Each year hundreds of workers die and thousands more are left with disabilities as a result of workplace ladder accidents. Portable ladders are one of the handiest, simplest tools and are used for many kinds of work. Planning and care are required to ensure their safe use. Since there is no room for error, ladder safety should be everyone's concern — managers, supervisors and workers.

Ladder hazards

Ladder accidents usually are caused by improper selection, care or use, not by manufacturing defects. Many of the more common ladder hazards, such as instability, electrical shock and falls, are preventable. Prevention requires proper planning, correct ladder selection, good work procedures and adequate ladder maintenance.

Good work practice*:

• Never hand carry loads on a ladder. Carry tools up or down on a belt or hoist them in a bag or bucket.

• Wear shoes with clean, nonskid soles.

• Position the ladder where you safely can reach without losing your balance.

• Face the ladder while climbing up or down and hold the side rails with both hands.

• Keep your body centered so your belt buckle is between side rails.

• Never stand on the top three rungs of a straight ladder or use the top or top step of a stepladder as a step.

• Keep all areas clear around the top and bottom of ladders when in use.

• Space the ladder base one foot out for every four feet it reaches up.

• Ensure that side rails extend at least 36 inches above the bearing point when used to gain access to a roof, floor or other level walking surface.

• Completely open a stepladder. Never use a folding stepladder in a folded position.

• Work away from power lines. Electrical shock can occur with metal or wet wooden ladders. Not only is the shock dangerous, but it can cause falls resulting in injury.

• If your work requires greater working flexibility at an elevated level, consider using a scaffold.

• Store a ladder where it is safely accessible.

• Consider the weight of your ladder. If it is too heavy for you to move it alone, get help.

• Only one person at a time should use a ladder.

• Nonskid pads may prevent a ladder from slipping on a hard, smooth surface.

• Ladders must be maintained free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards.

• Extension ladders need to have both locks in place to prevent overloading a rail.

• Withdraw defective ladders from service by tagging them with a "Do Not Use" sign.

Dangerous work practices:

• Stepping on the top two stepladder steps or top three straight ladder rungs.

• Placing ladders on unstable bases such as barrels, truck beds, boxes and uneven ground.

• Climbing the cross-bracing on the rear section of the stepladder (unless it is designed for such use and provides steps on both the front and rear sections).

• Placing ladders in doorways or passageways.

• "Walking" a ladder while you are standing on it.

• Using a metal ladder near power lines.

Ladder Selection

Portable ladders are designed as "one-person" equipment with the proper strength to support the worker, his tools and materials. There are three general classes of ladder construction:

• Type IA Industrial - Heavy-duty with a load capacity not more than 300 pounds.

• Type I Industrial -  Heavy-duty with a load capacity not more than 250 pounds (suited for painting and similar tasks).

• Type II Industrial -  Medium-duty with a load capacity not more than 225 pounds.

• Type III Industrial -  Light-duty with a load capacity of 200 pounds.

Things to consider when placing a ladder

Physical demands: How much weight will be applied? What length ladder is needed? How will the ladder be positioned best?

Potential Hazards: Avoid overhead obstructions, electrical hazards, uneven surfaces, and congested areas.

The 4-to-l Ratio. For straight and extension ladders, for each four feet of height, set the base out one foot. To help apply the 4-to-l rule, figure that most rungs are spaced about one foot apart.

The 3-Foot Rule. Extending the ladder three feet beyond the roof prevents you from tipping the ladder by stepping on one of the top steps. Never step over the top of the ladder. Step sideways onto thereof.

Ladder maintenance

Wood ladders should be protected with a clear sealer, varnish, shellac, linseed oil or wood preservative. Wood ladders should not be painted, because paint can hide defects. Check carefully for cracks, rot and splinters, broken rungs, loose joints and bolts and hardware in poor condition.

Aluminum or steel ladders should be inspected before use for rough burrs and sharp edges. Look closely for loose joints and bolts, faulty welds and cracks. Make sure all hooks and locks on extension ladders are in proper working condition and immediately replace worn or frayed ropes. When metal is bent it becomes permanently stretched and weakened. If the rails, braces or other parts of any metal ladder are bent, destroy the ladder.

Fiberglass ladders should be maintained with a surface coat of lacquer. Ladders that are scratched beyond normal wear should be sanded lightly prior to applying a coat of lacquer.

Unrepaired ladders often contribute to accidents.  Portable ladders with structural defects - such as broken or missing rungs, cleats or steps, broken or split rails, corroded components, or other faulty or defective components - must be marked defective, immediately tagged with "Do Not Use" or similar language, then withdrawn from service until repaired or destroyed.

SFC of Arizona has a ladder checklist and inspection sticker available. These tools may be used as part of your ladder inspection program.  Simply contact your nearest SCF of Arizona office.

Training

It is essential for all employers to provide a training program for employees who use ladders, enabling them to recognize hazards and to use proper procedures to minimize unsafe conditions.

Your SCF of Arizona Loss Control Consultant can assist you with ladder safety training programs tailored to your specific needs. If you need assistance in establishing a training program, call your nearest account services team.

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