Ladder Safety Guidelines

Date: 2025-09-09

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure all employees understand and adhere to safety guidelines for ladder use, including inspection, setup, and fall protection measures, to prevent falls and injuries.

Introduction

Ladders are a common tool on many job sites, but they can also be a source of serious injuries if not used correctly. This toolbox talk will cover the essential safety guidelines for ladder use, focusing on inspection, proper setup, and fall protection.

Key Points

Pre-Use Inspection: Before using any ladder, inspect it for defects such as loose or missing rungs, damaged side rails, and worn or damaged safety feet. Remove any damaged ladders from service immediately. [1]
Proper Ladder Setup: Set up ladders on a stable and level surface. Ensure the ladder is at the correct angle (approximately 75 degrees), with the base one-quarter of the ladder's working length away from the wall. Secure the ladder at the top and/or bottom to prevent slipping. [1]
Three Points of Contact: Always maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) when climbing or working on a ladder. This provides stability and reduces the risk of falling. [1]
Ladder Extension: When using a ladder to access an elevated surface, the ladder should extend at least 1 meter (3 feet) above the landing point for safe access and egress. [1]
Electrical Hazards: Be aware of any electrical hazards in the vicinity. Use non-conductive ladders (e.g., fiberglass) when working near electrical sources. Maintain a safe distance from power lines.

Hazard Identification

Slipping or falling from the ladder due to improper setup or damaged ladder feet.: Serious injuries, including fractures, sprains, head trauma, or even death.
Ladder collapsing due to overloading or structural defects.: Falls from height, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
Contact with electrical hazards when using a conductive ladder near power lines.: Electrocution, burns, and cardiac arrest.
Dropping tools or materials from the ladder, striking workers below.: Injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe head trauma.

Control Measures

Implement a ladder inspection program to ensure regular checks for defects.: Train employees to conduct pre-use inspections and immediately report any issues. Remove defective ladders from service.
Ensure proper ladder setup, including angle, stability, and securing the ladder.: Use the 4:1 rule (base of the ladder is 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of height). Secure the ladder at the top and/or bottom.
Enforce the three-points-of-contact rule at all times.: Provide training on maintaining three points of contact while climbing and working.
Use appropriate fall protection when working at heights.: When working 3 metres (10 feet) or more above ground, a fall protection program may be necessary. Wear a safety belt or harness with the lanyard tied appropriately to the structure. Make sure that you follow working at heights training that includes how to use fall protection devices safely.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

Hard Hat: Wear a hard hat to protect against head injuries from falling objects. Ensure the hard hat fits properly and is in good condition.
Safety Glasses: Use safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust, debris, or other particles that may be dislodged while working on a ladder.
Work Gloves: Wear work gloves to improve grip and protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and splinters.
Slip-Resistant Footwear: Wear slip-resistant footwear to ensure a firm grip on the ladder rungs. Keep footwear clean and in good condition.

Emergency Procedures

In case of a fall, immediately call for first aid and initiate emergency response procedures.
If a ladder comes into contact with electrical sources, evacuate the area immediately and call for qualified electrical assistance.

Questions and Answers

Q: What do I do if I find a damaged ladder?

A: Immediately remove it from service and tag it as 'Do Not Use'. Report the damage to your supervisor.

Q: How high can I climb on a ladder?

A: Do not work from either the top 2 rungs of a portable single or extension ladder or the top 2 steps of a stepladder. [1]

Summary

Recap of main points:

Always inspect ladders before use.
Set up ladders properly, ensuring stability and the correct angle.
Maintain three points of contact while climbing.
Use appropriate PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and slip-resistant footwear.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.