Falls from ladders are a major cause of serious injuries; therefore, it's important to be aware of the hazards and take necessary precautions. Incidents usually involve using the wrong or defective ladder, improper setup, or inadequate training. [3]

To prevent falls and injuries, here are key safety regulations and inspection procedures for ladders:

Ladder Selection:

• Select the correct ladder for the task, considering the required strength, type, and length. Ensure it has the appropriate load rating for the user, equipment, and task.
• For electrical hazards, use a fibreglass ladder.
• Stepladders have different ratings (or grades) with different maximum lengths.
• Portable ladders are available in various grades: light duty or grade 3; medium duty or grade 2; heavy duty or grade 1.

[9] [9] [13] [3] Pre-Use Inspection:

• Inspect ladders immediately upon receipt and before each use.
• Check ladders that have been dropped or have fallen before using them again.
• Look for missing or loose steps or rungs, damaged non-slip feet, and loose or faulty spreaders, locks, and other metal parts.
• For wooden ladders, check for rot, decay, or warped rails.
• For fibreglass ladders, check for cracks and exposed fibreglass.
• Inspect extension ladders for loose, broken, or missing extension locks, defective locks, sufficient lubrication of working parts and defective cords, chains and ropes.
• Ensure labels are present and legible.

[4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] Safe Ladder Setup:

• Set up the ladder at the correct angle using the 4-to-1 rule: For every 4 feet up, place the base 1 foot away from the wall.
• Extend the ladder at least 3 feet (1 m) above the landing platform.
• Place the ladder on a firm, level surface.
• Brace or tie off the ladder near the base; use a stake in the ground if there is no structure to tie to.
• Set up barricades and warning signs when using a ladder in a doorway or passageway.
• Secure both the base and top of a ladder to prevent movement.

[10] [10] [6] [1] [1] [12] Safe Ladder Usage:

• Maintain three-point contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) at all times.
• Face the ladder when climbing up or down.
• Keep your body centered between the side rails.
• Do not work from the top three rungs.
• Do not carry objects in your hands while climbing; hoist materials or attach tools to a belt.
• Ensure only one person is on a single-width ladder.
• When working 10 feet (3 metres) or more above ground, use a safety belt or harness with the lanyard tied appropriately to the structure.
• Do not use ladders near power lines; keep ladders and other tools at least 10 feet away from power lines.

[11] [8] [8] [9] [9] [11] [1] [1] Post-Inspection and Maintenance:

• Tag any defective ladders and take them out of service.
• Clean fibreglass ladders every three months with a clear lacquer or paste wax.
• Protect wooden ladders with a clear sealer or wood preservative.
• Replace worn or frayed ropes on extension ladders.
• Lubricate pulleys on extension ladders regularly.
• Destroy ladders that cannot be repaired safely in a way that makes them useless.
• Store ladders properly, protected from weather and where they will not be unintentionally hit or damaged.

[2] [2] [5] [5] [5] [5] [7] [7] By adhering to these safety regulations and inspection procedures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries associated with ladder use.