Worksite Ladder NO GO’s

Learning Objectives

• Determine the proper ladder to use based on weight capacity and height.

• Calculate the proper pitch of extension ladders for proper set-up, and identify how to secure and stabilize ladders.

• Identify how to maintain a safe position when using a ladder.

Ladder Training Requirements

• Each employee using ladders should be trained to recognize hazards related to their use. This includes:• Nature of the fall hazards in the work area• Correct procedures for placement, use, and

maintenance • Maximum intended load-carrying capacities

  Improperly getting on or off the ladder

Loss of balance

Setting up the ladder improperly

Overreaching while on the ladder

Mis-stepping or slipping while climbing or descending

Common causes of ladder injuries

Other causes of falls from ladders

• Lack of training on safe ladder use

• Using the wrong type ladder for the job

• Exceeding the ladder weight capacity

• Climbing ladder with tools or material in hands

• Climbing or descending not facing the ladder

• Oil, grease or mud on ladder rungs

• Ladder not secure at the base or top

• Ladder not set up at the proper angle

• Ladder not extended 3 feet above upper surface

• Using the top step of a step ladder

• Placing ladder on unstable surfaces

• Over-reaching beyond the side rails of the ladder

These include stepladders and have one or two extra legs that are attached to the ladder for support. They do not require a structure to support them.

Self-supporting ladders

Tripod LadderFiberglass stepladderWood stepladder Trestle ladder

Ladder Parts – Step Ladder

These include straight ladders and extension ladders. A ladder is “non-self supporting” type when it must be leaned against a solid structure for support and can’t stand alone.

In the photo, this extension ladder will be supported by the building structure.

Leaning extension ladder against building for support

Non-self supporting ladders

Examples of Non Self-Supporting Ladders

Extension ladder Straight ladder

Extension Ladder parts

Multipurpose ladders

These ladders can be used in a variety of configurations

Ladder load capacity

Each ladder type has a “duty rating” that is specific to the maximum safe load capacity of the ladder. A person's fully clothed weight plus the weight of the persons tool belt must be less than this duty rating.

Workers should select a ladder based on load capacity and the type of work to be done.

Exceeding the load capacity may cause the ladder to collapse.

Ladders will be labeled as shown above.

Keep Ladders in a Good Condition

Ensure the following: - Side rails aren't bent, broken, or split

- Rungs, cleats, or steps aren't bent, broken, or missing

- All bolts and rivets are in place and securely tighten

- Joint between the side rails and the individual rungs/steps is tight

- Safety feet are not excessively worn

- Hardware and fittings are securely attached and working properly

- Ropes aren't frayed or badly worn

- Moveable parts operate freely without binding or excessive play.

- Metal components aren't corroded.

- No other faulty or defective components exist.

- Any auxiliary equipment is securely attached, not excessively worn and functions properly.

Inspect ladders before use

Look for cracks, splits, dents, bends, corrosion, and missing hardware.

All of these ladders are unsafe and could fail if used by

employees.

Mud, Oil or Grease

Keep shoes/boots free of slippery substances.

Inspect ladder rungs for any oil, grease, mud or other slippery substances which could affect traction.

Never use the top of a step ladder

step ladder too short for this job

Warning labels on stepladders clearly state that the top step and top cap are not to be used as a step. The higher you are on a step ladder, the less stable it becomes.

Doing this…. …could lead to this!!

Setting up extension ladder

Place ladder base on a firm, level surface with secure footing. Don’t place a ladder on unstable footing or soft ground. As the ladder sinks into the ground or slips from where it is positioned, it becomes very unstable.

Position the ladder on solid ground or shoring to ensure stability.

An unstable base

Climbing or descending a ladder

When climbing a ladder, you must have both hands free and face the ladder. This allows for three points of contact with the ladder at all times and reduces the chances of falling. The three point contact is two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet.

This way

Not this way

Climbing and descendingThis worker does not have both hands free to hold onto the ladder while climbing or descending the ladder.

Proper ladder climbing with tools on belt and both hands free

Overreaching from the sides

Doing this…. Could result in this!

Tying Extension laddersDon’t tie or fasten ladder sections together to make a longer ladder, unless the manufacturer specifically endorses this modification using hardware fittings designed for that purpose.

Ladder misuse

A ladder must be used only for purposes specifically recommended by the manufacturer.

The ladder in this photo is being as a ramp to enter the house interior.

Step Ladder MisuseRather than a firm, level surface, this stepladder is positioned on a fence so the such that the bottom step is taking the load rather than the side rails. It doesn’t extend three feet above the roof surface, is not secured, and the worker is standing on the top step to access roof.

This stepladder is being misused to access doorway.

Stepladders can’t be used partially closed and leaned against the wall.

Stepladder MisuseA 3-legged step-ladder with the worker standing on the top cap and balancing on one foot.

(Also, no safety glasses while using a nail gun and hard hat is worn backwards)

Step ladder misuse

This step ladder is not fully opened with spreader bar locked and the step ladder side rails are straddling a scaffold plank being set up in a position not intended by the manufacturer.

Hazardous Ladder Use

A 3-legged step-ladder leaned against a 2x4 nailed across the window.

A repair patch on the left front side rail of ladder.

No fall protection in use while working at height.

