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Write a pre-task plan for Ladder safety

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A pre-task ladder safety plan should begin with a documented hazard and risk assessment. First determine whether the task can be done from the ground, or whether a scaffold or aerial lift is a safer option; ladders should not be the default when the work requires extended reach, side loading, heavy materials, or prolonged work at height. Assess fall hazards, surface conditions, access/egress, weather, overhead electrical hazards, pedestrian/vehicle traffic, doorways, load weight, rescue access, and worker training/competency before work starts. [2] [1] [10]

Pre-task hazard assessment and risk assessment should cover:

  • Task suitability: Can the work be completed safely from a ladder, or is a scaffold, platform ladder, or aerial lift required?
  • Fall exposure: height, landing surface, duration of task, need to step on/off at an upper level, and whether overreaching is likely.
  • Electrical hazards: overhead power lines, energized equipment, and whether a nonconductive fiberglass ladder is required.
  • Ground/support conditions: firm, level, dry footing; soft soil, mulch, slopes, uneven pavement, or slippery surfaces.
  • Traffic and displacement hazards: doors, walkways, vehicles, mobile equipment, and other work that could strike or move the ladder.
  • Load and equipment: worker weight plus tools/materials versus ladder duty rating; whether tools can be hoisted instead of carried.
  • Environmental conditions: wind, rain, ice, poor lighting, contamination on rungs/shoes, and housekeeping at top and bottom access areas.
  • Worker factors: training, authorization, footwear, physical condition, and whether help is needed to handle or steady the ladder.
  • Emergency planning: communication method, first-aid availability, site address/location, rescue access, and who will call emergency services.

[3] [6] [9] For fall protection and work-at-height controls, use the hierarchy of controls. Eliminate ladder work where possible, substitute safer access equipment where needed, and apply engineering and administrative controls before relying on PPE. Portable ladders are primarily access tools, not work platforms. If the task involves long duration work, forceful exertion, both hands needed for the task, or inability to maintain body position between rails, use a different system such as scaffolding or an elevating work platform. Where site rules or applicable standards require fall protection for adjacent edges, roof work, or elevated platforms, integrate those controls into the pre-task plan in addition to ladder safety requirements. [10] [13] [1]

Ladder inspection checklist before each use:

  • Verify the ladder is the correct type and height for the task and that labels/markings are legible.
  • Check duty rating and confirm total load includes worker, tools, and materials.
  • Inspect side rails, rungs/steps/cleats, feet/shoes, spreaders, rung locks, bolts, rivets, ropes, pulleys, and other hardware for cracks, bends, splits, corrosion, wear, looseness, or missing parts.
  • Ensure slip-resistant feet are intact and movable parts operate freely without binding.
  • Confirm rungs, shoes, and feet are clean and free of oil, grease, mud, paint, or other slippery substances.
  • For stepladders, ensure legs fully open and spreaders/locking devices fully engage.
  • For extension ladders, ensure locks/dogs/pawls engage properly and sections are compatible and not damaged.
  • Tag defective ladders 'do not use' and remove them from service immediately.

[1] [4] [3] Proper ladder selection and setup:

  • Select the right ladder type for the task: stepladder for self-supporting work, straight/extension ladder for access, and fiberglass where electrical contact is possible.
  • Choose sufficient height so the worker does not stand on prohibited top steps/rungs or overreach.
  • Confirm the ladder duty rating is adequate for the worker plus all tools and materials.
  • Set the ladder on firm, level, stable, non-slippery footing; use levelers or a suitable base only if secure and capable of supporting the load.
  • For extension ladders, use the 4:1 setup ratio: base 1 foot out for every 4 feet of vertical rise.
  • Extend side rails at least 3 feet above the landing when accessing an upper level.
  • Secure the ladder at the top, and bottom where possible, to prevent displacement.
  • Keep ladders away from doors, walkways, and traffic, or barricade/block off the area.
  • Keep ladders at least 10 feet from power lines; use nonconductive side rails near electrical hazards.

