Transcript Ladder Safety

Ladder Safety
Nipigon District Memorial Hospital
Types of Ladders
There are common causes for incidents
involving ladders.

Ladders were not held, tied off
or otherwise secured

Ladders had poor footing or
were placed at improper angles

Ladders were poorly
maintained, damaged or missing
components

The wrong type of ladder was
used near electrical lines

The person did not hold onto the
ladder properly when climbing

The person did not work in a
safe position (eg. leaning out too
far)
Types of Ladders
Choose the Right Ladder
Ladders come in many styles, lengths and materials. Always
choose the right type of ladder, ladder height and material for
the job.
In Canada, ladders are rated by the Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) and will be marked or labelled as CSA
approved.
Choose the right grade and load rating.
Types of Ladders
The most common types of ladders are:

Step - used for general
maintenance (indoors and
outdoors)

Platform - used for general
maintenance (indoors and
outdoors), warehouses, retail
stores

Articulated/Multi-purpose –
used for general maintenance
(indoors and outdoors)

Straight – one piece ladder,
typically used outdoors

Extension – has two or three
adjustable sections, is used
outdoors, and has a higher reach
than a single straight ladder

Fixed – permanently attached to
a wall, tank, etc
Types of Ladders
Choosing the
Minimum Ladder Length
Working from any height can be dangerous. Ask yourself
first 1.
Is there a safe alternative?
2. Do I need to use a ladder for the job?
3. Can the job be done from floor level?
If a ladder must be used to do the job, training in
safe ladder use is essential.
Types of Ladders
Choosing the
Minimum Ladder Length for
STEP LADDERS
1. Measure the highest point you will need to reach.
This height will determine your ladder length.
2. Subtract your height from your
working height.
2. Add 60 cm or 2 feet.
Types of Ladders
Choosing the
Minimum Ladder Length for
EXTENSION LADDERS
1. Measure the highest point you will need to reach.
This height will determine your ladder length.
2. Add 20% of this length (to create the proper angle
needed for stability)
3. Add 1 meter or 3 feet to the highest point you will
need to reach.
Types of Ladders
Make sure your Ladder is at a Safe Angle!
Once you have set up your
ladder, double check that your
ladder is at a safe angle:

At least 1 foot out from the
support wall for every feet of
ladder length

At least 4 rungs should be
extended above the point
where the ladder makes
contact with the wall at the
top.

This will help support your
body.
Lap Coverage is the
length of overlap
between the two
sections of an
extension ladder.
Types of Ladders
Types of Materials
Most ladders are manufactured from –
• Wood
• Aluminum
• Fibreglass
Each type of material is used in specific circumstances and
has specific requirements and special safety tips.
Types of Ladders
WOODEN LADDERS
Inspect wooden ladders frequently for splits, shakes, or cracks
in side rails and rungs, warping or loosening of rungs, and
loosening of hardware. Never add metal supports or brackets.
Many people mistakenly believe that wooden ladders are safe
to use for electrical work. For many reasons, this is not the
case •
Wooden ladders are often constructed with metal
slides along the rails to help make them stiffer. These
metal slides will conduct electricity.
•
New wooden ladders are often finished with shellac
or varnish to protect from moisture. Once this starts
to erode, wear and crack, the ladder will absorb
moisture and therefore conduct electricity.
•
Many wooden ladder manufacturers require ladders
to be treated with a preservative or linseed oil which
maintains the wood and prevents splitting. This
treatment now allows the ladder to conduct
electricity.
NEVER paint a wood ladder. Paint can hide
cracks and other signs of wear.
ALUMINUM LADDERS
Aluminum ladders are lighter than wooden ones, but
can be damaged more readily.
•
Check side rails and rungs to inspect for
missing slip-resistant feet, dents, bends and
loose rungs.
•
When severely damaged, the ladder should be
destroyed. Don’t try to straighten bent or
warped ladders.
•
Aluminum ladders should not
be stored or used in
high temperature
environments.
NEVER use aluminum
ladders where
electrical contact
is possible.
Types of Ladders
FIBREGLASS LADDERS
Fibreglass ladders are more resistant to damage and
corrosion than aluminum ladders and do not conduct
electricity well when dry.
•
If damaged, have them repaired by a person
who is qualified to do so. Destroy the ladder if it is
severely damaged.
•
Inspect for chips, cracks, and “blooming”
(pieces of exposed glass fibre where the mat has
worn off).
• Fibreglass is heat sensitive.
Do not expose to temperatures
above 93 degrees Celsius
(200 degrees Fahrenheit).
Inspection
ALWAYS inspect the ladder before each
use.
 Check non-skid feet for
wear, embedded
material, and proper
pivotal action of swivel
feet.
 Replace frayed or worn
ropes on extension
ladders with type and
size equal to
manufacturer’s original
rope.
 Check dents and bends
in side rails, steps and
rungs, and any cracks,
wear, splits and rot (if
applicable).
Check for grease, oil,
caulking, embedded stone
and metal, and other
materials that could make
using a ladder unsafe.
Setting Up Ladders
Set-Up and Placement
Incorrect set-up is a major
cause of ladder accidents.
In this section, we will
review safe set-up and
placement procedures for  Straight and extension
ladders
 Step and platform
ladders
 Fixed ladders
Setting Up Ladders
Straight and Extension Ladders
It is very important to place
the ladder at the correct
angle.
If the angle is too low (the
base is too far away from the
wall), the load capacity of the
ladder is reduced.
The distance from the
bottom of the ladder to the
surface it is leaned against
should be one quarter of the
ladder’s position height.
If the angle is too high (the
base is too close to the wall),
the ladder will be too steep
and you increase your change
of falling off.
For example, if a ladder is 4
metres tall, it should be set
1 metre out.
The set-up will make an
angle of 75 to 80 degrees.
Setting Up Ladders
More About Straight and Extension
Ladders . . .

