Transcript Portable Ladders 2016

Environmental, Health,
Safety, and Risk Management
Portable Ladder Safety
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Compliance Directives
5 Steps of Ladder Safety
Maintenance
Transportation
Storage
Ladder References
 OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.1053 - Ladders
 OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1917.118 - Fixed Ladders
(Marine Terminals)
 OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.27 - Fixed Ladders
(General Industry)
 OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.25 - Portable Wood
Ladders
 OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.26 - Portable Metal
Ladders
Ladder Safety
Just the facts please………….
 Portable ladders are one of the handiest, simplest
tools we use. Because of their effectiveness,
ladders are used by many different people to
perform many different tasks. Although ladders
are very uncomplicated, planning and care are
still required to use them safely. Each year in the
U.S., accidents involving ladders cause an
estimated 300 deaths and 130,000 injuries
requiring emergency medical attention.
Ladder Hazards
• Ladder accidents are usually caused by
improper selection, care or use; not by
manufacturing defects
• Common hazards include instability,
electrical shock, and falls
 STEP 1: SELECT THE RIGHT LADDER FOR THE JOB
 STEP 2: INSPECT THE LADDER BEFORE YOU USE IT
 STEP 3: SET UP THE LADDER WITH CARE
 STEP 4: CLIMB AND DESCEND LADDER CAUTIOUSLY
 STEP 5: USE COMMON SENSE WHEN WORKING
ON A LADDER
Ladder Selection
 Several styles of ladders available
- Straight (single or extension) Ladders
- Step Ladders
 Made of wood, aluminum, and fiberglass (each with
advantages/disadvantages)
 All must have a label certifying that it complies with
specifications of the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) and that it is listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
 Comfort and sturdiness are important
 Aluminum is a good choice of construction since it is lightweight and is not affected
by weather as much as wood. However, wood or fiberglass ladders are not as
"shaky" as aluminum ladders
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Ladder Selection
Wood: Sturdy, non-conductive (when dry),
Aluminum: Lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant, resilient
Fiberglass: Lightweight, strong, corrosion and heat-resistant,
insulated from electricity (when dry)
Wood: Heavy, susceptible to sunlight and water damage (age
fast), cracks and splinters, requires a protective coating which
may aid conduction
Aluminum: Dents easily, extreme heat may degrade load capacity
Fiberglass: Conducts electricity, heavier than aluminum, can
chip/crack on impact
Types of Portable Ladders
Stepladder – A self-supporting portable ladder,
non-adjustable in length, having flat steps and
hinged back.
Single (Straight) Ladder – A non selfsupporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in
length, consisting of but one section. Its size is
designed by overall length of the side rail.
Extension Ladder – A non self-supporting
portable ladder adjustable in length.
Types of Portable Ladders
Ladder Selection
Portable ladders are designed as "one-person" equipment with
the proper strength to support the worker as well as tools and
materials. Ladders are constructed under three general classes:
 Type I Industrial — Heavy-duty with a load
capacity not more than 250 pounds.
 Type II Commercial — Medium-duty with a
load capacity not more than 225 pounds
(suited for painting and similar tasks).
 Type III Household — Light-duty with a load
capacity of 200 pounds.
Ladder Selection
Portable Ladders
 Step ladders longer than 20 feet shall not be used
 Special purpose “Painter’s Ladders” longer than
12 feet shall not be used
 Single ladders longer than 30 feet shall not be used
 Extension ladders longer than 60 feet shall not be used
Ladder Inspection
GENERAL
 Loose steps or rungs?
 Loose nails, screws, bolts, or other metal parts?
 Cracked, split, broken uprights, braces or rungs?
 Damaged or worn non-slip braces?
STEP LADDERS
 Wobbly, or loose/bent hinge spreaders?
 Stop on hinge spreader broken?
 Loose hinges?
 Broken, split, worn steps?
EXTENSION LADDERS
 Loose, broken, missing extension locks?
 Defective locks that do not seat properly when extended?
 Worn or rotted rope?
Ladder Inspection
 Portable ladders with structural
defects, such as, but not limited to,
broken or missing rungs, cleats, or
steps, broken or split rails, corroded
components, or other faulty or
defective components, shall either
be immediately marked in a
manner that readily identifies them
as defective, or be tagged with
Do Not Use
or similar language signage, and
shall be withdrawn from service
until repaired.
Set up the ladder with care
 Do not set up in dangerous or high traffic area
 If high traffic is unavoidable, use a barricade, safety
cones, or guard to prevent collisions
 Temporarily lock or block any nearby door that
opens toward you
 The area around the base should be kept uncluttered
 The ladder should be set on a solid, level surface
 Step ladders should be fully opened with the
spreaders locked
 Never use a folding ladder in the closed position
 Be aware of overhead power lines
WARNING
Never use a metal ladder when working around electricity!
Set up the ladder with care
 Straight ladders should be placed at a
four-to-one ratio. This means the base
of the ladder should be one foot away
from the wall or other vertical surface
for every four feet of height to the
point of support
 To access a roof or platform from a
ladder, the ladder must extend above
the edge at least three feet (Figure2)
 If possible, secure a straight ladder as
close to the point of support as possible
to prevent shifting
 Never lean a ladder against an
unstable surface
Climb and Descend Cautiously!
 3 points of contact climbing ladder at all times
 Do not stand on top 2 rungs
 Secure base and top to stabilize
 Always face the ladder and hold on with both hands
 If you need tools, carry them in a tool belt or raise
and lower them with a hand (tag) line
 To avoid slipping, always check the rungs and the
bottoms of your shoes for slippery substances. You
may wish to apply a slip-resistant material to the
steps of a metal ladder to provide better footing
 Do not try reaching so far that you lose your
balance; move the ladder as needed.
Ladder Maintenance
 Wood ladders should be protected with a clear sealer
varnish, shellac, linseed oil or wood preservative. Wood
ladders should not be painted, because the paint could hide
defects. Check carefully for cracks, rot, splinters, broken
rungs, loose joints and bolts and hardware in poor
condition.
 Aluminum or steel ladders should be inspected for rough
burrs and sharp edges before use. Inspect closely for loose
joints and bolts, faulty welds and cracks. Make sure the
hooks and locks on extension ladders are in good
condition. Replace worn or frayed ropes on extension
ladders at once.
 Fiberglass ladders should have a surface coat of lacquer
maintained. If it is scratched beyond normal wear, it should
be lightly sanded before applying a coat of lacquer.
Ladder Transportation
Transportation:
 One/two-person carry: The front of the ladder
should be kept high enough to clear a person’s
head, especially around corners, in aisles and
through doorways.
 Vehicle Transportation: Use side stakes when
hauling to prevent lateral swing and tie the
ladder down securely. Drive slowly over rough
terrain.
 Prevent Damage: Avoid damaging a ladder at
all times. Do not drop, toss or throw a ladder.
Ladder Storage
Storage:
 Well ventilated areas
 In a manner that will prevent sagging and warping
 Straight/extension ladders are best stored in flat racks or on
wall brackets
 Step ladders should be stored in the vertical, closed position
 Wood ladders should be protected from moisture, insect
damage and excessive heat
 Moisture and sun exposure are the two main enemies of
wooden ladders, and can rapidly shorten the useful life
of a ladder.