[14] [11] [15] Three-point contact is a core control for climbing and descending. Workers should always face the ladder and maintain either two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder. This reduces the chance of slipping and helps maintain stability during ascent, descent, and transition at the top and bottom. Three-point contact does not eliminate the need for proper setup, secure footing, and keeping the body centered between the rails. [11] [1] [16]

Safe use procedures during the task:

  • Only one person on a ladder at a time unless the ladder is specifically designed otherwise.
  • Keep your belt buckle/body centered between the side rails; do not lean, pull, or overreach. Climb down and reposition the ladder instead.
  • Do not carry tools or materials in your hands while climbing; use a tool belt or hoist/hand line.
  • Do not stand on the top step/top cap of a stepladder or the top three rungs of a straight/extension ladder.
  • Do not move, shift, or adjust a ladder while someone is on it.
  • Do not use a stepladder in a closed position or lean it like a straight ladder.
  • Do not place ladders on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases, and do not tie ladders together to gain extra length.
  • Keep top and bottom access areas clear of cords, debris, tools, and waste.

[2] [15] [11] Training and compliance are required parts of the pre-task plan. Employers should ensure ladder users are trained by a competent person or under an employer training program to recognize ladder hazards, proper setup and use, load limits, inspection, and procedures to minimize hazards. For OSHA construction work, the primary federal ladder standard is 29 CFR 1926\.1053, and employers should also comply with any applicable state-plan requirements such as WAC or MIOSHA rules where work is performed. A practical compliance approach is to document training, pre-use inspection, ladder selection, setup verification, and supervisory spot checks. [2] [7] [5]

Emergency response planning for ladder work should be included before the task starts:

  • Identify who is in charge, how to summon help, and the exact site/location information to give emergency responders.
  • Ensure workers know to stop work, secure the area, and not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as electrical contact or fire.
  • Provide prompt first aid by trained personnel and call emergency services for any fall, head injury, loss of consciousness, suspected fracture, or electrical exposure.
  • If electrical contact occurs, do not touch the worker until the energy source is isolated; call emergency services and the utility/emergency response team immediately.
  • After any incident or near miss, preserve the scene as appropriate, remove defective equipment from service, and review the pre-task plan before resuming work.

[10] [1] [9] A concise pre-task ladder safety checklist is: verify the ladder is the right access method; complete a hazard/risk assessment; confirm worker training; inspect the ladder; verify duty rating; choose the correct ladder material and height; set it on firm, level footing; use the 4:1 angle for extension ladders; extend 3 feet above landings; secure against displacement; control traffic and doors; maintain three-point contact; keep tools off your hands while climbing; prevent overreaching; and confirm emergency arrangements before starting. If any of those controls cannot be met, stop and use a safer work-at-height method. [8] [12]

16 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Fall Protection Hazard Awareness Guide

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# Identifying Common Fall Hazards (cont.) ## Ladders Falls from ladders account for approximately 100 fatalities each year (BLS). Ladders can be found on every jobsite and are used by all trades. Some of the most frequently cited serious ladder violations are; not securing a portable ladder or having it extended 3 feet above the upper landing before workers use it to reach an upper level, not providing a training program for workers on the proper construction, inspection, maintenance, care, use, and limitations of ladders, and not marking or tagging a defective ladder so that it would not be used before it has been repaired. The requirements for ladders can be found in Subpart X of the Construction Safety and Health Standards. When analyzing work areas for proper ladder use, consider the following questions: 1. Is the correct ladder for the job being used? 2. Are ladders inspected before use? 3. Are metal ladders prohibited near electrical sources? 4. Are stepladders being placed against the wall, in a closed position, which can cause them to slide out from underneath a worker? 5. Are - extension ladders secured at the top, and the bottom if possible? 6. Is the extension ladder installed at the correct angle (the 1 to 4 rule)? 7. Do side rails extend 3' above the working surface? 8. Are ladders being overloaded? 9. Is the extension ladder overextended? 10. Are materials being hoisted by a line, and not by the individual climbing the ladder? 11. Is the three-point-contact rule being followed? (i.e. both feet and one hand or both hands and one foot) 12. Never allow two ladders to be tied together! 13. Are all damaged ladders immediately tagged and repaired or destroyed? 14. Are ladder feet placed on a firm foundation? 15. Are proper climbing/working procedures being followed? 16. Never allow an individual to "bounce" or "walk" a stepladder to move it! 17. Are stepladders used in the fully open position only? 18. Are individuals working on the …

