How to use a ladder correctly?
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Published by SALUSBefore using a ladder, it is important to determine if it is the correct device for the situation by assessing the physical condition of the ground and the area being reached, the height of the work, the type of work being done, and any other hazards present. It is also important to determine which type of ladder will be best for the task. Always inspect the ladder before use and set it up correctly. Read the safety labels and manufacturer instructions for specific information on the safe use of that particular ladder. [1]
When climbing up or down a ladder, make sure the ladder is tied or secured correctly and is placed on a level, firm, and non-slippery surface. Always:
- Face the stepladder.
- Keep your body centered between side rails.
- Maintain three-point contact by keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on a ladder always.
- Keep a firm grip.
- Make sure that footwear is in good condition.
- Clean your footwear by removing mud, water, snow, ice, or grease.
[1] To secure portable ladders:
- Begin securing and stabilizing the ladder from the bottom up (from the footing).
- Set up your ladder on a firm, level, and stable surface.
- Secure both the base and top of a ladder to prevent movement. Securing a ladder at the foot does not prevent a side slip at the top.
- Brace or tie off the ladder near the base. If there is no structure to tie off, use a stake in the ground. Do not use a barrel, box, or another loose object as a support for a ladder.
- Use ladders equipped with non-slip feet. Otherwise, nail a cleat to the floor or use a device designed for this purpose.
- Remove all the debris and clutter around the base of the ladder.
- Rest the top of the ladder against a solid surface that can withstand the load. Do not let the top of the ladder rest on a gutter, window sash, windowpane, or anything that can break or move.
- Use wall grips on the risers to prevent side slipping when a ladder is leaning against a smooth surface.
- Attach a ladder stay (i.e., ladder stabilizer) across the back of a ladder where a surface cannot stand the load. Extend the stay across a window for firm support against the building walls or window frame.
- Guard or fence off the area around a ladder that is placed in an area where persons have access. If a barricade is not possible, have someone hold and guard the bottom of the ladder to prevent another person from bumping into the ladder.
[2] When working 3 metres (10 feet) or more above ground, a fall protection program may be necessary. Wear a safety belt or harness with the lanyard tied appropriately to an adequate point independent of the ladder. Make sure that you follow working at heights training that includes how to use fall protection devices safely. [3]
Sources used for this answer
[1] Ladders - Securing Portable
Page 2
Open source documentSource excerpt
# Ladders - Securing Portable (cont.) ## How do you secure portable ladders? (cont.) Window Stay - Attach hooks on top of ladder rails where the ladder is to be used at a constant height. - Test the ladder to verify that it is secure. - When not in use, do not rest a ladder on any rung. Only the side rails are designed for this purpose. Note: When working 3 metres (10 feet) or more above ground, a fall protection program may be necessary. Wear a safety belt or harness with the lanyard tied appropriately to an adequate point independent of the ladder. Make sure that you follow working at heights training that includes how to use fall protection devices safely. Fact sheet last revised: 2021-02-17 ## Disclaimer Ladders - Securing Portable CCOHS
[2] Ladders - Climbing Up and Down Safely
Page 1
Open source documentSource excerpt
CCOHS CCHST Ladders Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail # Ladders - Climbing Up and Down Safely ## On this page What should you determine before using a ladder? What should you do when climbing up or down a ladder? What should you not do when climbing up or down a ladder? What are other tips when working on or near ladders? ## What should you determine before using a ladder? Determine if a ladder is the correct device to use for the situation. Your assessment will include the physical condition of both the ground and the area being reached, the height of the work, the type of work being done, and if other hazards are present. Determine which type of ladder will be best. Always inspect the ladder before use, and set the ladder up correctly. Read the safety labels and manufacturer instructions as it will provide specific information on the safe use of that particular ladder. This document discusses climbing up and down the ladder. Please see the other documents on Ladders from OSH Answers for more information. ## What should you do when climbing up or down a ladder? Always make sure the ladder is tied or secured correctly before using, and is placed on a level, firm and non-slippery surface. When climbing up or down, always: - Face the stepladder. - Keep your body centered between side rails. - Maintain three-point contact by keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on a ladder always. - Keep a firm grip. - Make sure that footwear is in good condition. - Clean your footwear by removing mud, water, snow, ice or grease. Ladders - Climbing Up and Down Safely CCOHS
[3] Ladders - Securing Portable
Page 1
Open source documentSource excerpt
CCOHS CCHST Ladders Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail # Ladders - Securing Portable ## On this page How do you secure portable ladders? ## How do you secure portable ladders? - Begin securing and stabilizing the ladder from the bottom up (from the footing). - Set up your ladder on a firm, level, and stable surface. - Secure both the base and top of a ladder to prevent movement. Securing a ladder at the foot does not prevent a side slip at the top. - Brace or tie off the ladder near the base. If there is no structure to tie off, use a stake in the ground. Do not use a barrel, box, or another loose object as a support for a ladder. - Use ladders equipped with non-slip feet. Otherwise, nail a cleat to the floor or use a device designed for this purpose. - Remove all the debris and clutter around the base of the ladder. - Rest the top of the ladder against a solid surface that can withstand the load. Do not let the top of the ladder rest on a gutter, window sash, windowpane, or anything that can break or move. - Use wall grips on the risers to prevent side slipping when a ladder is leaning against a smooth surface. - Attach a ladder stay (i.e., ladder stabilizer) across the back of a ladder where a surface cannot stand the load. Extend the stay across a window for firm support against the building walls or window frame. - Guard or fence off the area around a ladder that is placed in an area where persons have access. If a barricade is not possible, have someone hold and guard the bottom of the ladder to prevent another person from bumping into the ladder. Ladders Securing Portable CCOHS
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