Create a tool box talk for step ladders
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Published by SALUSToolbox Talk: Step Ladder Safety
Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]
Objective
The objective of this toolbox talk is to educate employees on the safe use of stepladders to prevent falls and injuries. By the end of this talk, participants should be able to identify stepladder hazards, select the right ladder for the job, and follow safe work procedures when using a stepladder.
Introduction
Stepladders are commonly used tools in many workplaces, but they can also be a source of serious injuries if not used properly. Falls from ladders are a leading cause of workplace injuries, and many of these incidents could be prevented with proper training and awareness. This toolbox talk will cover the key safety points to remember when using stepladders.
Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to ladder incidents or near misses.
Key Points
- Ladder Selection: Choose the right type and size of ladder for the task [1].
- Inspection: Always inspect the ladder before each use for any signs of damage or defects [2].
- Setup: Set up the ladder on a stable and level surface [3].
- Three-Point Contact: Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times [4].
- Proper Use: Use the ladder only for its intended purpose and avoid overreaching [2].
Hazard Identification
- Falls: Falling from a ladder due to instability, misuse, or lack of three-point contact can result in serious injuries or fatalities [5].
- Structural Failure: Using a damaged or defective ladder can lead to collapse and falls [2].
- Electrical Hazards: Contact with electrical sources when using a metal ladder can cause electrocution [6].
Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered while using ladders.
Control Measures
- Elimination: If possible, eliminate the need for a ladder by using alternative equipment such as a platform or lift.
- Substitution: Use a non-conductive ladder (e.g., fiberglass) when working near electrical sources [6].
- Engineering Controls: Ensure ladders are equipped with non-slip feet and locking mechanisms for stability [7].
- Administrative Controls: Implement a ladder safety program that includes training, inspection, and maintenance procedures [8].
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use appropriate footwear with good traction to prevent slips. Consider using a personal fall arrest system when working at heights of 3 meters or more [9].
Safe Work Procedures
- Inspect the Ladder: Before each use, inspect the ladder for any visible defects such as broken or missing rungs, loose hinges, or damaged side rails [2].
- Select Proper Ladder: Ensure the ladder is the correct height and duty rating for the job. Consider the load capacity, including your weight and the weight of any tools or materials [3].
- Set Up the Ladder: Place the ladder on a stable, level surface. Ensure that all ladder feet are firmly supported. If the ground is uneven, use a ladder leveler or other stabilizing device [3].
- Maintain Three-Point Contact: Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder, whether it's two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand [4].
- Climb Safely: Face the ladder when climbing, and avoid carrying heavy or bulky items that could cause you to lose your balance [2].
Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
- Footwear: Wear slip-resistant footwear to ensure a firm grip on the ladder rungs.
- Gloves: Use gloves to improve grip and protect hands from cuts and abrasions.
- Fall Protection: When working at heights where a fall hazard exists (3 meters or more), use a personal fall arrest system [9].
Emphasize the importance of proper PPE use and maintenance.
Real-World Example or Case Study
[Provide a detailed description of a relevant real-world scenario or case study]
[Discuss what went wrong or right, and the lessons learned]
Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.
Group Discussion
Discuss the following questions:
- What are some common mistakes people make when using stepladders?
- How can we improve ladder safety in our workplace?
- What should you do if you identify a damaged ladder?
Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.
Emergency Procedures
- Assess the Situation: If a fall occurs, immediately assess the injured person and the surrounding area for any hazards.
- Provide First Aid: Administer first aid as needed, and call for medical assistance if the injury is serious.
- Secure the Area: Prevent others from entering the area until it is safe.
- Report the Incident: Report the incident to your supervisor and complete an incident report.
Questions and Answers
Encourage participants to ask questions.
Provide answers to common questions related to the topic.
- Q: What is the maximum height for a stepladder?
A: Stepladders should not be more than 6 meters high when set for use [6].
- Q: Can I use the top step of a stepladder?
A: No, the top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step [5].
- Q: How often should ladders be inspected?
A: Ladders should be inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more frequently as necessary, to identify any visible defects that could cause employee injury [2].
Summary
Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk.
- Always inspect the ladder before use.
- Set up the ladder on a stable and level surface.
- Maintain three points of contact while climbing.
- Never use a damaged or defective ladder.
Action Items
List specific actions participants should take following this toolbox talk.
- Inspect all stepladders in your work area and report any defects.
- Review the company's ladder safety policy.
- Practice safe ladder setup and climbing techniques.
Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. Use ladders safely and prevent falls.
Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.
