Safe Work Procedure: Working with Ladders

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 necessary safety requirements and procedures for the safe use of ladders in the workplace. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who use ladders for any purpose, including but not limited to accessing elevated work areas, performing maintenance tasks, and conducting inspections.

This SWP covers the selection, inspection, setup, and safe use of various types of ladders, including step ladders, extension ladders, and fixed ladders. It also addresses the hazards associated with ladder use and the control measures necessary to mitigate those risks.

This SWP should be used in conjunction with all other relevant safety procedures and guidelines, including but not limited to fall protection procedures, lockout/tagout procedures, and confined space entry procedures.

2. Definitions

Competent Person: An individual who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them [1].

Ladder: A structure consisting of two side rails joined by steps, rungs, or cleats, on which a person may step to ascend or descend [1].

Step Ladder: A self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, with flat steps [1].

Extension Ladder: A non-self-supporting portable ladder adjustable in length. It consists of two or more sections traveling in guides or brackets so arranged as to permit length adjustment [1].

Fixed Ladder: A ladder that is permanently attached to a structure [1].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers who use ladders have received adequate training and are competent to perform the task safely [1].
• Conduct regular inspections of ladders to identify any defects or damage [1].
• Ensure that ladders are properly stored and maintained in good working condition [1].
• Enforce the requirements of this SWP and take corrective action when necessary [1].

3.2 Workers

• Inspect ladders before each use to ensure that they are in good working condition and free from defects [1].
• Use ladders only for their intended purpose and within their load capacity [1].
• Set up ladders on a stable and level surface, and secure them properly to prevent slipping or tipping [1].
• Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times while climbing or working [1].
• Report any ladder defects or hazards to their supervisor immediately [1].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of this SWP [1].
• Conduct regular audits of ladder safety practices to ensure compliance with this SWP [1].
• Investigate incidents involving ladders and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence [1].

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falls from height	Serious injury or death	Use appropriate fall protection equipment (e.g., safety harness, lanyard) when working at heights. Ensure ladder is properly secured and stable. Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times.
Ladder collapse	Serious injury or death	Inspect ladder before each use for defects or damage. Use ladder within its load capacity. Do not use damaged or defective ladders.
Electric shock	Electrocution, burns	Keep ladders away from electrical hazards. Use non-conductive ladders when working near electricity.
Slipping or tripping	Sprains, fractures	Ensure ladder is placed on a stable and level surface. Wear slip-resistant footwear. Keep ladder steps and rungs clean and free from debris.
Falling objects	Head injury, other injuries	Establish a drop zone and use barriers to prevent objects from falling. Secure tools and materials to prevent them from falling.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the appropriate PPE for the task and work environment. PPE must be inspected before each use to ensure it is in good condition [1].

• Hard hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts [1].
• Safety glasses with side shields - Protects eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes 2, 4, 5, 6, 11, 16, 19.
• Gloves - Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure. Cotton or leather gloves are recommended when handling 4, 6.
• Slip-resistant footwear - Provides traction and prevents slips and falls [1].
• High-visibility clothing - Increases visibility and reduces the risk of being struck by moving vehicles or equipment [1].

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace any damaged or defective PPE immediately [1].

6. Equipment and Tools

Use only approved and well-maintained equipment and tools for working with ladders [1].

• Ladders - Use ladders that meet or exceed applicable safety standards (e.g., ANSI, CSA) [1].
• Tool belts/pouches - Keep tools readily accessible and prevent them from falling [1].
• Barricades/warning tape - To create a safe work zone [1].

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service immediately [1].

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers who use ladders must receive training on the following topics [1]:

• Ladder selection, inspection, and safe use [1].
• Fall hazards and fall protection measures [1].
• Proper setup and securing of ladders [1].
• Maintaining three points of contact with the ladder [1].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved in the task to discuss the following [1]:

• The scope of the work to be performed [1].
• The hazards associated with the task [1].
• The control measures to be implemented [1].
• The proper use of PPE and equipment [1].
• Emergency procedures [1].

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Inspect the work area for hazards such as electrical lines, slippery surfaces, and unstable ground [1].
• Clear the work area of any obstructions or debris [1].
• Ensure adequate lighting is available [1].
• Barricade the work area to prevent unauthorized access [1].

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Ladder Selection and Inspection

Select the appropriate type and size of ladder for the task. Ensure the ladder is long enough to reach the work area without overreaching. Inspect the ladder for any defects or damage, such as cracked or broken rungs, loose joints, or corrosion [1].

• Check the ladder's load capacity and ensure it is sufficient for the weight of the worker and any tools or materials [1].
• Verify that the ladder is clean and free from grease, oil, or other slippery substances [1].
• Do not use a ladder if it is damaged or defective. Tag it out of service and report it to your supervisor [1].

Safety considerations for this step: Using the wrong ladder or a damaged ladder can lead to falls and serious injuries [1].

Step 2: Ladder Setup

Set up the ladder on a stable and level surface. Ensure the ladder's feet are firmly planted and will not slip. For extension ladders, use the 4:1 rule (for every 4 feet of height, the base of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall) [1].

• Secure the ladder to a stable structure to prevent it from slipping or tipping. Use rope, straps, or ladder stabilizers [1].
• When setting up a ladder near a doorway or walkway, barricade the area to prevent collisions [1].
• Never place a ladder in front of a closed door that could be opened unexpectedly [1].

Safety considerations for this step: Improper ladder setup is a leading cause of ladder accidents [1].

Step 3: Climbing and Working

Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times while climbing or working (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand). Do not carry tools or materials while climbing. Use a tool belt or hoist to raise and lower items [1].

• Do not overreach or lean away from the ladder. Reposition the ladder as needed to stay within a safe working zone [1].
• Never climb higher than the second rung from the top of a step ladder or the third rung from the top of an extension ladder [1].
• Avoid working on ladders in windy or inclement weather [1].

Safety considerations for this step: Losing your balance or dropping tools can lead to falls and injuries [1].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Never use a ladder as a temporary support for scaffolding or other structures - Ladders are designed for specific load capacities and uses [1].
• Do not splice or tie ladders together to increase their length - This can compromise the ladder's structural integrity [1].
• Keep ladders clean and free from paint or other coatings that could conceal defects - Regular cleaning and inspection are essential for ladder safety [1].
• Do not allow more than one person on a ladder at a time - Ladders are designed for single-person use unless specifically rated otherwise [1].
• Always face the ladder when climbing or descending - This helps maintain balance and control [1].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, follow these general procedures [1]:

• Assess the situation and ensure your own safety [1].
• Call for help and provide a clear description of the emergency and location [1].
• Administer first aid if you are trained and it is safe to do so [1].
• Evacuate the area if necessary [1].

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. Administer first aid as needed [1].
• 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 [1].
• Ladder collapse - Evacuate the area and prevent others from approaching. Inspect the ladder to determine the cause of the collapse. Report the incident to your supervisor [1].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• [Company Security]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [First Aid]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards related to ladder use must be reported to the supervisor immediately [1].

An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence [1].

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