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.

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

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.

3. 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.

Make sure your Ladder is at a Safe Angle!

Once you have set up yourladder, double check that

yourladder 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.

Types of Ladders

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).

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).

Inspection

Check for grease, oil, caulking, embedded stone and metal, and other materials that could make using a ladder unsafe.

Set-Up and Placement

Incorrect set-up is a major

cause of ladder accidents.

In this section, we willreview safe set-up andplacement procedures

for -

Straight and extension ladders

Step and platform ladders

Fixed ladders

Setting Up Ladders

Straight and Extension Ladders

It is very important to placethe ladder at the correctangle.

The distance from thebottom of the ladder to thesurface it is leaned againstshould be one quarter of theladder’s position height.

For example, if a ladder is 4metres tall, it should be set1 metre out.

The set-up will make anangle of 75 to 80 degrees.

Setting Up Ladders

If the angle is too low (the base is too far away from the wall), the load capacity of the ladder is reduced.

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.

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

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.

Setting Up Ladders

Even More About Straight and Extension Ladders . . .

Kick out can happen without warning. Always set up a

ladder properly so that the feet cannot

slide or move.

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 andother mobile elevated workplatforms provide ways towork 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 theright length for the job.

Alwaysuse the brakes or rubber caps to stop movement.

Setting Up Ladders

Fixed Ladders

When using a fixed ladder,check closely and carefullyfor 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

competentperson. The inspector of thefixed ladder must wear fallprotection that is properlyanchored to the building.

Setting Up Ladders

More About Fixed Ladders

In Ontario, safety requirements for fixedaccess ladders are found in the health care sectorspecific safety regulations of the Occupational Health & Safety Act including –

Ont. Reg 851 Industrial Establishments,

Section 18 Ont. Reg 67/93Health Care and Residential

Facilities, Section 41

Fall protection such as ropegrabs and cable systems ishighly recommended to prevent falls from fixed access ladders.

Fixed ladders must be installedaccording to specific standardsor requirements. This includes The Ministry of Labour

Engineering Data Sheet 2-04:

Fixed Access Ladders and Ont.

Reg 851 IndustrialEstablishments, Section 18 Ont. Reg 67/93 Health

Careand 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 theladder feet to slide.

Makesure that the surface

andthe ladder feet are

clean.

Setting Up Ladders

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: Fallprotection 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.

Safe Ladder Use

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.

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.

Storage

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