Ladder Safety

WHY DO LADDER ACCIDENTS HAPPEN?

  • LADDER MOVES OR TILTS DURING CLIMBING
  • UNSTABLE/SLIPPERY BASE SURFACES
  • MISSTEP/SLIP OF FOOT (WATCH YOUR STEPS)
  • LOSS OF BALANCE (OVERREACH)
  • STRUCK BY VEHICLE OR OTHER EXTERNAL FORCE
  • LACK OF TRAINING

 

WHY DO LADDER ACCIDENTS HAPPEN?

  • Standing ladders on boxes, etc., to gain additional height
  • Climbing one-handed while carrying something in the other hand
  • Leaving tools on the top of the stepladder
  • Throwing tools to a fellow worker on a ladder
  • Placing the ladder at an improper angle
  • Using metal ladders in locations where contact with electric wire is possible
  • Using worn or damaged ladders
  • Failure to secure (tie) the ladder in place

 

TO REDUCE LADDER FALL RISKS

Follow these four simple steps in Ladder Safety:

  • Use the right ladder for the job
  • Inspect the ladder
  • Set-up the ladder properly
  • Follow rules for climbing and using ladders

 

USE THE RIGHT LADDER FOR THE JOB

  • type of activity
  • work surface conditions (smooth, wet floor tiles)
  • length
  • no. of workers
  • made (wood, metal, fiberglass)

 

INSPECT THE LADDER PRIOR TO USE

  • no rungs missing
  • rungs in good condition, no cracks, not slippery, firmly in place
  • equipped with slip-resistant pads
  • pulley, rope, locks and hooks function smoothly on the extension ladder
  • all attachment parts are in good condition

 

SET UP THE LADDER PROPERLY

  • barricade the area of work
  • clear the area around the base
  • lock or block any door that may open in the ladder
  • the minimum clearing distance from overhead electrical cables is minimum of 4 meters, more is required of higher voltage
  • install the ladder on a level surface
  • install the ladder at a correct angle from the wall

 

FOLLOW RULES FOR CLIMBING AND USING LADDER

  • Only use ladder for light work; the person and anything they are taking up should not exceed the highest load stated on the ladder
  • Only use ladder on firm and level ground. Shiny floor surfaces can be slippery even without contamination
  • Only use ladder where they will not be pushed over by other hazards such as doors or windows
  • Ladders used for access to another level should be tied
  • Don’t rest ladders against weak upper surfaces .alternatively, you can use effective spreader bars or effective stand offs.

 

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