What Goes Up… Must Come Down

Portable Ladder Safety

Overview       Equipment   Types Checks Critical Number Set Up Ascending/descending While in Use Safe Practices

Equipment - Types

Equipment - Types     Type & style Proper length Duty rating      Special duty (IAA) – 375 lbs.

Extra heavy duty (IA) – 300 lbs.

Heavy duty (I) – 250 lbs.

Medium duty (II) – 225 lbs.

Light duty (III) – 200 lbs.

Material

Equipment - Checks        Prior to each use Replace steps showing ¼ surface is worn away Never paint wooden ladders Check feet to make sure they are securely attached Clean and lubricate moving parts (spreaders, hinges, locks & pulleys) Replace worn labels and components Never use ladders with broken components

Critical Numbers • 3 ft above the surface • Distance from structure = ¼ height of the structure

Critical Numbers No less than 3 ft.

20 ft.

height No less than 5 ft.

Set Up – Extension Ladders  Check for overhead hazards, electrical lines, etc.  Stable surface  If leaning against surface, should extend at least 3 ft. beyond the surface height  Base of ladder ¼ of structure height from the base of the structure

Set Up – Extension Ladders  Walk the ladder up  Closed  No overhead hazards  Back the ladder’s legs up  Raise the fly section

Set Up – Extension Ladder  Secure the ladder  Tie off/hook top  Employee to hold ladder  Level base

Set Up – Step Ladders  Check for overhead hazards, electrical lines, etc.  Stable surface  Fully extend all supports, braces, etc.

Ascending/Descending Always…  Maintain three points of contact  Keep your center of weight (torso) between the legs of the ladder  Use pulleys or a tool belt if you need to carry items with you

Ascending/Descending Fixed Ladders  Must have cage, wells or ladder safety system if height is greater than 24’ but less than 50’ or 24’ above the ground  Could include body harness

While In Use  Never use the top two rungs  One person per ladder

While In Use If you can’t reach… MOVE THE LADDER

Safe Practices      Prohibit ladders from being propped on boxes, barrels and other objects Both rails should be equally supported Ladders should never be moved while occupied Face ladders while climbing and descending Surfaces (both on ladder and ground around the ladder) should be free of oil and other slipping hazards

Safe Practices Safe storage…    Dry location Away from direct sunlight Secure to prevent tipping

Questions? SDAO Loss Control Department (800) 285-5461 (503) 371-8667