Safe Work Procedure for Ladder Use

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 requirements for the safe use of ladders in all workplaces covered by the Alberta and British Columbia Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations. It applies to the selection, inspection, setup, use, and storage of all types of ladders, including portable and fixed ladders. This SWP is intended to prevent falls and other injuries associated with ladder use. It does not cover specialized ladder use, such as those on extending booms or fire-fighting equipment.

2. Definitions

Fixed Ladder A ladder that is permanently attached to a structure. [2]

Portable Ladder A ladder that can be easily moved and is not permanently attached to a structure. Fall Arrest System A system used to stop a worker from falling, consisting of a full body harness, lanyard, and anchor point. Competent Person A person who is adequately qualified, suitably trained, and with sufficient experience to safely perform specific work without supervision or with a minimal degree of supervision.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that workers are trained and competent in the safe use of ladders.
Provide workers with the appropriate ladders for the task.
Ensure that ladders are inspected regularly and maintained in good condition.
Enforce the requirements of this safe work procedure.

3.2 Workers

Inspect ladders before each use and report any defects to the supervisor.
Use ladders in accordance with this safe work procedure and training.
Use appropriate fall protection when required.
Maintain three points of contact when climbing or working on a ladder.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of this safe work procedure.
Participate in ladder safety inspections.
Raise awareness of ladder safety issues.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Ladder collapse due to defects	Worker fall and injury	Inspect ladders before each use for damaged or missing rungs, loose connections, or corrosion. Remove defective ladders from service.
Improper ladder setup	Ladder slippage or tipping	Ensure ladder is placed on a stable and level surface. Secure the ladder to prevent movement. Use the correct angle (4:1 rule).
Overreaching	Loss of balance and fall	Keep your center of balance between the side rails. Avoid extending your reach. Reposition the ladder as needed.
Carrying heavy objects	Loss of balance and fall	Use a hoist or other means to lift heavy objects. If carrying is necessary, use a tool belt or other device to keep hands free for climbing.
Electrical hazards	Electrocution	Use non-conductive ladders when working near electrical equipment. Maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines.
Lack of fall protection	Serious injury or death from falls	Use a personal fall arrest system when working at heights of 3 meters or more where it is reasonably practical. Ensure the fall arrest system is properly inspected and used.
Vertical ladder on scaffold [1]	Worker fall and injury	Workers moving between levels of a scaffold on a vertical ladder must not extend a part of their body, other than an arm, beyond the side rails of the ladder and must maintain a 3-point stance on the ladder at all times.
Working from a ladder that is used to give access to the working levels of a scaffold [1]	Worker fall and injury	No worker performs work from a ladder that is used to give access to the working levels of a scaffold.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personal protective equipment (PPE) must be inspected before each use and maintained in good condition.

Hard Hat: CSA-approved hard hat to protect against head injuries from falling objects.
Safety Glasses: CSA-approved safety glasses to protect against eye injuries from dust, debris, or chemical splashes.
Work Gloves: Gloves appropriate for the task to protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure.
Safety Boots: CSA-approved safety boots with slip-resistant soles to provide foot protection and prevent slips and falls.
Full Body Harness: A properly fitted full body harness is required when using a personal fall arrest system. Ensure the harness is inspected before each use.

Inspect all PPE before each use. Replace any damaged or defective PPE immediately. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools used for ladder work must be in good working condition and inspected before each use.

Ladder: Appropriate type and size of ladder for the task. Ensure the ladder is in good working condition.
Fall Protection System: If required, a complete fall protection system including a full body harness, lanyard, and suitable anchor point.
Tool Belt: To carry tools and materials, keeping hands free for climbing.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and repair.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All workers who use ladders must be trained and competent in their safe use. Training must include ladder inspection, setup, climbing techniques, and fall protection requirements.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted before starting any work involving ladders. The briefing must cover the hazards, risks, and control measures associated with the task.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: The work area must be inspected and prepared before starting any work involving ladders. This includes ensuring the area is free of hazards, the ladder can be safely positioned, and adequate lighting is available.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Pre-Use Inspection: Inspect the ladder for any defects, such as damaged rungs, loose connections, or corrosion. Check the surrounding area for hazards.
- Ensure ladder feet are not worn or damaged.
- Check for any oil or grease.
2. Ladder Selection: Select the appropriate type and size of ladder for the task. Ensure the ladder is long enough to reach the work area without overreaching.
- Consider the duty rating of the ladder.
- Ensure the ladder is non-conductive if working near electricity.
3. Ladder Setup: Place the ladder on a stable and level surface. If using an extension ladder, ensure the overlap of the sections meets the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Use ladder levelers on uneven surfaces.
- Never place a ladder in front of a closed door that could open towards it.
4. Securing the Ladder: Secure the ladder to prevent movement. Tie off the top of the ladder to a stable anchor point. If this is not possible, have another worker hold the base of the ladder.
- Use appropriate tie-off methods.
- Ensure the anchor point is strong enough to withstand the load.
5. Climbing the Ladder: Maintain three points of contact at all times when climbing or working on the ladder. Face the ladder and use both hands to grip the rungs.
- Do not carry heavy objects while climbing.
- Wear slip-resistant footwear.
6. Working on the Ladder: Avoid overreaching. Keep your center of balance between the side rails. If necessary, reposition the ladder.
- Use a tool belt to keep tools within easy reach.
- Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.
7. Fall Protection: When required, use a personal fall arrest system. Ensure the anchor point is suitable and the lanyard is properly connected.
- Inspect the fall arrest system before each use.
- Ensure the lanyard is short enough to prevent a free fall of more than 6 feet.
8. Descending the Ladder: Use the same three-point contact method when descending the ladder. Face the ladder and maintain a firm grip.
- Do not slide down the ladder.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
9. Ladder Storage: Store ladders in a dry and secure location, away from traffic and potential damage.
- Clean the ladder before storing it.
- Hang the ladder or lay it flat to prevent warping.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Never use a ladder that is damaged or defective. Remove it from service immediately.
Do not exceed the maximum load capacity of the ladder.
Be aware of weather conditions. Do not use ladders in high winds or during electrical storms.
Maintain a clear work area around the ladder.
Never leave a ladder unattended.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a fall or other injury, immediately call for help and provide first aid. Ensure the injured worker receives prompt medical attention.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Worker falls from ladder: 1. Immediately call for help and provide first aid. 2. Do not move the injured worker unless necessary to prevent further harm. 3. If the worker is suspended in a fall arrest system, ensure they are rescued promptly to prevent suspension trauma. 4. Document the incident and investigate the cause.
Ladder contacts electrical wires: 1. Immediately call for help and warn others in the area. 2. Do not touch the ladder or the worker if they are in contact with electrical wires. 3. If possible, disconnect the power source. 4. Keep others away from the area until the situation is safe.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. A written report must be completed and submitted to the safety department within 24 hours.

All incidents will be investigated to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence. The investigation will be conducted by a team including the supervisor, safety representative, and worker representative.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]