Before climbing a ladder, several checks should be performed to ensure safety. Here's what to look for:

1. Ladder Condition:

   • Inspect the ladder for any visible defects such as broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, and corroded components [1], [2]. If defects are found, immediately tag the ladder as "Dangerous: Do Not Use" and remove it from service until repaired or replaced [1], [2].
   • Ensure wooden ladders are not coated with any material that could obscure structural defects [1]. Metal ladders should be made with corrosion-resistant material or protected against corrosion [1].
   • Ladder surfaces should be free of puncture and laceration hazards [1], [3].
   • Check that rungs and steps are corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping [4], [3].

2. Ladder Setup:

   • Use ladders only on stable and level surfaces unless they are secured or stabilized to prevent accidental displacement [4].
   • If the ladder is placed in a location where it could be displaced by other activities or traffic, secure it to prevent accidental displacement or guard it with a temporary barricade [4].
   • For non-self-supporting ladders, ensure the top is placed so that both side rails are supported, unless the ladder is equipped with a single support attachment [2], [4].
   • When using a portable ladder to access an upper landing surface, make sure the side rails extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface [4].

3. Safe Use Practices:

   • Ladders should be used only for their designed purpose [1].
   • Always face the ladder when climbing up or down [1], [5], [2].
   • Maintain at least one hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up or down [2], [4].
   • Do not carry any object or load that could cause you to lose balance and fall [2], [4].
   • Ensure that ladders are not moved, shifted, or extended while occupied [2], [4].

4. Electrical Hazards:

   • Ladders made of metal or other conductive material should not be used where an electrical hazard exists [6]. Use approved wood ladders or nonconductive ladders made of synthetic material [6].

5. Specific Ladder Types:

   • Ensure that step ladders have a metal spreader or locking device to hold the front and back sections in an open position [3].
   • For extension ladders, check that they are equipped with necessary guide irons, locks, and hooks and are assembled correctly [7].

6. Fall Protection:

   • When working more than 4 feet (1.2 m) above the ground, a positioning system or personal fall arrest system should be provided and used [8].

7. Training:

   • Ensure that employees are trained to recognize hazards related to ladders and stairways and in the procedures to be followed to minimize these hazards [7].

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of ladder-related accidents and injuries.