>Ladder Safety
Do you think you know all there is about ladder safety? THINK AGAIN.
Choose the Right Ladder
- How high do you have to reach?
The top of the ladder should be no more than 4 feet below the work. - What load capacity should the ladder have?
Compare your weight plus weight of the load and anything you are carrying to the ladder duty rating.
LOAD CAPACITY CHART
Type IAA | Extra Heavy Duty | 375 pounds |
Type IA | Extra Heavy Duty | 300 pounds |
Type I | Heavy Duty | 250 pounds |
Type II | Medium Duty | 225 pounds |
- 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.
- Positioning OSHA 1926.502(e) – Positioning systems allow the worker to sit back securely in their harness …
See Example - 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
- Suspension OSHA 1926.452(o) – Suspension equipment systems are able to lower and support the …
See Example
- Positioning OSHA 1926.502(e) – Positioning systems allow the worker to sit back securely in their harness …
TYPES OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT & ACCESSORIES FOR:
- Homeowners
- Construction Workers
- Hunters
- Mountaineers
- Rock Climbers
- Tree Surgeons / Arborists
- Anyone who needs protection from falls