To prevent falls and injuries when using ladders in the workplace, it's crucial to follow safety regulations and conduct thorough inspection procedures. Here's a breakdown of key aspects:

1. Training and Hazard Recognition:

• Employers are required to provide a training program for each employee who uses a ladder. This program should enable employees to recognize hazards related to ladders and train them in the procedures to minimize these hazards LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who uses a ladder. The program shall enable each employee to recognize hazards related to the ladder and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed to minimize these hazards.", source_document_reference_number=3).
• Training must cover the nature of fall hazards, correct procedures for erecting and maintaining ladders, proper ladder construction and usage, load-carrying capacities, and relevant safety rules LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="An employer shall ensure that each employee has been trained by a competent person in all of the following areas, as applicable:

(a) The nature of fall hazards in the work area.

(b) The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall protection systems to be used.

(c) The proper construction, use, and placement of, and care in handling, ladders.

(d) The maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders that are used.

(e) The rules contained in this part.", source_document_reference_number=3).

2. Ladder Inspection:

• Ladders must be inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more frequently as necessary, to identify any visible defects that could cause employee injury LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="Ladders are inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more frequently as necessary, to identify any visible defects that could cause employee injury", source_document_reference_number=5), and before each use LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="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.", source_document_reference_number=6).
• Ladders should also be inspected after being dropped or involved in an accident LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="A ladder shall be inspected before use and after it has fallen or been involved in an accident to determine its condition.", source_document_reference_number=1).
• Key things to look for include missing or loose steps or rungs, damaged or worn non-slip feet, loose components, and any signs of rot or decay in wooden ladders. For fixed ladders, also check for damaged cages or corroded parts LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="loose, worn and damaged rungs or side rails

• damaged or a corroded cage

• corroded guard, bolts and rivet heads

• damaged or corroded handrails and brackets on platforms

• broken or loose anchorages

• weakened or damaged rungs on brick or concrete slabs

• slippery surfaces from oil and ice

• clutter obstructing the base of ladder or platform", source_document_reference_number=13).

3. Defective Ladders:

• Any ladder with structural or other defects must be immediately tagged as "Dangerous: Do Not Use" or similar language and removed from service until properly repaired or replaced LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="Any ladder with structural or other defects is immediately tagged \"Dangerous: Do Not Use\" or with similar language in accordance with § 1910.145 and removed from service until repaired in accordance with § 1910.22(d), or replaced", source_document_reference_number=5).
• Withdraw ladders with defects such as broken, worn, or missing rungs, broken or split side rails, or broken or bent components from service LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="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:

(a) Broken, worn, or missing rungs, cleats, or steps.

(b) Broken or split side rails.

(c) Broken or bent guides or iron spreaders.

(d) Broken or bent locks.", source_document_reference_number=1).

4. Safe Ladder Usage:

• Ladders should be used only for their designed purpose LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="Ladders are used only for the purposes for which they were designed", source_document_reference_number=5).
• Always face the ladder when climbing up or down, and maintain at least one hand to grasp the ladder LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="Each employee faces the ladder when climbing up or down it", source_document_reference_number=5), and maintain 3 points of contact when using a ladder LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="A worker shall maintain 3 points of contact when using a ladder.", source_document_reference_number=6).
• Do not carry any object or load that could cause you to lose balance and fall LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="No employee carries any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall while climbing up or down the ladder.", source_document_reference_number=5).
• Ladders should be placed on a stable and level surface or secured to prevent accidental displacement LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="Ladders are used only on stable and level surfaces unless they are secured or stabilized to prevent accidental displacement", source_document_reference_number=5).
• Keep the area around the top and bottom of ladders clear LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="The area around the top and bottom of ladders shall be kept clear.", source_document_reference_number=12).
• Ladders placed in проходимways, doorways, or driveways must be secured or guarded by a barricade LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="Ladders placed in locations such as passageways, doorways, or driveways where they can be displaced by other activities or traffic:

(i) Are secured to prevent accidental displacement; or

(ii) Are guarded by a temporary barricade, such as a row of traffic cones or caution tape, to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder", source_document_reference_number=5).

• Ensure that ladders are not loaded beyond their maximum intended load LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load for which they were built, nor beyond their manufacturer's rated capacity.", source_document_reference_number=12).

5. Specific Ladder Requirements:

• Portable Ladders: Use at a pitch where the horizontal distance from the top support to the base is not more than 1/4 of the vertical distance between these points LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="A portable ladder must be used at such a pitch that the horizontal projected distance from the top support to the base is not more than 1/4 of the vertical distance between these points.", source_document_reference_number=1). The side rails must extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="Portable ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface have side rails that extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface", source_document_reference_number=5).
• Fixed Ladders: Annually inspect gin poles by a qualified person LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="Gin poles shall have a documented inspection annually by a

qualified

person", source_document_reference_number=2). Visually inspect gin pole and rigging prior to each use, and during use, to make sure it is in safe operating condition LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="In addition to the annual inspection, the employer shall designate a competent person who shall visually inspect the gin pole and rigging prior to each use, and during use, to make sure it is in safe operating condition. Any deficiencies shall be repaired before use continues", source_document_reference_number=2).

6. Fall Protection:

• When employees are working on a structure where no adequate tie-off anchorage points exist, ensure each employee under the fall protection plan has been trained as an authorized climber LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet="That each employee under the fall protection plan has been trained as an authorized climber.", source_document_reference_number=14).

By adhering to these safety regulations and inspection procedures, employers can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries associated with ladder use in the workplace.