[2] SafetyWorks! Toolbox Talks: Ladder Safety

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# SafetyWorks! Toolbox Talks # Subject: Ladders Injuries in the workplace because of ladder are commonplace. Falls from ladders can be as painful as a fall from a roof; about a third of all reported falls are falls from ladders. Many of the fall related injuries result from the improper use or the use of 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 such as order pickers. These ladders are constructed with a small platform and guardrail. The following safe work rules should be observed when working with ladders. ## Guide for Discussion 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 (4:1) 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 ladde…

[3] LADDER SAFETY - For Residential Construction Contractors

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# Plan Ahead for the Job and Inspect Ladders Before Use First, can the task be done safely from a ladder? If not, use scaffolding or a lift. If using ladders: • Bring the right ladder for the job: self- supporting, straight, or extension ladder. • Check the duty rating label on the ladder. Don't overload. NOTICE AVISO Ladder Size: 6' Duty Rating: Type IA Maximum Load: 300 lbs. Highest standing level: 45 3/8" • Heavy-duty industrial ladders (Type 1 or 1A), can only carry up to 250 or 300 pounds including the worker and their tools. • Check the ladder for loose, cracked or greasy rungs, split side rails, and worn shoes. Make sure the rung locks are in working order. • Tag and remove defective ladders from the job site. • Don't use a ladder in a horizontal position as a scaffold. • Call the electric company for assistance if working near power lines, to prevent electrocution. Fact: It only takes 1 second to hit the ground from a 16-foot fall. Over half of the fatal falls in construction are from heights of less than 25 feet. ## Setting Up Ladders • Clear away debris and obstructions, and block off the area around the bottom of the ladder to prevent it from being bumped into. • Set the ladder on dry, level ground. Use the "heel test" to check firmness of the ground. Stomp your heel down; if it goes into the ground more than 1 inch, a base is needed below the ladder. • If a base is needed, set it on a secure, even surface. Plywood can be used if it is dry, clean and sturdy enough to support the expected load. • Set the base of the ladder at a distance of 1 foot out for every 4 feet high. • When accessing a porch or roof, extend ladder side rails 3 feet above landing. For extra stability, secure the ladder by tying it to the building. • If a ladder must be placed in front of a door, secure the door shut so it cannot open. • Use ladder stabilizers when appropriate. ## Climbing Ladders • Allow only one person on the ladder at a time. Always f…

[4] OSHA Quick Card - Portable Ladder Safety

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# Portable Ladder Safety (cont.) • Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to prevent displacement. • Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height. • Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder. - An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend at least 3 feet above the point of sup- port (see diagram). Do not stand on the three top rungs of a straight, single or extension lad- der. • The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface (see diagram). × 13 ft. min. to top support Distan - A ladder placed in any location where it can be displaced by other work activities must be secured to prevent displacement or a barricade must be erected to keep traffic away from the ladder. • Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged. • Do not exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder. Be aware of the ladder's load rating and of the weight it is supporting, including the weight of any tools or equipment. For more information: Occupational OSHA Safety and Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA (6742) OSHA 3246-10N-05

[5] OSHA Fact Sheet - Reducing Falls in Construction: Safe Use of Extension Ladders

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# Reducing Falls in Construction: Safe Use of Extension Ladders (cont.) ## PLAN Ahead to Get the Job Done Safely. (cont.) - nonconductive side rails if they are used where the worker or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment. Keep all ladders and other tools at least 10 feet away from any power lines. • Set the base of the ladder so that the bottom sits securely and so both side rails are evenly supported. The ladder rails should be square to the structure against which it is leaning with both footpads placed securely on a stable and level surface. • Secure the ladder's dogs or pawls before climbing. • When using a ladder in a high-activity area, secure it to prevent movement and use a barrier to redirect workers and equipment. If the ladder is placed in front of a door, always block off the door. Figure 2: Ladder extending three feet above the landing area. ## PROVIDE the Right Extension Ladder for the Job with the Proper Load Capacity. Select a ladder based on the expected load capacity (duty rating), the type of work to be done and the correct height. There are five categories of ladder duty ratings. <table><tr><th>Type</th><th>Duty Rating</th><th>Use</th><th>Load</th></tr><tr><td>IAA*</td><td>Special Duty</td><td>Rugged</td><td>375 lbs.</td></tr><tr><td>IA</td><td>Extra Duty</td><td>Industrial</td><td>300 lbs.</td></tr><tr><td>|</td><td>Heavy Duty</td><td>Industrial</td><td>250 lbs.</td></tr><tr><td>||</td><td>Medium Duty</td><td>Commercial</td><td>225 lbs.</td></tr><tr><td>III</td><td>Light Duty</td><td>Household</td><td>200 lbs.</td></tr></table> Source for Types IA, I, II, III: Subpart X-Stairways and Ladders, Appendix A (American National Standards Institute (ANSI)) 14.1, 14.2, 14.5 (1982)) of OSHA's Construction standards. Source for Type IAA: ANSI 14.1, 14.2, 14.5 (2009), which are non-mandatory guidelines. ## TRAIN Workers to Use Extension Ladders Safely. Employers must train each worker to recognize and minimize la…

