Ladder Safety
Objectives Employees receiving this training will be able to: Select the correct ladder to use Perform pre-use inspections of ladders Properly store ladders Recognize actions that could cause injuries when using ladders 2
Who is Required to Complete this Training? Employees who are required to use ladders in the course of their job Team leaders, facilitators, or others who supervise employees who use ladders 3
Hazards Associated with Ladder Use Falling from the ladder Dropping items while on a ladder Coming in contact with electrical lines, hot pipes, fans, etc. Injuries caused from improperly stored ladders or ladders tipping over 4
Choosing the Right Ladder
Ladder Selection Choose a ladder appropriate for the job. The ladder must have the proper: Strength Length Material of construction Match the weight capacity of the ladder (see chart on next slide) to the load it will be subjected to (your weight, weight of tools and parts you will carry) 6
Stepladder Ratings Class Capacity I-A Heavy Duty 300 lbs (136 kg) I Heavy Duty 250 lbs (113 kg) II Medium Duty 225 lbs (102 kg) III Light Duty 200 lbs (90 kg) 7
If you don t have the correct ladder If your facility does not have a ladder with the features necessary to perform the job safely, use a work platform or other device instead 8
Transporting Ladders Ask for assistance when carrying heavy or long ladders If a ladder must be transported on a vehicle, make sure it is securely fastened 9
About Inspections A visual inspection must be conducted prior to each use A documented inspection must be performed prior to first use and monthly thereafter A documented inspection must be performed if ladder is involved in an incident that may have damaged the ladder 10
Performing Inspections Inspect: Side rails for dents or bends Rungs for excessive denting Rung-to-side-rail connections Hardware connections Rivets for shear Four rubber feet (footpads) on bottom of step ladders Metal spreader or locking device to be sure it is in good working condition Check for: Grease, or other slippery materials on rungs or rails Broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps Broken or split rails Sharp edges, burrs, etc Other faulty or defective components. 11
Defective Ladders Damaged or defective ladders must be taken out of service Tag the defective ladder Dangerous, Do Not Use or other equally effective terminology Only repairs authorized by the manufacturer can be performed on ladders 12
Storage Ladders must be stored: Lying down or Chained in an upright position 13
Guidelines for Use Allow only one person at a time on a ladder Always face the ladder when climbing up or down the ladder Use both hands when climbing or descending a ladder Don t overly stretch when on the ladder, move the ladder closer to the work Follow manufacturer s load rating for the ladder Avoid carrying tools when ascending or descending ladders Wear slip-resistant shoes Maintain ladders free from oil, grease, or other slipping hazards Always return ladder to storage area after use. Do not leave ladders unattended in an upright position. Do not leave ladders on the workshop floor if you have finished with them. 14
Guidelines for Use (Continued) Make sure ladder has a secure footing on a level surface, and when feasible, secure the ladder in place at the top and bottom Do not use the top two steps of a regular stepladder as a step or footrest, nor the top as a seat Don t lean a ladder against a surface that may be damaged by it Adjust the position of the ladder only from the floor level rather than from on the ladder or other level 15
Portable Ladders Longer than 20 not permitted 3 types Type I: Industrial; 3-20 (utilities, contractors and industrial use) Type II: Commercial stepladder; 3-12 (painters, offices, light industrial use) Type III: Household stepladder; 3-6 for light duty 16
Portable Ladders Never use a ladder as a scaffold Only one person on the ladder Never placed in front of doorway or door unless the door is blocked, locked or guarded Never place a ladder on boxes or barrels to obtain additional height Never splice a ladder together 17
Ideal Pitch 4 to 1 Ratio The base should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of working ladder height Ladders used for roof access must extend at least 3 feet over top 15 ft. ladder 3 feet 12 ft. building 18
Ladders used for Electrical Work Non-metal/non-conductive side rails No contaminations such as paints, grease, oils, etc. Wood ladders not exposed to water, liquids or excessive humidity Avoid wood ladders if possible 19
Fall Protection If work requires use of a ladder on the platform or some other type of boosting device, fall protection measures are required 20
Fixed Ladders Permanently attached to a structure, building or equipment Equipped with cages or a ladder safety device with a length of more than 20 feet to a maximum unbroken length of 30 feet Cages extend a minimum of 42 inches above the top of a landing Cages extend down the ladder not less than 7 feet nor more than 8 feet above the base of the ladder 21
Summary Ladders must be visually inspected before each use Defective ladders must be tagged and removed from service Store ladders lying down or chained in an upright position Use ladders with non-conductive side rails for electrical work Wood ladders must not be exposed to wet conditions or high humidity Follow guidelines for correct usage Return Ladders to Storage after use. 22
LADDER SAFETY TRAINING Thank you for completing the Ladder Safety Training 2013 Refresher, by signing and returning this form you acknowledge having received this awareness training. Please print and complete this form and return to EHS Responsible Print Name: Department: Location: Houston Signed: Date: 23