Top 3 Safety Precautions for A-Frame Ladder Use

A-frame ladders, also known as stepladders, are a common tool in various workplaces. However, their use can lead to falls and injuries if proper safety precautions are not followed. This document outlines the top three safety precautions for the safe use of A-frame ladders, based on industry standards and best practices.

Ladder Inspection and Condition

Before each use, thoroughly inspect the A-frame ladder for any signs of damage or defects. This includes checking for:

• Broken, worn, or missing rungs, cleats, or steps.
• Broken or split side rails.
• Broken or bent guides or iron spreaders.
• Broken or bent locks.

Any ladder found with these or other structural defects must be immediately tagged "DANGEROUS - DO NOT USE" and withdrawn from service until repaired to its original design criteria or replaced. Ensure that ladder components are surfaced in a manner that prevents employee injury due to punctures or lacerations and prevents the snagging of clothing.

Regular inspection is crucial; ladders should be inspected before use and after any incident that could affect their condition, such as a fall. By identifying and removing damaged ladders, you prevent their use and reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Wooden ladders should not be coated with any material that may obscure structural defects. Metal ladders should be made with corrosion-resistant material or protected against corrosion.

Citations:

A ladder shall be inspected before use and after it has fallen or been involved in an accident to determine its condition. [1]

A ladder that has any of the following faults and defects shall be immediately tagged "DANGEROUS - DO NOT USE" and shall be withdrawn from service [1]

Portable ladders shall be inspected before use, and ladders with loose, broken or missing rungs, split side rails or other hazardous defects shall be removed from service. [2]

Ladder surfaces are free of puncture and laceration hazards [3]

Proper Setup and Positioning

Ensure the A-frame ladder is placed on a stable and level surface. If the surface is uneven, use ladder levelers or a stable base to create a level platform. Never place a ladder on slippery surfaces unless it is secured or provided with slip-resistant feet. Keep the area around the top and bottom of the ladder clear of obstructions.

When using an A-frame ladder, ensure that it is fully opened and that the spreader bars are locked in place. Never use a stepladder in a partially closed position. If the ladder is placed in a location where it could be displaced by workplace activities or traffic, secure it to prevent accidental displacement, or use a barricade to keep traffic away.

Citations:

Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement. [4]

Ladders shall not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement. [4]

Ladders placed in any location where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic, such as in passageways, doorways, or driveways, shall be secured to prevent accidental displacement, or a barricade shall be used to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder. [4]

The area around the top and bottom of ladders shall be kept clear. [4]

Safe Climbing Practices

Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand). Face the ladder when ascending or descending, and keep your body centered between the side rails. Do not carry any objects or loads that could cause you to lose balance and fall. Rise or lower tools and materials using a hoist, hand-line, bucket, or other device.

Never climb on the top two rungs or the top cap of a stepladder, as this can cause instability and increase the risk of falling. Avoid overreaching; if you cannot reach the work area comfortably, climb down and reposition the ladder. Do not move, shift, or extend a ladder while it is occupied.

Citations:

A worker shall maintain 3 points of contact when using a ladder. [2]

An employee shall face the ladder when ascending or descending. Each employee shall use at least 1 hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up or down the ladder. An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall. [1]

Except as otherwise permitted by a manufacturer, a worker shall not work from either the top 2 rungs of a portable single or extension ladder or the top 2 steps of a stepladder. [2]

Ladders shall not be moved, shifted, or extended while occupied. [4]

Conclusion

By adhering to these top three safety precautions – ladder inspection, proper setup, and safe climbing practices – you can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries associated with A-frame ladder use. Regular training and reinforcement of these practices are essential to maintaining a safe working environment.

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