[6] Ladder Safety Guide

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# Selecting the Right Ladder for the Job ## Determine the type of ladder needed for the job and environment it will be used in. ■Wood: Wood provides a natural feel and good insulation against heat and cold. However, untreated wood ages quickly; wood ladders need a protective coat of linseed oil (not paint or varnish) to keep the wood from drying and splitting. Also, wood ladders are heavy, particularly longer ones. ■ Aluminum: Aluminum ladders are lightweight and corrosion resistant. Aluminum will not crack or chip with rough handling; however, aluminum doesn't insulate well against heat and conducts electricity. Never use aluminum ladders for work near sources of electricity or energized electrical lines. ■ Fiberglass: Fiberglass is durable, weather resistant, and nonconductive when clean and dry. Unlike wood, fiberglass won't dry out or split and provides better insulation against heat than aluminum. However, fiberglass ladders are heavier than comparable aluminum or wood ladders and can chip or crack with improper handling. ## Determine how much weight will be applied to the ladder. Never exceed the manufacturer's maximum intended load, which is the total load of the person's weight, equipment, tools and materials that will be applied to the ladder or ladder component at any one time. Keep this in mind when purchasing ladders. The maximum intended/working load for each ladder type (excluding orchard ladders), is as follows: <table><tr><th>Duty Rating</th><th>Ladder Type</th><th>Maximum Intended Load (in pounds)</th></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Extra Heavy</td><td>IAA</td><td>375</td></tr><tr><td>ΙΑ</td><td>300</td></tr><tr><td>Heavy</td><td>|</td><td>250</td></tr><tr><td>Medium</td><td>||</td><td>225</td></tr><tr><td>Light</td><td>III</td><td>200</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Don't subject a ladder to a load greater than its duty rating.</td></tr></table> 3

[7] Hazard and Risk - Sample Risk Assessment Form

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# What is a sample risk assessment form? (cont.) ## Sample Risk Assessment Form (cont.) <table><tr><th>Step or task</th><th>Hazard</th><th>Consequences or harm</th><th>Risk</th><th>Priority</th><th>Hazard Controls</th></tr><tr><td>EXAMPLE: Working at heights while on a ladder</td><td>Safety hazard: falling from heights</td><td>Serious injury due to a fall</td><td>High risk</td><td>1</td><td>Follow the hierarchy of controls for working at heights Elimination: when possible, perform work from the ground. Engineering controls: use an elevating work platform when appropriate. Administrative controls:</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>development of fall protection plans, safe work procedures, emergency response plans for working at heights, and adequate training (including working heights and fall protection training, elevating work platform training, ladder safety, training on safe work procedures and emergency response, etc.). Personal protective equipment: fall arrest system and equipment, head protection, high-visibility. clothing, protective footwear, face and eye protection, emergency response equipment, and other appropriate equipment for the job.</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table> Hazard and Risk - Sample Risk Assessment Form CCOHS

