Injuries in the workplace involving ladders are all too common. Falls from ladders can be as painful as a fall from a roof.
About a third of all reported total falls are from ladders. Many of the fall related injuries result from the improper use or a defective ladder.
Step/extension ladders are made to access/egress upper levels, not to be used as work platforms. There are specifically designed ladders for use as work platforms. These ladders are constructed with a small platform and guardrail.
Recommendations: • Inspection
- Look for missing or loose cleats at the bottom.
- Look for loose or missing screws, bolts or nails on job made ladders
- Look for cracked, broken, split, dented or badly worn rungs, cleats or side rails.
- Splinters on wood ladders.
- Corrosion on metal ladders.
Ladder Use:
–Always use the right ladder for the right job.
–Don’t set your ladder in a walkway or door opening.
–Keep the area at the top and bottom of the ladder clear of tool cords, tools, material, and garbage.
–Always set the ladder on solid footing.
–Use a twenty-five percent (25%) angle on the slope of the ladder.
-When using extension ladders, the three (3) top rungs must extend beyond the landing platform.
(Or the top of an extension ladder must be 36” (3 feet) above the landing.
–Don’t lean to the side when on a ladder or you may tip over.
–Do not carry tools or materials on a ladder. Use both hands when climbing a ladder to grab onto the side rails. If it is necessary to move material or tools up a ladder, first climb up, then pull up the work with a hand line.
–Only one person on a ladder at a time (unless the ladder is double cleated).
–Always secure the top of the ladder to prevent it from sliding.
–Never lean a step ladder; always fully open a step ladder.
–Always face the ladder.
Remember:
Always tie off the ladder. That way, it stays where you put it.
When you are on a ladder, you can fall.
If you can fall, you can get hurt.
Use your ladder safely.
