Ladder Safety - Antioch College

1 OSHA 29 CFR , , Ladder SafetySCOPE AND APPLICATIONThe purpose of this program is to provide information to assist in the selection, care, and safe use of portable ladders. This program establishes the minimum requirements for the construction, care, and use of ladders used in and about the place of employment. OSHA references: (29 CFR , , and ).Our Ladder Safety program contains the following elements: Assignment of Responsibilities Selection of Ladders Inspection of Ladders Use of Ladders Training Program Audit RecordkeepingASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIESM anagement is responsible for providing ladders that are constructed and designed to meet the needs of the jobs in which the use of portable ladders is required. In addition, management is responsible for providing training to employees in the proper selection, inspection, use, and maintenance of ladders used in the workplace. The Program Administrator for our Ladder Safety Program is:The Program Administrator is responsible for overseeing the use of this program and ensuring that employees understand the risk factors associated with the selection and use of portable ladders.

2 In addition, the Program Administrator will: Conduct periodic Ladder inspections Ensure employee Safety training Ensure the company has the right Ladder (s) that are constructed and designed to meet the needs of the jobs where portable Ladder use is required. The Program Administrator is responsible for overseeing the proper use of ladders in the workplace and ensuring all ladders are free from defects and all are working properly. He/She is also responsible for ensuring that ladders are inspected on a regular basis and are properly stored and maintained. If a Ladder is damaged, the supervisor is responsible for ensuring the removal of the Ladder from the are responsible for following company procedures for the safe use, storage, inspection, and maintenance of ladders. They are also responsible for inspecting ladders for defects or possible hazards prior to use, reporting any unsafe conditions related to the ladders or Ladder use to their supervisors and tagging any defective Ladder as out of service.

3 Employees must also attend tool box meetings and/or Safety training 29 CFR , , Ladder SafetySELECTION OF LADDERSIt is required to mark ladders with their size, type, maximum length, number of sections (if appropriate), highest standing level, model number, manufacturer s name, manufacturer s location, and date of manufacture. Depending on Ladder type, it is required that usage guidelines and other warning statements are affixed on the ladders in specific ladders are designed as one-person equipment with the proper strength to support the person as well as any tools and materials. Ladders are constructed under the following classes: Ladder TypeType 1 AType 1 Type 2 Type 3300 RatingDescriptionExtra-heavy-duty industrial ladderHeavy-duty industrial ladderMedium-duty commercial ladderLight-duty household ladderINSPECTION OF LADDERSE mployees will inspect the Ladder prior to use. If a Ladder tips over, immediate inspection is required.

4 The inspection must include the following:1. Inspection for side rail dents or bends or excessively dented rungs2. Check all rung-to-side-rail connections3. Check hardware connections4. Check rivets for shear5. Look for missing, damaged or loose components 6. Carefully check all moving components such as spreaders, extension Ladder locks and ropes. In addition, the department supervisor or designee will inspect ladders for visible defects on a semi-annual basis and after any incident that could affect their safe use. The person performing the semi-annual inspection will complete the Portable Ladder Inspection Checklist located in Appendix A of this program. Frequently lubricate locks, wheels, pulleys, and other is not permissible to paint ladders with an opaque material. It is permissible to coat ladders that are exposed to the weather with a transparent protective material to prevent splintering caused by weathering.

5 Repair of ladders to manufacturer specifications is normally not feasible. Throw away all broken ladders. Before disposal, any Ladder with a defect must be tagged or marked as Dangerous, Do Not Use. Ladder StorageStore ladders where they are protected from the damaging effects of not in use, store ladders in a designated location out of direct sunlight and not exposed to harmful interior/exterior elements that may cause decay/damage. Never store materials on a Ladder . Store straight ladders and extension ladders in storage racks. Be sure that ladders are secured when in transit. Vibration and bumping against other objects may cause 29 CFR , , Ladder SafetyUSE OF LADDERSSA) Ladder SelectionChoose a Ladder that is capable of supporting the load you intend on placing it under by checking the product information label. (Be sure to include the user s body weight.)Choose a Ladder of the correct length to do the job.