[8] Toolbox Talk: Step Ladder Safety

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# STEP LADDER SAFETY Date Posted: 05/29/2024 According to the According to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) [redacted identifier], "A self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, with flat steps and hinged at the top. The size is designated by the overall length of the ladder measured along the front edge of the side rails." A stepladder is a handy, simple tool, but if you do not choose the right one for the job or it is not maintained properly, you have an increased risk of injury. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falls are among the top five causes of fatal occupational injuries. In 2020, there were 105 deaths from movable ladders and 5 deaths from fixed ladders. Additionally, a ladder was the primary source of 22,710 injuries that year. ## SELECTING THE RIGHT STEP LADDER A stepladder is a folding ladder with flat steps and a small platform. It's the smallest ladder and is typically used in smaller projects that don't require much extra height. Stepladders are made of metal/aluminum, wood, and fiberglass. Choosing the right ladder for the job is very important. For example, because metal is a great conductor of electricity, it would be best to use a fiberglass ladder for electrical work. ## STEP LADDER DUTY RATINGS Even though they may all look the same, each ladder has a different load limit. Therefore, you want to ensure that the ladder you use is designed to carry your weight and the weight of the equipment being carried up and down the ladder. Otherwise, the ladder may become unstable and cause injury. ## INSPECTING THE STEP LADDER • Workers should conduct inspections of step ladders by checking the following items: • Joints between the steps or rungs and the side rails are tight. • Rungs, cleats, or steps are not bent, broken, or missing. • Side rails are not bent, broken, or split. • All bolts and rivets are in place and secure. Hardware, fittings, and accessories are securely attached and working properly. …

[9] Ladder Safety Checklist

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Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Division of Occupational Safety and Health # Ladder Safety Checklist Date: <empty> Employer/Business: <empty> Completed By (Name/Title): <empty> Job Location: <empty> Length of Ladder: <empty> <table><tr><th>Ladders, Portable and Fixed WAC 296-876</th><th>Yes</th><th>No</th><th>N/A</th></tr><tr><td>Have all employees received training from a competent person to recognize ladder hazards and the procedures to minimize these hazards? 876-[redacted postal code]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the right ladder been selected for the job? 876-[redacted postal code]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the ladder been inspected for defects, cracks, corrosion, and are bolts and rivets secure? 876-[redacted postal code]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Have unsafe ladders been tagged and removed from service? 876-[redacted postal code](4)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the ladder been placed away from overhead electrical wires? 876-[redacted postal code]</td><td></td><td>ום</td><td>וחו</td></tr><tr><td>Is a non-conductive ladder (e.g. fiberglass) in use if there is any chance of contact with electricity? 876-[redacted postal code](1)</td><td></td><td>ם</td><td>ח</td></tr><tr><td>Do the ladder's feet work properly and have slip-resistant pads? 876-[redacted postal code](1)</td><td></td><td>ום</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the ladder been placed away from exit doors and/or away from the path of pedestrians or vehicle traffic? If placed in front of a door — is the door open or locked shut? 876-[redacted postal code]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the ladder been placed on firm, level footing and is there rigid support for the top of the ladder? 876-[redacted postal code]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Is the load the ladder is supporting within the manufacture's duty rating? 876-[redacted postal code](2)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><…

[10] Ladder Safety Guide

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# Resources (cont.) ## Ladder Resources (cont.) Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Division of Occupational Safety and Health # Ladder Safety Checklist Date: Employer/Business: Completed By (Name/Title): Job Location: Length of Ladder: <table><tr><th></th><th>Yes</th><th>No</th><th>N/A</th></tr><tr><td>Have all employees received instruction on using ladders safety?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the right ladder been selected for the job?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the ladder been inspected for defects, cracks, corrosion, and are bolts and rivets secure?</td><td></td><td></td><td>பப</td></tr><tr><td>Have unsafe ladders been tagged and removed from service?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the ladder been placed away from overhead electrical wires?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Is a fiberglass ladder in use if there is any chance of contact with electricity?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Do the ladder's feet work properly and have slip-resistant pads?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the ladder been placed away from exit doors or away from the path of pedestrian or vehicle traffic? If placed in front of a door - is the door open or locked shut?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the ladder been placed on firm, level footing and is there rigid support for the top of the ladder?</td><td>ப</td><td></td><td>ப</td></tr><tr><td>Is help available if it is too difficult to handle the ladder alone?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Is the load the ladder is supporting within the manufacture's duty rating?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Are the stepladder legs completely open and the spreader brace bars locked?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Are ladder rungs, shoes, and boots clean of substances that would make climbing the ladder slippery or hazardous?</td><td></td><td>0000</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Is only one…