Safety powered by SALUS
Sources used for this answer
[1] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)
Page 108
Open source documentSource excerpt
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Division 2 - (12) Each employee uses at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing up and down it; and - (13) No employee carries any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall while climbing up or down the ladder. - (c) Portable ladders. The employer must ensure: - (1) Rungs and steps of portable metal ladders are corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize the possibility of slipping; Note: Oregon OSHA did not adopt 1910.23(c)(2). Instead, see OAR [redacted phone](4)(a). - (3) Ladders are not loaded beyond the maximum intended load; - Note to paragraph (c)(3): The maximum intended load, as defined in § 1910.21(b), includes the total load (weight and force) of the employee and all tools, equipment, and materials being carried. - (4) Ladders are used only on stable and level surfaces unless they are secured or stabilized to prevent accidental displacement; - (5) No portable single rail ladders are used; - (6) No ladder is moved, shifted, or extended while an employee is on it; - (7) Ladders placed in locations such as passageways, doorways, or driveways where they can be displaced by other activities or traffic: - (i) Are secured to prevent accidental displacement; or - (ii) Are guarded by a temporary barricade, such as a row of traffic cones or caution tape, to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder; - (8) The cap (if equipped) and top step of a stepladder are not used as steps; - (9) Portable ladders used on slippery surfaces are secured and stabilized; - (10) The top of a non-self-supporting ladder is placed so that both side rails are supported, unless the ladder is equipped with a single support attachment; - (11) Portable ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface have side rails that extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface (see Figure D-1 of this section);
[2] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)
Page 138
Open source documentSource excerpt
## S-15.1 REG 10 ## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 - (b) a portable ladder is secured against accidental movement during use; - (c) a metal or wire-bound portable ladder is not used where the ladder or a worker handling or using the ladder may come into contact with an exposed energized electrical conductor; and - (d) a portable ladder extends at least 1 metre above any platform, roof or other landing to which the ladder is used as a means of access. - (3) An employer or contractor shall ensure that each worker who handles or uses a portable ladder is instructed in the requirements of this section. - (4) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a stepladder: - (a) is not more than 6 metres high when set for use; - (b) has legs that are securely held in position by means of metal braces or an equivalent rigid support; and - (c) when in use, has a front section slope at an angle of 1 horizontal to 6 vertical. - (5) An employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) an extension ladder is equipped with locks that securely hold the sections of the ladder in the extended position; - (b) if a section of an extension ladder is extended, the section that is extended overlaps another section for at least 1 metre; - (c) an extension ladder consisting of 2 sections does not exceed 14.6 metres in length; and - (d) an extension ladder consisting of more than 2 sections does not exceed 20 metres in length. - (6) An employer or contractor shall ensure that no single portable ladder and no section of an extension ladder exceeds 9 metres in length. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s16-6. ## Use of portable ladders - 16-7 (1) If a worker uses a portable ladder other than a stepladder, an employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) the ladder is placed against the structure so that the slope of the ladder is 1 horizontal to 4 vertical; - (b) the worker does not extend any part of the worker's body except for the worker's arms beyond the side rails of the ladder;…
[3] Occupational Safety General Regulations (N.S. Reg. 44/99)
Page 82
Open source documentSource excerpt
## ladder, such as 3-point contact; Clause 148(2)(b) replaced: O.I.C. 2000-130, N.S. Reg. 52/2000. - (c) where the person is standing on a ladder, stand in the centre between the side rails; - (d) where the ladder is a step ladder, not stand on the material shelf, the top or the top step of the ladder; and - (e) where the ladder is not a step ladder, not work from the top three rungs of the ladder. - (3) Clauses (2)(b), (c), (d) and (e) do not apply to a firefighter engaged in structural firefighting or rescue. - (4) An employer shall remove a ladder from service when it has loose, broken or missing rungs, split side rails or other defects that may be hazardous to the safety of a person at the workplace. - 149 (1) An employer shall ensure that a wooden portable ladder that is not commercially manufactured - (a) is made of No. 1 or No. 2 spruce, pine, or fir as graded according to the latest version of CSA standard CSA 0141, 'Softwood Lumber', or other lumber that provides an equivalent level of safety; Subsection 148(2) amended: O.I.C. 2000-130, N.S. Reg. 52/2000. Clause 149(1)(a) replaced: O.I.C. 2000-130, N.S. Reg. 52/2000; amended: O.I.C. 2013-65, N.S. Reg. 53/2013. - (b) is not painted other than by being preserved with a transparent protective coating; - (c) if a single ladder, does not exceed 9 m in length; - (d) has rungs that are - (i) free of knots, - (ii) designed to carry a load of 200 kg placed at the centre, - (iii) uniformly spaced with a maximum rise of 300 mm, - (iv) secured to each side of the side rail of the ladder by at least 3 screws or spiral nails of adequate length or by attachments giving equivalent or \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
[4] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)