Hazardous ladder useUnsecured, folded step-ladder set on an angled shed roof so that only the tips of the side rails lay on roof.

Extension ladder not extended at least 3-feet above roof, set up at an angle greater than a 4:1, and it’s not secured top and bottom to prevent movement.

No fall protection being used while on this walking/working surface.

Ladder or Scaffold?

Pick the Right Ladder

Before stepping onto a ladder, think about these things:

• Duty rating of the ladder—what capacity can it hold?

• Height of the ladder—too short or too tall?• Condition of the ladder and instructions

unique to the ladder selected.

Proper Duty Rating/Capacity

Government RequirementLadders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load for which they were built nor beyond their manufacturer's rated capacity.

Proper Duty Rating/Capacity, cont.

Select a ladder with the proper duty rating for your weight and the materials you are handling.

TYPE DUTY RATING USE LOAD

1AA Special Heavy Duty Rugged 375 Lbs.

1A Extra Heavy Duty Industrial 300 Lbs.

1 Heavy Duty Industrial 250 Lbs.

II Medium Duty Commercial 225 Lbs.

III Light Duty Household 200 Lbs.

Think About It

What do these materials weigh:•A sheet of plywood•A tool box with tools•A bundle of shingles•A 3 x 4 window

Remember: Select a ladder with the proper duty rating for your weight AND the materials you are handling.

?

Proper Height Extension Ladders

When using an extension ladder for access to another level, the ladder must extend at least 3 ft. (.9 m) above the landing to provide a hand hold for getting on and off the ladder.

When using an extension ladder for access to another level, the ladder must extend at least 3 ft. (.9 m) above the landing to provide a hand hold for getting on and off the ladder.

Ladder Height Extension

3 feet

Proper Height Extension Ladders, cont.

40'28' to 31'

36'25' to 28'

32'21' to 25'

28'17' to 21'

24'13' to 17'

20'9' to 13'

16'9' max.

Extension Ladder Height

Height to Gutteror Top Support

40'28' to 31'

36'25' to 28'

32'21' to 25'

28'17' to 21'

24'13' to 17'

20'9' to 13'

16'9' max.

Extension Ladder Height

Height to Gutteror Top Support

Ladder heights are 9-11 ft. longer than the height to be reach to allow for the height/length lost when the ladder is positioned at an angle.

Proper Height Stepladders Maximum Height

You Need to Reach Stepladder Height

7 3 8 4 9 5

10 6 12 8 14 10 15 11 16 12 18 14 20 16

Choose a stepladder that is no more than 4 ft. shorter than the height you want to reach.

Proper Condition and Instructions

• Inspect the ladder for visible defects. – Never use a ladder that is broken or otherwise

damaged. – Remove damaged ladders from service and tag

them as damaged.• Review the safety labels on the ladder.

– Always comply with the warnings and instructions.

Ladder Labels

• What type of information can be found on ladder labels?– Warnings– Capacity– Set-up

Determine Proper Ladder Set-up

• Consider placement and pitch of the ladder• Secure and stabilize the ladder

Placement Tips

• Avoid setting up a ladder in high traffic areas or barricaded areas.

• Do not use metal or aluminum ladders near electrical lines.

• Place ladders on stable and level surfaces.

Extension Ladders

• Extension ladders should

be used at a 4 to 1 pitch (1.2 to .3 m).

• For every 4 ft. (1.2 m) in height, the bottom of the ladder should be 1 ft. (.3 m) away from the structure.

• Extension ladders should

be used at a 4 to 1 pitch (1.2 to .3 m).

• For every 4 ft. (1.2 m) in height, the bottom of the ladder should be 1 ft. (.3 m) away from the structure.

Example:20 ft. (height) ÷ 4 ft. = 5 ft. pitch

Correct Pitch?

Any Hazards?

Stepladders

• Stepladders are designed for use in an opened-and-locked position.

• Do not use a stepladder that is folded or in a leaning position

Higher Ceilings Require Taller Ladders

Job built ladder over a stair opening

Secure and Stabilize Ladders

• Extension ladders should be secured at the top or bottom to prevent movement.

• The base of an extension ladder must be secured in place by using the safety feet on the ladder or other effective means.

Secured at the Top

Secured at the Bottom

Secure and Stabilize Ladders, cont.

Slippery SurfacesNever use a ladder on a slippery surface, unless it is secured to prevent movement. – Wet or slippery surfaces may require a cleat.– Ladder feet should dig into the ground, and the

ladder should be secured at the bottom to prevent movement/slipping.

Loose Soil

Firm Base

Unstable Base

Secure and Stabilize Ladders, cont.

Uneven SurfaceWhen the surface is not level, use a ladder leveler (accessory) to provide even contact points.

Maintain a Safe Position on Ladders

• Face the ladder when ascending or descending and maintain three points of contact at all times.

• Keep your body centered on the ladder.• Never let your belt buckle pass either ladder

siderail.

Maintain a Safe Position on Ladders, cont.

Maintain a Safe Position on Ladders, cont.

• Do not overreach when working from the ladder.

• Do not stand on the top two rungs of a stepladder.

• Do not allow another person on a ladder at any given time, unless you are using a double-cleated ladder that is intended for two-way traffic.