Ladder safety involves several key aspects to prevent falls and injuries. Here's a breakdown of important guidelines:

Ladder Selection & Condition:

• Use ladders only for their designed purposes [1].
• Ladders should be able to withstand 4 times the maximum load likely to be imposed [2].
• Inspect ladders before each use for defects such as loose, broken, or missing rungs, split side rails, or corroded components 1, 3. Remove defective ladders from service immediately 2, 13.
• Ensure wooden ladders are not coated with opaque materials that may hide structural defects 2, 13.
• Metal ladders should be made with corrosion-resistant material or protected against corrosion [1].
• Ladder surfaces must be free of puncture and laceration hazards [1].

Ladder Usage:

• Always face the ladder when climbing or descending 1, 2, 3.
• Maintain 3-point contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) when climbing [3].
• Use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing 3, 8.
• Don't carry objects or loads that could cause you to lose balance 3, 8.
• When working more than 1 m above a surface, maintain adequate contact with the ladder [2].
• Do not stand on the top or top step of a stepladder 3, 13.
• Do not work from the top three rungs of a non-step ladder [3].
• Ladders should not be moved, shifted, or extended while occupied 3, 8.

Ladder Placement & Securing:

• Use ladders only on stable and level surfaces unless secured or stabilized [4].
• Secure ladders to prevent accidental displacement, especially in high-traffic areas [4].
• The top of a non-self-supporting ladder should have both side rails supported 3, 8.
• When a ladder is used to access an upper landing, the side rails should extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the landing surface [4].
• Ensure that the base of an inclined portable ladder is no further from the wall than 1/4 of the distance between the base and the contact point [5].

Specific Ladder Types:

• Fixed Ladders: Should be designed, constructed, installed, and maintained according to ANSI A14.3 standards [2].
• Extension Ladders: Should be equipped with guide irons, locks, and hooks, assembled so the upper section is on top of the base section [6].
• Stepladders: Must have a metal spreader or locking device to hold the sections open [7].

Additional Safety Measures:

• When using ladders near electrical equipment, ensure they are non-conductive 3, 4, 12.
• If a worker may fall 3 meters or more from a portable ladder, use a personal fall arrest system [5].
• Ensure workers are trained to recognize ladder-related hazards and in the proper procedures to minimize those hazards [6].

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of ladder-related accidents in the workplace.