>Ladder Safety

• Should you use a wood or fiberglass ladder?
  Fiberglass ladders should be used if there is any chance you will come in contact with electricity.
• Do not use a ladder for any other purpose than for what it is designed. 
                             

• Be sure the steps are clean – not greasy or slippery.

   

• Be sure to check the ladder before using for any damage or defective parts.

How to Inspect a Ladder

• Look carefully for any corrosion, defects, or cracks. Make sure all bolts and rivets are secure.
• The rungs, cleats, or steps should not be missing, bent, or broken.
• Make sure that all the joints between the steps or rungs and side rails are tight.
• It is important that fittings, hardware, and accessories are securely attached and working properly.
• The ladders feet should work properly. The feet should have slip-resistant pads.
• Remove any unsafe ladders from service.
• If you have a company, make sure that a qualified person makes a full documented inspection of all the ladders

How to Properly Set Up a Ladder

• Place the base of the ladder on a hard, even surface. If the surface is soft, use a board under the feet of the ladder. Avoid slippery, wet surfaces.
• A ladder should never be leaned against a window pane or other unstable surface.
• All extension ladders should extend at least 3 feet beyond the upper level surface.
• Here is a formula for safe placement:
  An extension or straight ladder should be placed 1 foot away from the surface it’s resting on for every 4 feet of the ladder’s height.

 

Safety Tips

• If you feel ill or dizzy, do not use a ladder. Save the job for another day.
• Always face the ladder and put your hands on the rungs. Never put your hands on the side rails.
• Keep three points of contact with the ladder at all times:

 

• Never get off the ladder from the side.
• Never stand higher than the third rung or step from the top.
• Reposition the ladder instead of leaning or overreaching.

 

• Don’t carry tools while you are climbing. Use a tool belt or put the tools in a bucket and pull it up with a rope.
• Wear slip-resistant shoes or work boots.
• Only one person should be on the ladder at a time.
• The area around the top and bottom of the ladder should be kept clear and free of any debris.
  Keep Area Around the Base of the Ladder Clean

  

• If the weather is bad or windy, don’t use the ladder.
• If suddenly bad weather arises, immediately come down and wait for it to be over.
• After use, clean the ladder to avoid dirt build-up.

Do you need fall protection?

• If the height of the ladder is 10 feet or higher above the floor or ground a personal fall protection system may be needed. The system could be a fall arrest, fall restraint, positioning system, or another approach.

Fall Arrest Systems

• In the construction industry, OSHA defines a fall hazard as a drop of 6 feet or more from a working/walking surface to a lower level or grade. Some exceptions exist, including (but not limited to) ladders, scaffolding, and steelwork. Common fall arrest equipment includes an anchor point, body harness, and connector (such as a lanyard or self-retracting lifeline.
  
  Disclaimer
• There are three categories of fall arrest systems.
  1. Positioning OSHA 1926.502(e) – Positioning systems allow the worker to sit back securely in their harness …
     See Example  
  2. Retrieval OSHA 1926.502(d)(20) – Otherwise known as a rescue plan, retrieval is a crucial step in the development of a fall protection plan.… See Example 
  3. Suspension OSHA 1926.452(o) – Suspension equipment systems are able to lower and support the …
     See Example

TYPES OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT & ACCESSORIES FOR:

• Homeowners
• Construction Workers
• Hunters
• Mountaineers
• Rock Climbers
• Tree Surgeons / Arborists
• Anyone who needs protection from falls

Disclaimer