Ladder Safety The Most Common Causes of Ladder

Ladder Safety

The Most Common Causes of Ladder Accidents Are: l Overreaching on ladders l Failure to secure ladders l Climbing one-handed l Standing on the top rung or platform l Using worn or damaged ladders l Leaving tools on ladders

Types of Ladders l Stepladders are self-supporting and good for low heights l Portable ladders lean against walls, allowing a higher reach l Only use Type IA or Type I ladders in the workplace

Inspect Your Ladders Do not climb a ladder before you have inspected it for: – Cracks in the wood – Loose or damaged rungs – Broken locks or pulleys – Frayed or worn ropes

Three Steps To Safely Set-up Your Ladder Step One - Lay the ladder on the ground Step Two - Lift end away from wall over your head and walk to wall Step Three - Pull base out with four foot to one foot rule

Proper Ladder Placement l Place ladder on solid, dry, flat surface l Level with ladder legs or stable platform l Use slip resistant shoes on the ladder l If accessing a roof, ladder must extend at least four rungs above the surface l Warning: Improper placement of ladders causes injuries

Secure The Ladder l Tie the top and bottom of the ladder to a secure location l Use ladder stays if the top of the ladder must lean against a window l Have a person hold the ladder if you cannot secure it with ropes or straps

Climb Safely On a Ladder By: l Facing the ladder and grabbing the rungs l Keeping your belt buckle inside the rails l Not carrying heavy or bulky loads l Draping your arms around the rungs if sick, dizzy or panicky

When Working In A High Traffic Area: l Place warning signs or barriers l Lock doors that can swing open l Have someone hold and guard the ladder

When Working Around Electricity: l Do not use metal or wet wooden ladders l Use ladders with non-conductive side rails l Keep 10 feet away from electrical sources l Check for overhead hazards

Summary l Most ladder accidents are the result of careless or improper ladder usage l Before climbing: – Always inspect a ladder for damage – Secure the ladder if unstable or unsafe l As a guide, always keep your belt buckle inside the rails of the ladder