ladder tool box talk

Use the right ladder for the job and environment. Select a ladder that is the correct type and height, is rated for the combined weight of the worker, tools, and materials, and is made of nonconductive material such as fiberglass when there is any chance of electrical contact. Stepladders are for self-supporting access only and must be fully opened; extension ladders are non-self-supporting and must be leaned against a structure that can support the load. [1] [4] [3]

• Inspect the ladder before every use.
• Check rails, rungs, steps, cleats, feet, spreaders, locks, bolts, rivets, ropes, and labels for damage, wear, corrosion, looseness, or missing parts.
• Make sure the ladder is clean and free of oil, grease, mud, wet paint, or other slippery substances.
• Verify anti-slip feet are intact and extension ladder locks engage properly.
• Tag defective ladders out of service and remove them until repaired or discarded.

[1] [4] [12] Set ladders up on firm, level, non-slippery footing and keep the area around the top and bottom clear. For extension ladders, use the 4:1 setup angle: place the base 1 foot out for every 4 feet of working length. Extend the ladder at least 3 feet above the landing when accessing an upper level, and secure the top to prevent sliding. Do not place ladders in doorways, walkways, or traffic areas unless they are secured or the area is barricaded. [2] [12] [6]

Maintain three points of contact whenever climbing up or down: either two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. Always face the ladder, keep your body centered between the side rails, and do not overreach. If the work is out of reach, climb down and reposition the ladder. Do not carry tools or materials in your hands while climbing; use a tool belt or hand line instead. [10] [1] [2]

• Never stand on the top step, top cap, or top rungs unless the ladder is specifically designed for that purpose.
• Only one person should be on a ladder at a time unless it is designed for more than one user.
• Do not move, shift, walk, or adjust a ladder while someone is on it.
• Do not use a stepladder in a closed or partially closed position, and never lean a stepladder against a wall.
• Do not place ladders on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to gain extra height.

[7] [2] [12] Key fall-prevention and working-at-height hazards include unstable ground, improper ladder angle, unsecured ladders, overreaching, slippery rungs or footwear, carrying materials while climbing, electrical contact, and using a damaged ladder. Where the task is prolonged, requires side loading, or involves heavy materials, consider a safer option such as a scaffold or aerial lift instead of a ladder. [5] [11] [9]

Important OSHA and related ladder requirements reflected in these documents include: inspect ladders before use; remove damaged ladders from service; maintain 3-point contact; use ladders only for their designed purpose; set extension ladders at the proper angle; extend access ladders at least 3 feet above the landing; keep within the ladder's duty rating; and secure ladders where they could shift or be displaced. Training is also required so workers can recognize ladder hazards and know how to minimize them. [12] [10] [11]

• Choose the correct ladder type, length, and duty rating for the task.
• Inspect it before use and remove defective ladders from service.
• Set it on firm, level footing; use the 4:1 angle for extension ladders.
• Extend extension ladders 3 feet above the landing and secure them.
• Fully open and lock stepladders before climbing.
• Face the ladder and maintain three points of contact.
• Keep your belt buckle or body centered between the rails; never overreach.
• Do not carry materials in your hands while climbing.
• Stay off the top step/top cap and top rungs.
• Keep ladders away from electrical hazards, doors, walkways, and traffic.
• If the task cannot be done safely from a ladder, use a scaffold or aerial lift instead.

[1] [8] [6]