What Goes Up…Must Come Down

Portable Ladder Safety

Overview Equipment

Types Checks

Critical Number Set Up Ascending/descending While in Use Safe Practices

Equipment - Types

Equipment - Types

Type & style Proper length Duty rating

Special duty (IAA) – 375 lbs. Extra heavy duty (IA) – 300 lbs. Heavy duty (I) – 250 lbs. Medium duty (II) – 225 lbs. Light duty (III) – 200 lbs.

Material

Equipment - Checks Prior to each use Replace steps showing ¼ surface is worn away Never paint wooden ladders Check feet to make sure they are securely

attached Clean and lubricate moving parts (spreaders,

hinges, locks & pulleys) Replace worn labels and components Never use ladders with broken components

Critical Numbers

• 3 ft above the surface

• Distance from structure = ¼ height of the structure

Critical Numbers

20 ft.

height

No less than 5 ft.

No less than 3 ft.

Set Up – Extension Ladders

Check for overhead hazards, electrical lines, etc.

Stable surface

If leaning against surface, should extend at least 3 ft. beyond the surface height

Base of ladder ¼ of structure height from the base of the structure

Set Up – Extension Ladders

Walk the ladder up Closed No overhead hazards

Back the ladder’s legs up

Raise the fly section

Set Up – Extension Ladder Secure the ladder

Tie off/hook top

Employee to hold ladder

Level base

Set Up – Step Ladders

Check for overhead hazards, electrical lines, etc.

Stable surface

Fully extend all supports, braces, etc.

Ascending/DescendingAlways…

Maintain three points of contact

Keep your center of weight (torso) between the legs of the ladder

Use pulleys or a tool belt if you need to carry items with you

Ascending/DescendingFixed Ladders

Must have cage, wells or ladder safety system if height is greater than 24’ but less than 50’ or 24’ above the ground Could include body harness

While In Use

Never use the top two rungs

One person per ladder

While In Use

If you can’t reach… MOVE THE LADDER

Safe Practices Prohibit ladders from being propped on

boxes, barrels and other objects Both rails should be equally supported Ladders should never be moved while

occupied Face ladders while climbing and

descending Surfaces (both on ladder and ground

around the ladder) should be free of oil and other slipping hazards

Safe PracticesSafe storage…

Dry location Away from direct sunlight Secure to prevent tipping

Questions?

SDAO Loss Control Department

(800) 285-5461(503) 371-8667