Top 3 Safety Precautions for A-Frame Ladder Use

A-frame ladders, also known as stepladders, are a common tool in various workplaces and homes. However, their use can lead to falls and injuries if proper safety precautions are not followed. This document outlines the top three safety measures to ensure the correct and safe use of A-frame ladders.

Ladder Selection, Inspection, and Setup

Selecting the right ladder for the job, conducting thorough inspections, and ensuring proper setup are crucial first steps in preventing ladder-related incidents.

1. Choose the Right Ladder and Check Load Rating

Ladder Selection

Select a ladder designed for the specific task, considering the required strength, type, and length.
Ensure the ladder's load rating is appropriate for the user's weight plus the weight of any tools or materials being carried. CSA Standard Z11-18 provides guidelines on ladder ratings and appropriate uses.
Use a stepladder that is about 1 m (3 ft) shorter than the highest point you have to reach. This length of ladder gives a wider, more stable base and places shelf at a convenient working height.

2. Inspect the Ladder Before Each Use

Ladder Inspection

Inspect the ladder for any defects before each use. Look for missing or loose steps or rungs, damaged or worn non-slip feet, loose hardware (nails, screws, bolts, nuts), and any signs of rot, decay, or warped rails (for wooden ladders).
Check for worn, loose, or faulty spreaders, locks, and other metal parts in poor repair.
Reject and tag any ladders with defects, and either repair them (if authorized) or remove them from service.
Inspect new ladders promptly upon receipt.
Check the condition of ladders that have been dropped or have fallen before using them again.

3. Ensure Proper Ladder Setup

Ladder Setup

Open the stepladder spreaders and shelf fully and lock the braces to ensure the ladder is stable.
Check stability by making sure that all ladder feet are on a firm, level, and non-slippery surface.
Place a stepladder at right angles to the work, with either the front or back of the steps facing the work.
Keep the stepladder close to the work.
Do not use stepladders on slippery surfaces
Do not use stepladders on soft ground where one leg may sink farther into the ground than others.
Do not place stepladders on boxes, barrels, unstable bases, or on scaffolds to gain additional height.

Three-Point Contact and Safe Climbing Practices

Maintaining three-point contact and adhering to safe climbing practices are essential for preventing falls while using A-frame ladders.

1. Maintain Three-Point Contact

Three-Point Contact

Always maintain three-point contact with the ladder by keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times.
Keep your body centered between the side rails to prevent instability.
Grasp the rungs when climbing a ladder, not the side rails. If your foot slips on a ladder, holding onto rungs is easier than holding onto the side rails.
Face the stepladder when climbing up or down.

2. Practice Safe Climbing Techniques

Climbing Practices

Do not hurry up or slide down a ladder.
Place feet firmly on each rung.
Clean muddy or slippery boot soles before mounting a ladder.
Make sure that footwear is in good condition.
Wearing footwear with heels can help to stop the foot from slipping forward.
Do not jump from a ladder. Check footing before descending a ladder.

3. Adhere to Height Restrictions

Height Restrictions

Work at an appropriate height for the ladder. Generally speaking, you have climbed too high if your knees are above top cap of the stepladder or if you cannot maintain a handhold on the ladder.
Do not stand on or above the top two rungs or steps of the ladder.
Do not stand, climb, or sit on the stepladder top or pail shelf.
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard Z11-18 recommends different standing levels, depending on the size of the step ladder. Note that these are the highest levels recommended. Persons should stand lower on the ladder if they feel unstable.

Avoiding Unsafe Practices and Environmental Hazards

Avoiding unsafe practices and being aware of environmental hazards are critical for preventing accidents when using A-frame ladders.

1. Avoid Carrying Items While Climbing

Carrying Items

Do not carry tools or materials in your hand while climbing.
Rise or lower tools and materials using a hoist, hand-line, bucket or other device.
Carry small tools in a tool pouch.

2. Avoid Unsafe Ladder Movement

Ladder Movement

Do not "shift" or "walk" a stepladder when standing on it.
Lift and carry the ladder when moving it. Do not push or pull stepladders from the side. Repeated sideways movement can make ladders unstable since they are weaker in those directions.
Move a stepladder when needed.
Do not overreach from a ladder; move as required.

3. Be Aware of Environmental Hazards

Environmental Awareness

If working near electricity, do not use an aluminum ladder. Follow your jurisdiction's guidelines on the distances recommended for each level of electrical voltage that may be present.
Do not use a ladder during high winds or other extreme weather.
Do not use ladders in passageways, doorways, driveways or other locations where a person or vehicle can hit it. Set up suitable barriers or lock doors shut.
Clear the area around the base and top of the ladder of debris, tools and other objects.
Do not place a ladder against flexible or moveable surfaces.
Do not use ladders on ice, mud, or other slippery surfaces.