ladder safety- safety first!

Ladder Safety

What is wrong with this?

“electric” drill

wet

no shoes

Overview

Background Types Selection Climbing/Working

Guidelines Inspection Safety carry

Storage Examples Quiz

Background

1 Death/ Day -Ladder Fall (Http://www.signweb.com)

65,000 Injuries/Year (Http://www.signweb.com)

Regulations

Cal OSHA Title 8, Subchapter 7, Group 1, Article 4– Section 3276 Use of Ladders– Section 3277 Fixed Ladders– Section 3278 Portable Wood Ladders– Section 3279 Portable Metal Ladders– Section 3280 Portable Reinforced Plastic Ladders

Source: http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/sb7g1a4.html

Types of Ladders (1)

Fixed ladders

Types of Ladders (2)

Portable ladders

Portable Ladders required for activities on a construction site (1)

Performance work

Stepladder– Self supporting – Non-adjustable in height– Flat steps– Hinged back

Portable Ladders required for activities on a construction site (2)

Access workSingle Ladder

– Non-self supporting– Non adjustable in height– One section

Extension Ladder– Non-self supporting– Adjustable in length– Two sections

Portable Ladder Selection

Consider work surface– Floor

Level surface

– Top support condition

Ladders be tall enough

to reach work area Non-Conductive Weight capacity rating (person/supplies)

Ladder Duty Rating

Sources: ANSI A14 and OSHA 1910.26

Type Capable of Supporting

Rated Use

Type IAA 375 lbs Special Duty

Type IA 300 lbs Extra Heavy Duty Industrial

Type I 250 lbs Heavy Duty Industrial

Type II 225 lbs Medium Duty Commercial

Type III 200 lbs Light Duty Household

Self Supporting Ladder

Use on level surface Fully extend and lock

Spreaders Never climb or stand on

the top step Maintain three point

contact

Self Supporting Ladder (Cont.)

Use tool belt to carry tools– Pulley – or hoist

High traffic area– Co-worker assistance– Barricade doors– Cones

Non- Self Supporting Ladders

Use on level surface Height to base ratio Extends 3ft above supporting

edge Use tool belt/pulley Stay off the top three rungs Only one person at a time Three point contact

Non- Self Supporting Ladders (cont.) The 4:1 Height to Base Ratio

Non- Self Supporting Ladders (cont.) Minimum Overlap for Extension Ladders

Ladder Height (ft)

Minimum Overlap (ft)

≤ 36 3

37 – 48 4

48 – 60 5

Safety Ladder Carrying

Carry horizontally Hold at midpoint to balance the load. Get help if needed

Making turns – be careful!

Ladder Inspection

Prior to EVERY use– Loose or damaged rungs, steps, rails or braces– Spreaders can be locked in place– Safety feet are present on straight

ladders– Grease or dirt– Paint can hide defects

Tag-out ladders (Do Not Use)

Climbing/Working Guidelines

Wear slip-resistant footwear

ALWAYS face ladder (up and down) Move slowly/cautiously on ladder

Ladder Storage

ANSI recommendations Dry and ventilated storage area Vertically- support/ tie every 6ft Horizontally- support both ends and middle Do Not store items on top of ladder

– Warp

Example 1:

Example 2:

Example 3:

WATCH YOUR STEP

Contacts

David Wei, Safety Specialist

310-206-4189; dwei@ehs.ucla.edu