Falls from ladders are a major cause of serious injuries; therefore, it is important to take the necessary precautions to prevent them. The three most important safety precautions for the proper and safe use of A-frame ladders involve setup, climbing, and maintenance.

Ladder Setup:

• Select the Right Ladder: Use a ladder designed for the specific task, considering the required strength, type, and length. Ensure it has the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approval. Check the load rating to ensure it is appropriate for the user, equipment, and task.
• Proper Angle: Set up the ladder at the correct angle using the 4-to-1 Rule: For every 4 feet up, place the base 1 foot away from the wall. This ensures a 75-degree pitch, which is ideal for balance and ladder strength.
• Stable Base: Place the ladder on a firm, level surface. Use ladders with slip-resistant feet or secure blocking. Brace or tie the bottom of the ladder to prevent slipping. Clear the area around the base and top of the ladder of any debris or obstructions.

[2] [5] [3] [5] [4] Safe Climbing Practices:

• Maintain Three-Point Contact: Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times to ensure stability.
• Body Position: Face the ladder when climbing and keep your body centered between the side rails to maintain balance.
• Proper Footwear: Wear protective footwear with slip-resistant soles and heels. Clean muddy or slippery boot soles before mounting the ladder.

[7] [7] [7] [7] [7] Regular Maintenance and Inspection:

• Pre-Use Inspection: Inspect the ladder before each use for any missing or loose steps or rungs, damaged non-slip feet, loose hardware, and any signs of rot, decay, or warping.
• Check for Defects: Look for cracks and exposed fiberglass in fiberglass ladders, and check for sharp edges or splintered surfaces. Ensure that spreaders, locking devices, hinges, and springs are in good working order.
• Tag Defective Ladders: Tag any defective ladders and take them out of service immediately until they can be repaired or replaced.

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