When using an A-frame ladder, several fall protection measures, safety regulations, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are required to prevent falls and ensure worker safety. These include ensuring the ladder is stable, using personal fall arrest systems when required, and following specific safety practices.
A worker must ensure that a portable ladder is secured against movement and placed on a base that is stable. [1]
If a worker may fall 3 metres or more from a portable ladder, the employer must ensure the worker uses a personal fall arrest system. [1]
If it is not reasonably practical to use a personal fall arrest system, a worker may work from a portable ladder without fall protection if:
- the work is a light duty task of short duration at each location,
- the worker's center of balance is at the center of the ladder at all times even with an arm extended beyond the side rails of the ladder, and
- the worker maintains 3-point contact whenever the worker extends an arm beyond a side rail. [1]
Important Safety Note:
Always verify safety information with your organization's specific guidelines and local regulations.