[11] MIOSHA Fact Sheet: Ladder Safety

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# MIOSHA Fact Sheet # Ladder Safety MIOSHA Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration Ladder use is an integral part of the construction industry. The proper use of ladders is imperative to providing a safe workplace for everyone. Below are a few key points in the safe use of ladders and requirements of Construction Standard Part 11, Fixed and Portable Ladders (Part 11, Fixed and Portable Ladders). It is vital that employers train their employees in the proper use and set-up of ladders and provide them with the right ladders to do the work safely. Part 11, Fixed and Portable Ladders Rule 1112(1) states: "The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who uses a ladder. The program shall enable each employee to recognize hazards related to the ladder and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed to minimize these hazards." Training shall include: the nature of fall hazards in the work area, the proper use and care of ladders, and the maximum intended load- carrying capacities of ladders that are used. ## Key safety points when using portable ladders: • Always select the correct ladder for the work being performed. Ensure the ladder is only used for its intended purpose. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. • Place the ladder on a substantial and stable base and secure to prevent accidental displacement. • A portable ladder must be equipped with appropriate safety feet unless the ladder is secured against displacement. • A portable extension ladder shall be set up so the horizontal distance from the top support to the base is 14 of the vertical distance. In other words, for every 4-feet up the base should be 1-foot back. • Ensure the ladder is kept clear of energized electrical lines. The minimum distance for metal ladders is 20 feet. Minimum distance for other than metal is 10 feet for up to 50kV and 0.4 inches per kV thereafter. • Face the ladder while ascending or descending. • Always center your body be…

[12] Toolbox Talk: Extension Ladder Safety

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# EXTENSION LADDER SAFETY (cont.) ## TIPS FOR SAFE USE OF EXTENSION LADDERS (cont.) • Clean the ladder so it is free of grease, oil, or other slippery substances. • Ensure the extension ladder extends at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface. - Check step ladder stability. Ensure all ladder feet are on a firm, level, and non-slippery surface and cannot be accidentally displaced. Secure the ladder as necessary. • Keep your body centered between side rails. The ladder can become unstable if the body or equipment you are holding moves beyond the side rails. • Work at an appropriate height for the ladder. • Maintain three points of contact on the ladder when ascending or descending. This means consistently placing two hands and a foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder. • Keep both feet on the ladder. Do not stand simultaneously on a ladder and another object. • Use ladders with nonconductive side rails where the ladder could contact uninsulated, energized electric lines or equipment. • Ensure that all workers have been trained and documented in the safe use of ladders and can recognize ladder hazards and the procedures to minimize these hazards. • Ensure ladders are inspected, maintained, stored, and transported correctly. ## RESOURCES Chapter 296-876 WAC Ladder Safety (wa.gov) F417-268-000 Ladder Safety Guide (wa.gov) (English), F417-268-999 Guía de seguridad en escaleras (wa.gov) Ladder Safety: Reducing Falls in Construction: Safe Use of Extension Ladders Fact Sheet (osha.gov) Ladders 101 - American Ladder Institute Falls in the Workplace: Ladder Safety Mobile App | NIOSH | CDC

[13] SC OSHA FACT SHEET: Fall Prevention

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# Fall Prevention Fact Sheet (cont.) South Carolina OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation # FALLS FROM LADDERS CAN BE PREVENTED! REMEMBER ✓ Choose the right ladder Maintain three points of contact ✓ Secure the ladder ✓ Always face the ladder Plan, ahead to get the job done safely Provide, the right roof equipment Train, everyone to use the equipment safely Do Not: Stand on top or on the top ✓ step of a stepladder ✓ Overreach Place the ladder on unlevel ✓ footing

