Is fall protection required on an extension ladder?
A person submitted this question to Rosie's free generator. The asker's identity is neither imported nor published.
Rosie's answer
Published by SALUSFall protection requirements when using a ladder depend on the height and specific circumstances. Here's a breakdown:
- General Fall Protection: If a worker may fall 3 meters or more from a portable ladder, a personal fall arrest system is required [1]. However, this doesn't apply while the worker is moving up or down the ladder [1].
- Exceptions: Even if the fall distance is 3 meters or more, a personal fall arrest system may not be required if [1]:
- The work is a light-duty task of short duration at each location.
- The worker's center of balance is at the center of the ladder, even with an arm extended.
- The worker maintains 3-point contact whenever extending an arm.
- Training: Employers must provide training programs for employees using ladders and stairways. This training should cover hazard recognition, proper ladder use, and the correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling fall protection systems [2].
It is important to note that these regulations can vary by jurisdiction, so always consult the specific regulations applicable to your location.
Sources used for this answer
[1] 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 …
[2] 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.
Keep exploring.
Leading edge
Toolbox Talk: Leading Edge Safety *Date:** [DATE] *Duration:** [DURATION] minutes *Presenter:** [PRESENTER NAME] *Location:** [LOCATION] Objective To educate workers on the hazards associated with leading edge work and the necessary safety measures to prevent falls and injuries. Introduction Leading edge work involves
Read the threadScaffolding
Toolbox Talk: Scaffolding Safety *Date:** [DATE] *Duration:** [DURATION] minutes *Presenter:** [PRESENTER NAME] *Location:** [LOCATION] Objective The objective of this toolbox talk is to educate participants on the safe use, construction, and maintenance of scaffolding to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with
Read the threadWrote a toolbox for the use of FallTech Class B SRL’s
Toolbox Talk: FallTech Class B SRL Safety *Date:** [DATE] *Duration:** [DURATION] minutes *Presenter:** [PRESENTER NAME] *Location:** [LOCATION] Objective The objective of this toolbox talk is to ensure all personnel understand the proper use, inspection, and maintenance of FallTech Class B Self-Retracting Lifelines
Read the threadelevated work platform in ontario safety checklist
Ontario EWP Pre-Use Safety Inspection Checklist ================================================ *Date:** 2025-10-07 *Inspector:** \[INSPECTOR NAME] *Location/Area:** \[LOCATION/AREA] *Department:** \[DEPARTMENT] Purpose To ensure the safe operation of Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs) and compliance with Ontario
Read the threadI'm not sure
Risk Assessment for Situations with Uncertainty =============================================== *Assessment Date:** \[DATE] *Assessor:** \[ASSESSOR NAME] *Department/Area:** \[DEPARTMENT/AREA] *Review Date:** \[REVIEW DATE] 1\. Assessment Scope This risk assessment addresses the procedures for identifying, assessing
Read the threadSheave and alignment
Safe Work Procedure: Sheave and Alignment Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME] 1. Scope This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary steps and safety precautions for performing sheave and alignment tasks. It applies to all
Read the threadAdd your experience.
Community answers can add practical context. They are moderated, but they are not SALUS-reviewed safety guidance.
New contributions are temporarily closed while the moderation queue is configured.
Community answers(0)
No community answers have been approved yet.
Comments on Rosie's answer(0)
No comments have been approved yet.