Ladder Safety Part 2

Ladders used for access and egress shall extend a minimum of 1 m (3 ft.) above the top of a platform or landing. Always maintain 3-point contact and face the ladder when climbing up or down. Do not carry tools or material in your hands when climbing. When appropriate, use a rope, and a canvas bucket for hoisting or lowering tools or materials. Wire handled pails are not acceptable for raising and lowering items. Workers shall not stand on the top two rungs of any ladder.

On a stepladder the cap is not considered a rung. Ladders shall not be placed near doorways, roadways or equipment access routes, unless the door or access route is made temporarily inoperative and signs are posted. Materials shall not be placed in proximity to the base or landing of any ladder, including scaffold ladders.

Keep boots clean of mud, grease or other slippery materials, which could cause loss of footing. Do not place ladders against flexible or movable surfaces. Extension ladders shall be placed at a ratio of 1:4, base to height. Extension ladders shall have a minimum overlap of 1 m (3 ft.) on the sections at all times. Fly sections shall be secured to prevent unintentional movement of the fly section latches, if the ladder is moved.

When erecting long, awkward or heavy ladders, get help to avoid over exertion. One worker should secure the base of the ladder while the other walks it into position. Stepladders shall only be used on a clean, level and solid base. Stepladders shall only be used in the fully open position with the spreader bars locked.

Workers who are completing temporary work off portable ladders (stepladders) must secure the ladder by tying the ladder to a secure anchor or by having another worker hold the ladder for the duration of the activity.