[14] 10 Tips for Ladder Safety

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Washington State Department of Labor & Industries # 10 Tips for Ladder Safety Each year, nearly 900 workers across Washington state are injured from falls related to ladders. The risk grows during the holidays when many workers hang lights and other seasonal decorations, or take them down come January. The combination of workers doing tasks they normally do not do, along with an all too often careless approach to ladder safety, can lead to the worst holiday ever. Falls from ladders have resulted in permanent disability and even death. L&I inspectors often cite employers for ladder safety violations related to holiday decorating, including workers hanging decorations from elevated platforms without fall protection, workers standing on top of ladders and other cases of improper ladder use. L&I reminds employers that state law (Chapter 296-876 WAC) requires they train workers who must use ladders how to use them and how to recognize ladder hazards. Here are 10 tips for ladder safety when hanging decorations: Carefully inspect the ladder for defects, checking for cracks, corrosion and that bolts and rivets are secure. Tag and remove unsafe ladders from service. Make sure the ladder's feet work properly and have slip-resistant pads. . Use a fiberglass ladder if there is any chance of contact with electricity. . When setting the ladder, look for a safe location with firm, level footing and rigid support for the top of the ladder. Be sure to set it at an angle per the manufacturer's guidance. • When climbing off a ladder at an upper level, make sure the ladder extends 3 feet above the landing. • When climbing the ladder, use three points of contact - keep 1 hand and both feet or both hands and 1 foot in contact with the ladder at all times. • Never carry any load that could cause you to lose balance. Never stand on top of a ladder. Don't pull, lean, stretch or make sudden moves on a ladder that could cause it to tip over. A scaffold or other safe working sur…

[15] Hazard Alert: Ladders

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HAZARD ALERT LADDERS CPWR 【● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING ## Am I in danger? If you use a ladder on a construction site, then the answer is YES. Falls are the leading cause of deaths and injuries in the construction industry. • Each year, more than 4,000* construction workers are injured so seriously by ladder falls that they miss work. • Each year, more than 70* construction workers die in falls from ladders. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT CARR, PH.D., P.E. ## Electrocution Hazard ## Falls aren't the only way to get hurt on a ladder! Contact with overhead power lines can be fatal. Make sure your ladder is positioned at least 10 feet away from power lines. Aluminum conducts electricity. A fiberglass ladder is a better choice when working near electricity. L LISTED SA-2902 No. AC 7736 METAL LADDER ADDERS SHOULD NO ELECTRICAL SHOCK A painter was electrocuted when a metal USED WHERE CONTACT MAY MADE WITH ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS ladder came in contact with a powerline. REFER TO INSTRUCTIONS LABEL *Source: Dong SX, Wang X, Katz R, West G, Bunting J. 2017. Fall Injuries and Prevention in the Construction Industry http://www.cpwr.com/sites/default/files/publications/Quarter1-QDR-2017.pdf ## To learn more visit: - www.StopConstructionFalls.org - OSHA's eTool: Falls - Ladder Safety http://bit.ly/eToolsFallsAndLadders To get more of these Hazard Alert cards and cards on other topics, Call [redacted phone] or visit www.cpwr.com - NIOSH Resources & Ladder Safety App http://bit.ly/ ResourcesAndLadderApp ## To avoid a fall ... © 2018, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH. 1 ## Inspect the ladde…

[16] Worker Hospitalization Alert: Roofer Falls From Extension Ladder

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# Roofer Falls From Extension Ladder (cont.) ## Contributing Factors The ladder was not on a firm, level surface. The base of the ladder was set up with one foot on the concrete walkway and the other foot in the soft mulch of the flowerbed. The ladder did not extend at least 3 feet above the surface of the roof. The ladder was placed against the gutter, and extended above it by only one or two rungs. No ladder training. The employer did not train workers to recognize or respond to ladder hazards, as required. No ladder inspection. The employer did not ensure the ladder was in good working condition. The ladder was in service with a damaged rung. Workers previously reported this damage to the employer, but the ladder was not fixed or removed from service. ## Recommendations Plan for safety. Conduct pre-shift safety meetings to discuss jobsite hazards. Discuss how to move materials safely-do not climb ladder with materials in hand. Carry tools in a tool belt or raise tools up using a hand line. Proper ladder use. Face the ladder and maintain three points of contact while climbing and descending. Avoid leaning or reaching that could cause the ladder to tip sideways or the base to slide. Never use a damaged ladder. Perform spot checks. Employers should perform daily spot checks to ensure their workers are maintaining proper ladder safety procedures. ## Requirements ■ Training. Employers must train employees to recognize ladder hazards and the procedures to minimize these hazards. See WAC 296-876-[redacted postal code](1) ■ Condition and inspection. Employers must keep portable ladders in good, usable condition. See WAC 296-876-[redacted postal code](1) - Support. You must place the ladder either with a secure footing on a firm, level support surface, or secure the ladder to prevent accidental displacement. See WAC 296-876-[redacted postal code](1) ■ Getting on and off ladders at upper levels. You must make sure a ladder used to access an upper level has t…

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