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

Before using any ladder, determine if it is the correct device for the situation, considering the condition of the ground, the height of the work, the type of work, and any hazards present. [11]

Here are key safety guidelines for ladder usage:

• Select the right ladder for the job, considering strength, type, and length.
• Read and follow all labels and markings.
• Ensure the load rating is appropriate for the user, equipment, and task.
• Reject and tag any defective ladders.
• Get help when handling heavy or long ladders.
• Keep ladders away from power wires, using a fibreglass ladder if electricity is a hazard.
• Tie off extensions or straight ladders at the top and secure the bottom.
• Set up barricades and warning signs in doorways or passageways.
• Clean boot soles before mounting and avoid climbing with wet soles.
• Face the ladder when going up or down, keeping your body centered.
• Consider having another worker hold the base.
• Refer to safety regulations and CSA Z11-18 for specific requirements.

[6] Here are some things to avoid when using a portable ladder:

• Do not use a ladder horizontally as a scaffold plank or runway.
• Do not carry objects in your hands while on a ladder; hoist materials or attach tools to a belt.
• Do not work from the top three rungs.
• Do not use a chair, barrel, or box as a makeshift ladder.
• Do not use a portable ladder when other safer options are available.
• Do not join two short ladders to make a longer one.
• Do not paint wooden ladders; use wood preservatives or clear coatings instead.

[6] [7] To set up a ladder properly:

• Use the 4-to-1 Rule: For every 4 feet up, place the base 1 foot from the wall.
• Extend the ladder at least 3 feet (1 m) above the landing platform.
• Place the ladder on a firm, level footing, using slip-resistant feet or securing blocking.
• Rest both side rails on the top support and secure the ladder to prevent slipping.

[7] When climbing:

• Clear the area around the base and top of the ladder.
• Wear a safety harness and tie off the lanyard when working 10 ft (3 m) or more above the ground or when working with both hands.
• Ensure only one person is on a single-width ladder.
• Maintain three-point contact at all times.
• Grasp the rungs, not the side rails.
• Wear protective footwear with slip-resistant soles and heels.
• Ensure electrical equipment is in good condition and properly grounded.
• Rest frequently to avoid fatigue.
• Drape your arms over a rung and rest your head against another rung or side rail if you become dizzy; then, climb down slowly.

[8] When inspecting ladders, look for:

• Missing or loose steps or rungs.
• Damaged or worn non-slip feet.
• Loose nails, screws, bolts, or nuts.
• Worn, loose, or faulty spreaders, locks, and other metal parts.
• Rot, decay, or warped rails in wooden ladders.
• Cracks and exposed fibreglass in fibreglass ladders.
• Cracked, split, worn, or broken rails, braces, steps, or rungs.
• Sharp edges on rails and rungs.
• Rough or splintered surfaces.
• Corrosion, rust, oxidization, and excessive wear.
• Twisted or distorted rails.
• Damage or wear on spreaders, locking devices, hinges, springs, or ropes.
• Missing identification labels.
• Wobble, loose or bent hinges and hinge spreaders, broken stop on a hinge spreader, and loose pail shelf (for stepladders).
• Loose, broken, or missing extension locks, defective locks, defective cords, chains and ropes and missing or defective pads or sleeves (for extension ladders).

[4] [2] [2] [2] After inspecting a ladder:

• 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.
• Tag and take out of service any ladder that has defects, or is broken or bent. Destroy ladders that cannot be repaired safely.

[2] When using extension ladders, secure them by:

• Placing ladders on a firm, level surface.
• Positioning the upper section to rest on the bottom section.
• Placing ladder feet so the horizontal distance between the feet and the top support is 1/4 of the working length.
• Raising and lowering ladders from the ground and ensuring locking ladder hooks are secure before climbing.
• Extending ladders a minimum of 3 ft (1 m) above a landing platform and tying the top at support points.
• Bracing or tying off the ladder near the base.
• Maintaining the minimum overlap of sections as shown on the ladder label.
• Setting up barricades and warning signs when using a ladder in a doorway or passageway.

[5] [1] When using step ladders:

• Conduct a risk assessment when working at heights.
• Check the load rating marked on the stepladder.
• Use a stepladder that is about 3 ft (1 m) shorter than the highest point you have to reach.
• Check the ladder for racks, loose or corroded rivets, defective braces, or parts in poor condition.
• Open the stepladder spreaders and shelf fully and lock the braces.
• Check stability, ensuring all ladder feet are on a firm, level, and non-slippery surface.
• Place a stepladder at right angles to the work.
• Keep the stepladder close to the work.

[9] Maximum length and load rating for step ladders:

• Grade 1AA: Construction and industrial use; special duty with load rating of 375 lbs (170 kg); maximum length of 20 ft (6 m).
• Grade 1A: Construction and industrial use; extra heavy duty with load rating of 300 lbs (136 kg); maximum length of 20 ft (6 m).
• Grade 1: Construction and industrial use; heavy duty with load rating of 250 lbs (113 kg); maximum length of 20 ft (6 m).
• Grade 2: Tradesmen and farm; medium duty with a load rating of 225 lbs (102 kg); maximum length of 12 ft (3.6 m).
• Grade 3: Household; light duty with load rating of 200 lbs (91 kg); maximum length of 6.5 ft (2 m).

[10] When climbing up or down a ladder:

• Face the stepladder.
• Keep your body centered between side rails.
• Maintain three-point contact.
• Keep a firm grip.
• Make sure that footwear is in good condition and clean.
• Place feet firmly on each rung.
• Use a hoist, hand-line, bucket, or other device to rise or lower tools and materials.
• In most cases, only allow one person on a ladder at a time.
• Use the appropriate safety devices when needed.

[11] When climbing up or down a ladder, avoid:

• Hurrying up or sliding down a ladder.
• Jumping from a ladder.
• Carrying tools or materials in your hand while climbing.
• Wearing loose clothing, jewellery, or anything else that may catch while climbing.

[12] Other tips for working on or near ladders:

• If working near electricity, do not use an aluminum ladder.
• Set up warning signs, barricades, lock the door, etc., as necessary to prevent other employees from bumping into the ladder.
• Work from the center of the ladder.
• Do not shift or walk a stepladder when standing on it.
• Do not use tools that require a lot of leverage.
• Do not stand, climb, or sit on the stepladder top or pail shelf.
• Do not stand on or above the top two rungs or steps of the ladder.
• Do not allow another person to work below the ladder.
• Do not use a ladder during high winds or other extreme weather.
• Make sure all workers who may climb a ladder are properly trained.

[13]