Raise the extension ladder
to the right height and lock
both sides.

Make sure the ladder is long
enough so that you can work
standing no higher than the
fourth rung from the top.

Tie the top of the support
points where possible,
Having a person holding the
bottom of the ladder is only
effective for ladders up to 5
metres (15 feet).

When using the ladder to
gain access to another
surface, make sure the top
of the ladder extends 12
metre (3 feet) beyond the
landing. The ladder will
provide hand support for
stepping between the ladder
and the surface.
Setting Up Ladders
Even More About Straight and Extension
Ladders . . .

Make sure that the ladder
has secure footing.

Use ladders with rubber or
metal, “slip resistant” feet.

Clear ice, snow, mud, sand
and debris from work and
walking areas.

Set the ladder up on a firm,
level area.

If not possible, nail a cleat
to the floor or anchor the
feet or bottom of the side
rails carefully.

Stand on the lower rung to
test that the ladder footing
is secure.
Kick out can happen
without warning.
Always set up a ladder
properly so that the
feet cannot slide or
move.
Setting Up Ladders
Step and Platform Ladders

With these types of ladders,
make sure that the spreader
arms are locked in the open
position.

Make sure that the spreader
arms (and the ladder itself)
are not bent or damaged.

Check the stability. Be sure
all feet are on a firm, level
and non-slipping surface.

Use these ladders only in
the open position. Always
lock the spreader arms.
NEVER use them as straight
ladders propped or leaning
against a structure.

Avoid standing on the top 2
or 3 steps of a step ladder.
By being below the top of
the ladder you have
something to hang on to,
and can rest your knees
against the ladder for
balance.

If there is a paint or tool
shelf, do not stand on it. It
is unstable and can only
hold small loads (check the
ladder safety manual for the
maximum shelf capacity).

Keep your body centred
between the side rails. Do
not overreach.
Setting Up Ladders
Setting Up Ladders
Articulating and Other Ladders
 With trestle, extension
and articulated ladders,
be sure to set them up
and use them
according to
manufacturer’s
instructions.
Setting Up Ladders
Platform Ladders
Platform ladders, as well as
towers, scaffold cradles and
other mobile elevated work
platforms provide ways to
work at heights that also have 
Flat, suitably-sized
platforms on which to stand

Built-in barriers or railings

Good stability
Be sure that the ladder is the
right length for the job. Always
use the brakes or rubber caps
to stop movement.
Setting Up Ladders
Fixed Ladders
When using a fixed ladder,
check closely and carefully
for damage.
Look for Loose, worn or damaged
rungs or side rails
 Corroded, or broken, or
loose anchors. Bolts can
rust and deterioration of the
building concrete will also
weaken the anchor point.

Fixed ladders should be
inspected on a regular,
scheduled basis by a competent
person. The inspector of the
fixed ladder must wear fall
protection that is properly
anchored to the building.
Setting Up Ladders
More About Fixed Ladders
In Ontario, safety
requirements for fixed
access ladders are found in
the health care sector
specific safety regulations of
the Occupational Health &
Safety Act including –
Ont. Reg 851
Industrial Establishments,
Section 18
Ont. Reg 67/93
Health Care and Residential
Facilities, Section 41
Fall protection such as rope
grabs and cable systems is
highly recommended to
prevent falls from fixed access
ladders.
Fixed ladders must be installed
according to specific standards
or requirements. This includes
The Ministry of Labour
Engineering Data Sheet 2-04:
Fixed Access Ladders and Ont.
Reg 851 Industrial
Establishments, Section 18
Ont. Reg 67/93 Health Care
and Residential Facilities,
Section 41.
Setting Up Ladders
REMEMBER . . .
 ALWAYS check for
defects before using. If
any ladder is found to be
defective, do not use it.
Tag “out of service” and
tell your supervisor
immediately.
 Before setting up, using
or working from a
ladder, ALWAYS check
for overhead power lines
and other electrical
hazards.
 NEVER use aluminum
ladders near live
electrical equipment or
wires.
Setting Up Ladders
When setting up your ladder . . .

