder.
Do not side load! Keep center-of-gravity
between hand rails.
Never use the top or top two steps to stand on.
PROPER CLIMBING
Unsafe acts and unsafe conditions cause 98% of
injury incidents.
Eliminate haste, sudden movements, lack of
attention, and damaged or worn equipment.
Don’t carry heavy or bulky objects up the ladder.
Use towline.
Keep three body parts in contact with the ladder
at all times.
PROPER CLIMBING
Always face the ladder while climbing or
working.
Keep your belt buckle between the rails.
Climb slowly and surely
When climbing onto a roof, don’t step over the
top of the ladder.
When climbing onto a roof, have 3 feet
extending over contact point.
AVOIDING HAZARDS
Read and follow all instruction labels.
Don’t try to move ladder while on it.
Don’t use boards, boxes, etc. to give greater
height.
One person at a time on a ladder.
Never use a ladder on scaffolding.
AVOIDING HAZARDS
Never lean ladder against an unstable surface.
Don’t connect two ladders together.
Never leave a ladder unattended.
Don’t try to use a ladder for an unintended
purpose.
Do not allow children to climb a ladder.
LADDER CARE