A-Frame Ladder Safety Precautions

A-frame ladders are commonly used in various workplaces, but their misuse can lead to serious injuries. This document outlines three critical safety precautions for the safe use of A-frame ladders: thorough inspection, proper angle setup, and appropriate fall protection measures. Following these guidelines will significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer working environment.

Inspection Guidelines

Regular inspection of A-frame ladders is crucial to identify any defects that could compromise their structural integrity. Ladders with defects must be removed from service immediately.

Rung/Step Inspection

Before each use, inspect the ladder for loose, broken, or missing rungs, steps, or cleats.

Ensure rungs/steps are corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping.
Check for any signs of wear, damage, or deterioration.

Side Rail Inspection

Examine the side rails for splits, cracks, bends, or any other damage. Ensure that the side rails are straight and not warped.

Spreader Bar/Locking Device Inspection

Inspect the spreader bars or locking devices that hold the ladder in the open position. Make sure they are in good working order and securely lock the ladder in place.

Hardware Inspection

Check for any loose or missing hardware, such as bolts, screws, or rivets. Tighten or replace any loose or missing hardware.

Overall Condition

Look for any signs of corrosion, rust, or other deterioration, especially on metal ladders. Clean and lubricate moving parts as needed.

Ladders with any of the following faults and defects must be immediately tagged "DANGEROUS - DO NOT USE" and withdrawn from service:

Broken, worn, or missing rungs, cleats, or steps
Broken or split side rails
Broken or bent guides or iron spreaders
Broken or bent locks

Ladder repairs must restore the ladder to a condition that meets its original design criteria before the ladder is returned to use.

Proper Angle Setup

Setting up an A-frame ladder at the correct angle is essential for stability and preventing falls. The proper angle ensures that the ladder's weight is distributed evenly and that it is less likely to tip or collapse.

Surface Stability

Ensure the ladder is placed on a stable and level surface. Avoid placing ladders on uneven ground, soft surfaces, or slippery surfaces unless properly secured.

Angle Calculation

For non-self-supporting ladders, position the ladder so that the horizontal distance from the base to the vertical plane of support is approximately one-quarter of the ladder length between supports.

Pitch Considerations

If the ladder is used at a pitch of 80 degrees or more, it must comply with the requirements of a fixed ladder.

Slippery Surfaces

If the ladder is used on a slippery surface, ensure it is secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement. Slip-resistant feet should not be used as a substitute for care in placing, lashing, or holding a ladder that is used upon slippery surfaces.

Traffic and Workplace Activity

Ladders placed in any location where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic must be secured to prevent accidental displacement, or a barricade must be used to keep activities or traffic away from the ladder.

Fall Protection Measures

While A-frame ladders are designed for stability, fall protection measures are still necessary to prevent injuries from falls, especially when working at height. The type of fall protection needed may vary depending on the specific task, height, and work environment.

Three-Point Contact

Maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) when climbing up or down the ladder. This provides stability and reduces the risk of falling.

Limited Fall Protection Exemption

A worker may only work from a portable ladder without fall protection where the work is a light duty task of short duration at each location, the worker's center of gravity is maintained between the ladder side rails, and the ladder is not positioned near an edge or floor opening that would significantly increase the potential fall distance.

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)

When working at heights where the risk of falling is significant, use a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). This may include a safety harness, lanyard, and anchorage point. Ensure the PFAS is properly fitted and inspected before use.

Ladder Extension

Ensure that the ladder extends approximately one meter above the level of the upper landing to which it provides access, except where there is limited clearance and the ladder is adequately secured.

Top Rung/Step Restriction

Workers should not work from either the top 2 rungs of a portable single or extension ladder or the top 2 steps of a stepladder, unless otherwise permitted by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

By adhering to these three essential safety precautions – thorough inspection, proper angle setup, and appropriate fall protection measures – you can significantly enhance the safety of A-frame ladder use in the workplace. Regular training and reinforcement of these practices are crucial to ensure that all workers understand and follow these guidelines, creating a safer and more productive work environment.

References

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 (N.L. Reg. 5/12)
Construction Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA)
OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures Records and/or Training (NCDOL)
Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA 29 CFR 1926) - 1926.1053 - Ladders
Ladders - Climbing Up and Down Safely (CCOHS)