Safe Work Procedure: Ladder Use

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the safe practices for the selection, inspection, use, and storage of ladders in all workplace environments. It applies to all workers who use ladders as a means of access or egress. This procedure covers both portable and fixed ladders. It does not cover the use of ladders on extending booms of powered mobile equipment, which requires a separate SWP [1].

2. Definitions

Fixed Ladder: A ladder that is permanently attached to a structure in a vertical position or at an angle of 25 degrees or less from the vertical [2].

Portable Ladder: Any ladder that is not fixed in place, including stepladders [3].

Competent Person: A person who is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and is familiar with the provisions of the occupational health and safety regulations and is knowledgeable of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace [4].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that workers are trained and competent in the safe use of ladders.
• Ensure that ladders are inspected regularly and maintained in safe working condition.
• Provide appropriate ladders for the task and working environment.
• Enforce the requirements of this SWP.

3.2 Workers

• Inspect ladders before each use and report any defects to the supervisor.
• Use ladders in accordance with this SWP and training received.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Immediately remove from service any ladder found to be defective.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
• Monitor compliance with this SWP.
• Investigate incidents involving ladders and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falls from height	Serious injury or death	Use fall protection when required, maintain three-point contact, secure the ladder properly [5].
Ladder collapse	Injury due to structural failure	Inspect ladder before use, do not exceed load capacity, use ladders that meet applicable standards [4].
Electrical contact	Electrocution or burns	Use non-conductive ladders near electrical sources, maintain safe distances from energized equipment 4, 13.
Slipping	Loss of balance and falls	Ensure ladder feet are on a stable, non-slip surface, keep rungs clean and free of debris [4].
Improper ladder selection	Ladder failure or instability	Select the correct type and size of ladder for the task [6].

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times while working with or around ladders to minimize the risk of injury.

• Hard Hat - Protects the head from falling objects or impacts.
• Safety Glasses - Protects eyes from dust, debris, or splashes.
• Work Gloves - Provides better grip and protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and splinters.
• Slip-Resistant Footwear - Prevents slips and falls, especially on ladder rungs.
• Fall Protection Harness - Required when working at heights of 3 meters or more, or where there is a risk of falling into a hazardous substance or object 14, 19.

Inspect all PPE before use to ensure it is in good condition and fits properly. Replace any damaged or worn PPE immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Only use equipment and tools that are in good condition and suitable for the task.

• Portable Ladders - Used for accessing elevated work areas. Ensure ladders meet CSA standards [7].
• Step Ladders - Self-supporting ladders for use on level surfaces. Ensure stepladders are not more than 6 meters high when set for use [8].
• Extension Ladders - Adjustable ladders for reaching various heights. Ensure extension ladders have secure locks and adequate overlap between sections [8].
• Ladder Stabilizers/Levelers - Used to increase the stability of ladders on uneven surfaces.
• Tool Belts/Pouches - Keep tools readily accessible and prevent the need to carry tools while climbing.

Inspect all equipment and tools before use to ensure they are in good working condition. Remove any defective equipment from service.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must be trained and competent in the safe use of ladders, including:

• Ladder selection, inspection, and maintenance.
• Proper ladder setup and positioning.
• Safe climbing techniques (three-point contact).
• Fall protection requirements.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing must be conducted before starting any work involving ladders to discuss:

• The specific tasks to be performed.
• Potential hazards and risks.
• Control measures to be implemented.
• Emergency procedures.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Ensure the work area is clear of obstructions and hazards.
• Provide adequate lighting.
• Identify any overhead hazards, such as power lines.
• Barricade the area around the base of the ladder to prevent unauthorized access.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Ladder Selection and Inspection

Select the appropriate type and size of ladder for the task. Consider the working height, load capacity, and environmental conditions. Inspect the ladder for any defects, such as:

• Damaged or missing rungs.

• Loose or wobbly side rails.

• Cracked or split components.

• Slippery or contaminated surfaces [4].

• Sub-step 1.1: Check the duty rating of the ladder to ensure it can support the weight of the worker and any tools or materials.

• Sub-step 1.2: Verify that the ladder is long enough to reach the work area safely, without overreaching.

• Sub-step 1.3: Ensure that wooden ladders are not painted with any substance that may obscure structural defects [3].

Safety considerations for this step: Never use a defective ladder. Tag it "Dangerous: Do Not Use" and remove it from service until repaired or replaced [6].

Step 2: Ladder Setup and Positioning

Position the ladder on a stable, level surface. Ensure that the ladder feet are on a firm footing and will not slip. For extension ladders, use the 4:1 rule (the base of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of working height) [8].

• Sub-step 2.1: Secure the ladder against accidental movement by tying it off to a fixed structure or using ladder stabilizers [8].
• Sub-step 2.2: When using a ladder near a doorway, block the door open or lock it to prevent someone from opening it into the ladder [9].
• Sub-step 2.3: Ensure that the ladder extends at least 1 meter above the landing platform or roofline [8].

Safety considerations for this step: Never place a ladder on an unstable base, such as a box or barrel [9].

Step 3: Safe Climbing and Working

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 climbing up or down. Do not carry tools or materials while climbing; use a tool belt or hoist them up separately [4].

• Sub-step 3.1: Do not work from either of the top two rungs of a portable ladder, unless the ladder is a stepladder with a platform and handrail [8].
• Sub-step 3.2: Keep your body centered between the side rails of the ladder [10].
• Sub-step 3.3: If fall protection is required, use a personal fall arrest system that is properly anchored [5].

Safety considerations for this step: Never overreach or lean away from the ladder. Descend and reposition the ladder as needed [8].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Ladder Placement: Always place ladders on a stable and level surface to prevent tipping [9].
• Electrical Hazards: Use non-conductive ladders when working near electrical sources to avoid electrocution 4, 13.
• Three-Point Contact: Maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) while climbing to ensure stability [10].
• Ladder Inspection: Inspect ladders before each use for any signs of damage or wear to prevent accidents [6].
• Fall Protection: Use appropriate fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, when working at heights to minimize injury in case of a fall 14, 19.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, follow these general procedures:

• Stop work immediately and assess the situation.
• Evacuate the area if necessary.
• Provide first aid to any injured persons.
• Report the incident to the supervisor or emergency services.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Fall from Ladder: Call for medical assistance immediately. Do not move the injured person unless there is an immediate danger. Provide first aid as needed.
• Electrical Contact: De-energize the circuit if possible. Use a non-conductive object to separate the person from the electrical source. Call for medical assistance immediately.
• Ladder Collapse: Evacuate the area and prevent others from approaching the damaged ladder. Report the incident to the supervisor.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• [Company Medical Contact]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Health and Safety Department]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Supervisor Name]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

• [Relevant Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Regulations]
• CSA Standard CAN3 Z11-M81 (R2005), Portable Ladders [5].
• ANSI Standard A14 Series, Ladder Safety Requirements 2, 5, 14.

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Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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