Page 116
Open source documentSource excerpt
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Division 2 - (3) Ladder selection. The employer must ensure: - (a) Wood ladders comply with American National Standard ANSI/ASC A14.[redacted postal code]. - (b) Portable metal ladders comply with American National Standard ANSI/ASC A14.2-2007. - (c) Portable reinforced plastic (fiberglass) ladders comply with American National Standard ANSI/ASC A14.5-2007. Note to [redacted phone](3): Unaltered and properly maintained ladders that meet the ANSI standard in effect at the time of their manufacture comply with this standard. This includes job-made ladders designed and built according to American National Standard A14.4-1979 and portable ladders that comply with newer versions of the particular ANSI standard. - (4) Use - all portable ladders. The employer must ensure: - (a) Each self-supporting ladder or combination ladder used in a selfsupporting ladder mode is equipped with a metal spreader or locking device that securely holds the front and back sections in a fully open position while the ladder is in use. - (b) Each non-self-supporting ladder is erected to the angle represented in Figure D-1 of 1910.23(c)(11) unless otherwise instructed in writing by the ladder manufacture. Figure D-1 - Portable Ladder Set-up <!-- image -->
[5] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)
Page 1000
Open source documentSource excerpt
<!-- image --> Division 3 AO 3-2015 Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Stat. Auth.: ORS 654.025(2) and 656.726(4). Stats. Implemented: ORS 654.001 through 654.295. Hist: OR-OSHA Admin. Order 6-1991, f. 3/18/91, ef. 4/15/91. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 3-2015, f. 10/9/15, ef. 1/1/16. ## Additional Oregon Rule For Ladders Note: OAR [redacted phone], 0055, and 0060 were repealed by OR-OSHA Admin. Order 1-1994, filed 4/27/94, effective 4/27/94. ## [redacted phone] Extension Ladders Extension ladders shall be equipped with necessary guide irons, locks, and hooks and shall be assembled so that the sliding (upper) section shall be on top of the base (lower) section. Stat. Auth.: ORS 654.025(2) and 656.726(3). Stats. Implemented: ORS 654.001 through 654.295. Hist: APD Admin. Order 8-1989, f. 7/7/89, ef. 7/7/89. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 6-1991, f. 12/16/91, ef. 1/1/92. ## 1926.1054 - 1926.1059 (RESERVED) ## 1926.1060 Training Requirements The following training provisions clarify the requirements of 1926.21(b)(2), regarding the hazards addressed in Subdivision X. - (a) The employer shall provide a training program for each employee using ladders and stairways, as necessary. The program shall enable each employee to recognize hazards related to ladders and stairways, and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed to minimize these hazards. - (1) The employer shall ensure that each employee has been trained by a competent person in the following areas, as applicable: - (i) The nature of fall hazards in the work area; - (ii) The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall protection systems to be used; - (iii) The proper construction, use, placement, and care in handling of all stairways and ladders; - (iv) The maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used; and - (v) The standards contained in this Subdivision.
[6] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)
Page 107
Open source documentSource excerpt
<!-- image --> - (ii) Fixed ladder rungs and steps on telecommunication towers must be spaced not more than 18 inches (46 cm) apart, measured between the centerlines of the rungs or steps; - (3) Steps on stepstools are spaced not less than 8 inches (20 cm) apart and not more than 12 inches (30 cm) apart, as measured between the centerlines of the steps; - (4) Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats have a minimum clear width of 11.5 inches (29 cm) on portable ladders and 16 inches (41 cm) (measured before installation of ladder safety systems) for fixed ladders, except that: - (i) The minimum clear width does not apply to ladders with narrow rungs that are not designed to be stepped on, such as those located on the tapered end of orchard ladders and similar ladders; - (ii) Rungs and steps of manhole entry ladders that are supported by the manhole opening must have a minimum clear width of 9 inches (23 cm); - (iii) Rungs and steps on rolling ladders used in telecommunication centers must have a minimum clear width of 8 inches (20 cm); and - (iv) Stepstools have a minimum clear width of 10.5 inches (26.7 cm); - (5) Wooden ladders are not coated with any material that may obscure structural defects; - (6) Metal ladders are made with corrosion-resistant material or protected against corrosion; - (7) Ladder surfaces are free of puncture and laceration hazards; - (8) Ladders are used only for the purposes for which they were designed; - (9) Ladders are inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more frequently as necessary, to identify any visible defects that could cause employee injury; - (10) Any ladder with structural or other defects is immediately tagged ''Dangerous: Do Not Use'' or with similar language in accordance with § 1910.145 and removed from service until repaired in accordance with § 1910.22(d), or replaced; - (11) Each employee faces the ladder when climbing up or down it;
[7] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)
Page 137
Open source documentSource excerpt
## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 ## Travelways - 16-3 (1) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that every travelway: - (a) is strong enough to withstand any traffic to which the travelway may be subjected; - (b) has secure footing for workers and adequate traction for vehicles or equipment; and - (c) is at least: - (i) 600 millimetres wide, in the case of travelways installed before July 1, 1997; and - (ii) 900 millimetres wide, in the case of travelways installed on and after July 1, 1997. - (2) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that every travelway that may give rise to a hazard described in subsection 9-2(2) is provided with a guardrail. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s16-3. ## Stairs - 16-4 An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that: - (a) the widths of treads, the depths of treads and the vertical distances between treads are uniform throughout the length of any stairway and that each tread is level; and - (b) any stairs installed on or after the day on which this section comes into force, including temporary stairs, are at least 600 millimetres wide. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s16-4. ## Ladders - 16-5 (1) An employer, contractor or supplier shall ensure that every ladder is designed, constructed, used and maintained to perform its function safely. - (2) An employer, contractor or supplier shall ensure that: - (a) no wooden ladder or stepladder is painted with any substance other than a transparent coating; and - (b) no ladder is made by fastening cleats across a single rail or post. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s16-5. ## Portable ladders - 16-6 (1) In this section and section 16-7, 'portable ladder' means any ladder that is not fixed in place, and includes a stepladder. - (2) An employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) a portable ladder is equipped with non-slip feet;
[8] Occupational Health and Safety Code
Page 93
Open source documentSource excerpt
- (a) has a centre structural rail along the length of the ladder, - (b) is at least 1 metre wide, and - (c) is constructed of materials that are substantial enough in size to accommodate the maximum intended load. ## Manufactured portable ladder - 135 An employer must ensure that a portable ladder manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 meets the requirements of - (a) CSA Standard CAN3 Z11-M81 (R2005), Portable Ladders , - (b) ANSI Standard A14.1-2007, American National Standard for Ladders - Wood Safety Requirements , - (c) ANSI Standard A14.2-2007, American National Standard for Ladders - Portable Metal Safety Requirements , or - (d) ANSI Standard A14.5-2007, American National Standard for Ladders - Portable Reinforced Plastic - Safety Requirements . ## Securing and positioning - 136 A worker must ensure that - (a) a portable ladder is secured against movement and placed on a base that is stable, - (b) the base of an inclined portable ladder is no further from the base of the wall or structure than 1/4 of the distance between the base of the ladder and the place where the ladder contacts the wall, and - (c) the side rails of a portable ladder extend at least 1 metre above a platform, landing or parapet if the ladder is used as a means of access to the platform, landing or parapet. ## Fall protection 137 (1) An employer must ensure that a worker working from a portable ladder from which the worker may fall 3 metres or more uses a personal fall arrest system. - 137 (2) Subsection (1) does not apply while the worker is moving up or down the portable ladder. - 137 (3) Despite subsection (1), if it is not reasonably practical to use a personal fall arrest system, a worker may work from a portable ladder without fall protection if - (a) the work is a light duty task of short duration at each location, - (b) the worker's centre of balance is at the centre of the ladder at all times even with an arm extended beyond the side rails of the ladder, and - (c) the worker …
[9] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)
Page 999
Open source documentSource excerpt
<!-- image --> Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules AO 3-2015 Division 3 - (10) The top of a non-self-supporting ladder shall be placed with the two rails supported equally unless it is equipped with a single support attachment. - (11) Ladders shall not be moved, shifted, or extended while occupied. - (12) Ladders shall have nonconductive siderails if they are used where the employee or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment, except as provided in OAR [redacted phone] in Division 2/RR. - (13) The top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step. - (14) Cross-bracing on the rear section of stepladders shall not be used for climbing unless the ladders are designed and provided with steps for climbing on both front and rear sections. - (15) Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. - (16) Portable ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, corroded components, or other faulty or defective components, shall either be immediately marked in a manner that readily identifies them as defective, or be tagged with 'Do Not Use' or similar language, and shall be withdrawn from service until repaired. - (17) Fixed ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, or corroded components, shall be withdrawn from service until repaired. The requirement to withdraw a defective ladder from service is satisfied if the ladder is either: - (i) Immediately tagged with 'Do Not Use' or similar language, - (ii) Marked in a manner that readily identifies it as defective; - (iii) Or blocked (such as with a plywood attachment that spans several rungs). - (18) Ladder repairs shall restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria, be…
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