Give me 3 key safety reminders for using a-frame ladders

Key reminders for safe use of A-frame step ladders are to inspect the ladder before each use, choose the right ladder for the task, and remove any defective ladder from service. Check that steps, side rails, bolts, rivets, feet, and other moving parts are in good condition, and make sure the ladder is clean and free of grease, oil, or other slippery substances. Unsafe ladders should be tagged and removed from service. [1] [2] [7]

• Open the stepladder fully before use.
• Make sure the spreaders or brace bars are fully engaged and locked.
• Never use a stepladder in a partially closed position.
• Do not use a stepladder as a straight ladder or lean it against a wall.

[1] [3] [5] [9] 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 avoid carrying tools in your hands while climbing. Use a tool belt or hoist line instead. Overreaching is a major fall hazard; if you cannot reach your work comfortably, climb down and reposition the ladder. [1] [2] [3]

Do not exceed the ladder's duty rating. The load limit must include your body weight plus tools, materials, and anything else carried or supported by the ladder. Using an undersized ladder can make it unstable and increase the chance of collapse or tip-over. [1] [2] [8]

Set the ladder only on a firm, level, dry, and non-slippery surface with all four feet in full contact. Keep it away from boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases. Place it away from doors, pedestrian traffic, and vehicle traffic, or barricade/secure the area so the ladder cannot be struck or displaced. For electrical work or where contact with energized equipment is possible, use a nonconductive fiberglass ladder and keep clear of overhead power lines. [1] [2] [3] [4]

• Never stand on the top step, top cap, or top two rungs of a stepladder.
• Keep both feet on the ladder and do not stand on the ladder and another object at the same time.
• Allow only one person on the ladder at a time.
• Do not move, shift, hop, or walk the ladder while someone is on it.
• Do not pull, lean, stretch, or reach outside the side rails; keep your belt buckle/body centered between the rails.
• If the task requires extended reach, side loading, heavy materials, or prolonged work at height, use a scaffold or lift instead of a stepladder.

[1] [2] [6] From an OSHA standpoint, employers must train workers to recognize ladder hazards and follow ladder safety rules. For stepladders, OSHA materials emphasize using the ladder only for its intended purpose, keeping it on a stable level surface, locking spreaders, maintaining 3-point contact, staying near the middle, keeping traffic away, not using damaged ladders, not moving the ladder while occupied, and not standing on the top step or cap. OSHA construction ladder requirements are addressed in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X, and the residential construction guidance specifically points users to 29 CFR 1926.1053 for the complete requirements. [3] [3] [3] [2]