6 A Ladder that is too long or too short will force you to overreach, adversely affecting your balance, causing a hazardous condition. Maximum Ladder lengths allowed: Step ladders - 20 feet Single-section portable ladders - 30 feet Two-section ladders: wooden - 60 feet; metal - 48 feet Metal ladders having more than two sections - 60 feet Painters ladders - 12 feet Do not use a metal Ladder for any electrical work or other tasks in the vicinity of energized electrical ) Ladder PlacementAlways check for potential electrocution hazards before positioning any kind of Ladder . When setting up a Ladder , maintain a proper angle by placing the base a distance from the vertical wall equal to one-fourth the working length of the Ladder . Set the Ladder base section on a secure footing that is firm, level, and free of debris and other materials. Do not use a Ladder that wobbles or leans to the left or right of center.

7 Do not place ladders on top of boxes or other unstable bases to gain additional height. Secure ladders placed on uneven footing against displacement. Do not use ladders on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement. Slip-resistant feet are not a substitute for care in placing, lashing, or holding a Ladder that is used on a slippery surface. Secure ladders against accidental displacement by workplace activities or traffic in locations such as doorways, halls, or other similar locations. Lock the door, have someone stand guard, or erect a barricade around the work area to keep the activities and traffic away from the Ladder . Support the top of a non-self-supporting Ladder with the two rails supported equally, unless it is equipped with a single support attachment. When using a Ladder to access a high landing, extend the top of the Ladder at least three feet above the edge of the landing.

8 If this is not possible, then secure the top of the Ladder to a rigid support that will not deflect and a grabrail or other device provided to help the user get on and off the not use a Ladder as a horizontal platform, runway or scaffold, or for any purpose other than that for which the Ladder is 29 CFR , , Ladder SafetyC) Ladder Climbing Always face the Ladder when climbing up or down. Do not get on or off a Ladder from the side or back. Allow only one person at time on a Ladder . Maintain a three-point contact by keeping both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand on the Ladder at all times when climbing up or down. Do not carry any object or load that could cause you to fall or lose your balance. When performing work on a Ladder , keep your body aligned with the center of the steps/rungs to avoid extreme reaching or side loading. Do not lean backwards. Do not try to move, shift or extend a Ladder while it is in you feel sick or dizzy while climbing or standing on a Ladder , do not try to climb down in a hurry.

9 Drape your arms around the rungs and rest your head against the Ladder until you feel better. Then climb down to the following procedure to prevent Ladder accidents: Place Ladder on a clean slip free level surface. Fully open the legs of a stepladder and lock the spreaders. Do not use a folded stepladder as a straight Ladder by leaning it against a wall or other support. Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top on straight or extension ladders or the second tread from the top on stepladders. The Ladder should reach a minimum of three feet above the point of support. Properly secure the Ladder at this point. Never allow more than one person on a Ladder . Use three point contact while climbing to ensure that the worker s center of gravity remains within the side rails. Use carriers and tool belts to carry objects up a Ladder . Do not lean out from the Ladder in any direction. Do not allow others to work under a Ladder in use.

10 Do not use a Ladder or stepladder if there is a missing or a weakened, broken or otherwise defective rung or tread, or a broken or defective rail. Do not use a metal Ladder and or Ladder reinforced with wire in the vicinity of any electrical conductor or of any electrified equipment or apparatus. Such use may result in the user receiving an electric shock. Safety feet are required. Replace the Ladder if the feet are damaged or missing. Do not use ladders as planks to make a scaffold. Never use a Ladder in a horizontal position as a platform or runway. Do not use ladders if under medication. Do not use ladders if bad weather is pending or exists. Do not use ladders in doorways or other high traffic areas. If a Ladder must be used near a door or high traffic area, make sure the door is locked and there is a spotter present. Do not straddle the front and back of a stepladder Do not stand on the pail shelf of a 29 CFR , , Ladder SafetyTRAININGT rain all employees prior to portable Ladder use to recognize hazards and procedures to minimize hazards.