Set the ladder on a firm,
level surface

Secure the base and top
against movement

Make sure that the area
around the base is clear of
unstable material and
debris

When the ladder will be
used for a period of time, it
is recommended that the
immediate area be
barricaded with high
visibility or barrier tape

Do not leave ladders
unattended where others
can climb them.
Note: Dust, sand or dirt
on the floor or working
surface can cause the
ladder feet to slide. Make
sure that the surface and
the ladder feet are clean.
Safe Ladder Use
Setting Up .. .

Make sure that rails on
ladders extend at least 1
metre (3 feet) above the
landing. The ladder allows
for secure grip when
stepping on and off the
surface.

Set straight or extension
ladders 30 centimetres
(1 foot) out for every
120 centimetres (4 feet).

Do not place ladders on
flexible or moveable
surfaces.

Do not work on adders in
windy or bad weather.
REMEMBER: Fall
protection is required
When working above 3
metres (10 feet).
Safe Ladder Use
Remember . . .



Never erect ladders on
boxers, carts, tables,
scaffold platforms, man
lifts, vehicles or other
unstable surfaces to extend
reach. Use longer ladders.
NEVER use ladders
horizontally as scaffold
planks or runways, or for
any other purpose for which
they were not designed.
Do not set up ladders in
doorways, passageways,
driveways or any location
where they can be struck or
knocked over.

With long, awkward or
heavy ladders, get help
setting up in order to avoid
injury from over-exertion.

Raise and lower ladders
from the ground.

Make sure that locking
hooks are secure before
climbing.

Keep the minimum overlap
between sections of an
extension ladder (as stated
on the ladder label).
Safe Ladder Use
Climbing Up and Down
 ALWAYS face the ladder
when climbing up or
down and while working.
 Maintain 3-point contact
when climbing up or
down. Have two hands
and one foot, OR two feet
and one hand, on the
ladder at all times.
Safe Ladder Use
Working from a Ladder

Keep appropriate footwear
clean of mud, grease, or
Any loose or slippery
material which could cause
loss of footing.

Keep your centre of gravity
between the side rails. As a
guide to avoid overreaching,
your belt buckle should
never be outside of the side
rails.

Do not “walk”, “bounce”,
“hop”, or “jump” a ladder.
Climb down and reposition
the ladder correctly.

NEVER carry tools or
materials in your hands
when climbing. Use a hoist
rope or tool belt instead.
Safe Ladder Use
Remember . . .

Stand no higher than the
third or fourth rung from
the top. Maintain knee
contact for balance.
ALWAYS maintain a
minimum 3-point contact.

When working 3 metres (10
feet) or more above the
ground or floor, you are
required to wear a safety
harness with the lanyard
tied off to a suitable anchor
point.

Hold onto the rungs when
climbing a ladder, not the
side rails. If you slip,
holding onto the rungs is
easier than grabbing the
rails.
If you feel dizzy or panicky,
drape your arms over a rung
and rest your head on
another rung or the side rail.
Rest and then climb slowly.
Storage
•
Store ladders where they are protected from the
weather.
•
Hang portable ladders horizontally on racks. Place
support hooks every 2 metres (6 feet) to prevent
sagging.
•
Keep wooden ladders in a well ventilated space, away
from dampness and excessive heat.
•
Do not expose fibreglass ladders to excessive
temperatures above 93 degrees Celsius
(200 degrees Fahrenheit) or excessive sunlight.
UV light and weather can degrade the plastic resin.
Storage
Transporting Ladders on a Vehicle
 Put padding on the racks
to reduce wear and road
shocks.
 Tie ladders to each
support point to reduce
damage.
 Tie orange or red flags
on ladders that are
longer than the vehicle.
Responsibilities
Everyone has responsibilities for ensuring Workplace
Safety under the Occupational Health & Safety Act . . .
Supervisors must ensure that –
•
•
•
•
Ladders are CSA approved
Damaged ladders are removed from service,
repaired or disposed of
Ladders used are adequate for the job
All employees are trained to know what ladder
to use when, and how to use ladders safely
The employee must –
•
•
•
•
Follow all established safe practices when using
ladders
Not use damaged or unsafe ladders
Report damaged or unsafe ladders immediately
Use the proper ladder for the job