Introduction to ladder safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has several standards that address fixed and
portable ladders:
- General Industry, 1910.23 and 1910.25
- Construction, 1926.1053
- Maritime, 1917.119
OSHA’s fixed ladder requirements are generally straightforward, while portable ladders are a little more complex. Portable ladders are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. The purpose of this refresher is to review safety tips for using portable ladders, whether at work or at home.
How to properly use portable ladders
Portable ladders come in various shapes, sizes and weight limits. These range from A-frame and extension ladders to step and mobile stair ladders. Some come with handrails, while others do not have any built-in fall protection. Ladders may also be made of various materials, including wood, fiberglass and metal.
The most common causes of injuries include improperly setting up, selecting and using portable ladders, and using damaged or makeshift ladders.
Proper training and observation will reduce your risk of injury. When training your employees on portable ladder safety, remember to cover the following:
Selection
- Select the right size and height for the task. The ladder must extend beyond the height needed. If the task requires 4 feet of lift, the ladder should be at least 6 feet tall.
- Check the weight limit, which can be found on the ladder’s label. The limit includes the total weight of the person with tools and equipment. A 225-pound weight limit may not support a worker with their gear, so knowing your weight requirement is important when selecting a ladder.
- Most portable ladders today are made of fiberglass or metal. Metal ladders should not be used around electrical lines or work.
Use
- Never stand on the top step, platform or rung. If you need to stand on the top to complete the task, your ladder is too short.
- When using A-frame ladders, fully open the ladder and lock the supports for stability.
- Make sure the ladder’s base is on stable, level ground to prevent tipping. If the ladder is not level, this will reduce its weight limit.
- Do not treat ladder extensions as separate ladders. A 16-foot extension ladder is not the same as two 8-foot ladders. It is engineered as one ladder with feet on the end that come in contact with the ground.
- Never reach beyond the side rails of a ladder. If you need to reach beyond the side rails, get down and move the ladder.
- Never move a portable ladder while someone is on it.
- When climbing to another level, make sure the ladder extends beyond the edge of the higher level by 3 feet, or three rungs, and is secured at the top.
- Always follow the four-to-one rule when using ladders. For every 4 feet up, the base of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall. This creates a stability triangle that prevents the ladder from falling back or sliding out from the bottom.
Storage
- Store ladders upright and in a location that is accessible but out of main walkways. Secure ladders so they do not fall or become trip hazards.
Inspection
- Inspect the ladder before use. Look for damage, deformities, loose or missing rungs, missing grips on the feet, and labels that provide weight limits and instructions for use.
- Ensure the ladder can be properly set and stabilized, and that the material and height are appropriate for the task.
- Periodically inspect ladders and document where they are being stored, their type or class, and whether they have any defects. If a ladder is damaged, tag it “out of service” and discard it. Never allow an employee to take a defective ladder home.
Implementation
- As part of your risk assessment, identify where and how ladders will be used to perform tasks, such as repairs, maintenance or cleaning.
- Purchase ladders that are the appropriate material, type, class and length for your risk assessment findings. Maintain ladders accordingly.
- Train your employees on how to properly select, use and store portable ladders.
- Document ladder safety training and conduct periodic refresher trainings.
- Periodically observe employees on ladders to ensure they are being used safely. Immediately stop and correct any practice that may put an employee in danger.
Key takeaways
- Conduct and review risk assessments to account for ladder use.
- Properly train employees on how to select, use and store ladders.
- Select the appropriate ladder for the task.
- Remove from service and replace any damaged or deformed ladders.
- Periodically inventory, inspect and observe ladders in use.
Looking for help?
To learn more about how to protect your assets while on the job site, contact our construction team. They can help you assess your risks and keep your job site’s safe.
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This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.
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