Ladder Safety

OSHA Regulations:

OSHA has specific regulations for ladder safety, found in 29 CFR 1910.23 (general industry) and 29 CFR 1926.1053 (construction).  

These regulations cover ladder selection, inspection, use, and maintenance.  

Key requirements include:

• • Using ladders that meet ANSI standards.

  • Ensuring ladders are inspected by a competent person before each use.  

  • Maintaining a safe distance from energized electrical sources.

  • Properly securing ladders to prevent movement.

  • Not exceeding the ladder's maximum weight capacity.  

  • Maintaining 3 points of contact with the ladder.

  • Not standing on the top two rungs of a step ladder.  

  • Extending a straight ladder 3 rungs past the upper landing point.  

What 3-Point Contact Means:

It means that at all times while climbing or working on a ladder, you should have three of your limbs in contact with the ladder.

This can be:

• • Two hands and one foot.

  • Or, two feet and one hand.

Why It's Important:

Stability:

• • Maintaining three points of contact provides a stable base, preventing you from losing your balance.

  • It ensures that if one limb slips, you still have two others holding you steady.

Types of Ladders:

Step Ladders:

• • Self-supporting ladders with hinged supports.  

  • Used for tasks at lower heights.

  • Designed for one person.

Extension Ladders:

• • Two or more sections that slide to extend the ladder's length.  

  • Used for reaching higher heights.

Straight Ladders:

• • Non-adjustable ladders used for reaching fixed heights.

  • Must be supported at the top and bottom.

Articulated Ladders:

• • Multi-position ladders that can be configured in various ways (step ladder, extension ladder, etc.).  

  • Versatile for different tasks.

Platform Ladders:

• • Ladders that have a platform at the top, allowing for more stable footing.  

Specialty Ladders:

• • These include ladders designed for specific tasks, such as electrical work, or attic access.  

Ladder Materials:

Wood:

• • Traditional material, but can be susceptible to rot and damage.  

  • Non-conductive when dry, but can become conductive when wet.

Fiberglass:

• • Non-conductive and durable.

  • Suitable for electrical work and outdoor use.

  • Resistant to weather and chemicals.

  • Not UV stable, so shouldn't be stored outdoors, especially in direct sunlight.

Aluminum:

• • Lightweight and durable.

  • Conductive, so not suitable for electrical work.

Selecting the Ideal Ladder:

Height Requirements:

• • Determine the maximum height needed for the task.

  • Ensure the ladder is long enough to reach the work area safely.

  • Ensure that the ladder isn't too long where it becomes unusable.

    • e.g., an 8 foot ladder in a room with 8' ceiling heights.

Weight Capacity:

• • Consider the combined weight of the worker and any tools or materials.

  • Choose a ladder with a weight capacity that exceeds the total weight of user & tools/equipment.

Work Environment:

• • Consider the surrounding environment, such as electrical hazards, uneven surfaces, or confined spaces.

Duty Rating Classifications:

• Type III (Light Duty):

  • Rated for 200 pounds.  

  • Intended for light household tasks.  

  • Not suitable for heavy-duty work or professional use.

• Type II (Medium Duty):

  • Rated for 225 pounds.  

  • Suitable for light commercial or moderate household use.

  • Appropriate for painters, or light maintenance.

• Type I (Heavy Duty):

  • Rated for 250 pounds.  

  • Designed for professional use on construction sites and in industrial settings.  

  • Stronger and more durable than Type II or III ladders.

• Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty):

  • Rated for 300 pounds.  

  • Intended for heavy-duty professional use.

  • Provides a higher level of safety for heavier loads.

• Type IAA (Special Duty):

  • Rated for 375 pounds.  

  • The highest duty rating, designed for extremely heavy-duty industrial use.

  • These ladders are the strongest, and most robust.

Key Considerations:

Total Weight:

• Always calculate the total weight you'll be placing on the ladder, including your own weight, tools, and materials.

• Error on the side of caution and choose a ladder with a higher duty rating than you think you need.

Safety Margin:

• • • It's best to have a safety margin. Don't push the ladder to its maximum capacity.

Ladder Labels:

• • • The duty rating is clearly marked on a label attached to the ladder.

    • Always check the label before using the ladder.

Work Environment:

• • • Consider the work environment when selecting a ladder.

    • Heavy-duty construction sites require Type I, IA, or IAA ladders.

    • Household tasks may be suitable for Type II or III ladders.  

Material:

• • • The material of the ladder will also affect the duty rating. Fiberglass, and certain metal ladders, tend to have higher duty ratings.

Why Duty Ratings Matter:

Preventing Accidents: Using a ladder in a manner that exceeds its weight capacity can lead to ladder failure, resulting in serious injuries.  

Ensuring Stability:

• • A ladder with an appropriate duty rating provides a stable and secure platform for work.

OSHA Compliance:

• • OSHA regulations require employers to provide ladders with appropriate duty ratings for the intended use.

Safe Ladder Operation:

• Inspection:

  • Inspect the ladder for damage before each use.

  • Check for broken rungs, loose hardware, or cracks.

• Setup:

  • Place the ladder on a stable, level surface.

  • Ensure the ladder is properly secured to prevent movement.

    • Make sure that the ladder will not settle into soil, causing the unit to topple.

  • For extension ladders, use the 4 to 1 rule, placing the base 1 foot away from the vertical surface for every 4 feet of height.  

• Climbing:

  • Maintain three points of contact at all times.  

  • Face the ladder while climbing.

  • Do not carry heavy loads in your hands while climbing.

  • Do not overreach, move the ladder each time.

• Positioning:

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

  • Do not ever stand on the very top cap of a step ladder.

    • They aren't designed to support the weight of a user, only tools & supplies.

  • Do not lean excessively while working on a ladder.

• Electrical Safety:

  • Use fiberglass or wood ladders when working near electrical sources.

  • Maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines.

Ladder Color Codes:

• There is no universal color-coding system for ladders.

• The do not paint rule is associated with covering the safety tag or intentionally covering flaws or damage in the ladder.

• Some companies may use color codes for internal purposes, such as indicating inspection status or ladder type.  

• Always rely on the duty rating, and inspection tag, not the color of the ladder.

Vulnerability During Mounting and Dismounting:

Momentary Instability:

• • These transitions involve a brief period where the user's balance and stability are most vulnerable.

  • When stepping onto or off a ladder, there's a shift in weight distribution, and if the ladder isn't perfectly stable, or the user isn't careful, a fall can easily occur.

Changing Center of Gravity:

• • The act of stepping on or off the ladder involves a change in the user's center of gravity.

  • If the ladder is on an uneven surface or if the user is carrying tools or materials, this shift can lead to a loss of balance.

Distraction and Rushing:

• • Often, people are less focused during mounting and dismounting, especially if they're in a hurry or distracted.

  • This lack of attention can lead to missteps or slips.

Surface Transitions:

• • The transition between the ground or platform and the ladder rungs can be hazardous, especially if there's a difference in height or surface texture.

  • Slipping on the first rung, or the surface the ladder is resting on, are common causes of injury.

Carrying Items:

• • When getting on or off the ladder, people tend to have items in their hands, this removes a point of contact, and throws off the center of gravity.

Why This Is Often Overlooked:

• People tend to focus on the perceived danger of climbing high, and therefore concentrate on the actual climbing.

• The simple act of stepping on or off a ladder is often taken for granted, leading to a lapse in concentration.

  • Or their fear of climbing a ladder overwhelms them to exit a ladder quickly to escape perceived danger.

Preventing Injuries During Mounting and Dismounting:

Ensure a Stable Base:

• • Make sure the ladder is placed on a level, firm surface.

  • Use ladder levelers if necessary.

Maintain 3-Point Contact:

• • Even when mounting and dismounting, try to maintain 3-point contact as much as possible.

Take Your Time:

• • Avoid rushing when getting on or off the ladder.

  • Focus on each step.

Clear the Area:

• • Ensure the area around the ladder is clear of obstacles.

Proper Footwear:

• • Wear shoes with good traction.

Proper lighting:

• • Ensure the area is well lit.

Remove items from hands:

• • If possible, have items raised to the working location, or lowered to the ground, rather than carrying them while mounting, or dismounting.

The 4:1 Rule Explained:

• For every 4 feet of vertical height to the upper support point, the base of the ladder should be placed 1 foot away from the vertical support.

Practical Application:

• Imagine you're leaning an extension ladder against a wall to reach a height of 16 feet.

• According to the 4:1 rule, you would place the base of the ladder 4 feet away from the wall (16 feet / 4 = 4 feet).

Why It's Important:

Stability:

• • The 4:1 rule creates an optimal angle that provides stability, preventing the ladder from tipping backward.  

  • Too steep an angle, e.g., 2:1 for instance, will lead to the ladder being less stable

  • Too wide an angle, e.g., 6:1 for instance, will lead to a likelihood of the latter slipping out &/or collapsing.

  • It distributes the weight of the climber more evenly, reducing the risk of slipping.  

Preventing Falls:

• • By following this rule, you minimize the risk of the ladder sliding or collapsing, which can lead to serious falls.

Key Considerations:

Level Surface:

• • The 4:1 rule assumes the ladder is placed on a level surface.

  • If the surface is uneven, you may need to adjust the ladder's position or use ladder levelers.

Securing the Ladder:

• • Even with the 4:1 rule, it's essential to secure the ladder at the top and bottom to prevent movement.  

  • Use ladder straps or other securing devices.

Extension Past Upper Landing:

• • When using an extension or straight ladder to access an upper landing, the ladder should extend at least 3 feet beyond the landing point. This allows for a safe transition onto and off the ladder.

What "Walking a Ladder" Entails:

• It involves moving a ladder without dismounting it. Users move them by shifting the ladder's position by lifting one side and pivoting it while still on it.

Why It's Extremely Dangerous:

Loss of Stability:

• • "Walking" a ladder significantly increases the risk of it becoming unstable and tipping over.

  • The weight distribution changes unpredictably, making it difficult to maintain balance.

Risk of Falls:

• • If the ladder shifts suddenly, the user on it can easily lose their balance and fall.

  • This risk is amplified if the ladder is on an uneven surface.

Damage to the Ladder:

• • Walking or pivoting a ladder can damage its rungs, legs, or other support components, compromising its structural integrity.

  • This can lead to future ladder failures.

Uneven Surfaces:

• • Most surfaces that a ladder is placed on are not perfectly level, this creates a situation where the ladder can easily fail, and collapse.

Proper Ladder Movement:

Remove Items Stored:

• Remove Drills, screws, staplers or moisture meters from the ladder prior to descending to move it.

Descend Completely:

• • Always climb down the ladder completely before attempting to move it.

Reposition Properly:

• • Lift the ladder and reposition it on a stable, level surface.

  • Ensure the ladder is at the correct angle and secured if necessary.

Clear the Area:

• • Make sure the area around the ladder is clear of obstacles before moving it.