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Fall Protection
18
Ladders
Any employee using ladders should be trained.
Ladders must be adequate for the job and
properly maintained.
Choose the right ladder for the job.
A competent person should visually inspect a
ladder before use for any defects, such as:
• Structural damage, such as split/bent side
rails; broken or missing rungs; steps, or
cleats; and missing or damaged safety
devices.
• Grease, dirt or other contaminants that could
cause slips or falls.
• Paint or stickers (excluding warning labels)
that could hide defects.
Guidelines for Use
• Avoid using ladders with metallic components
near electrical work and overhead power lines.
• Clear scrap and material away from the base and
top of ladder.
• Always face the ladder and hold on with both
hands when climbing up or down.
It works best if you maintain three points of contact.
The easiest way to do this is to slide your hands
along the back of the rails, maintaining contact at all
times.
• The top or top step of a stepladder should not be
used as a step
• Do not carry any object or load while climbing a
ladder.
• Keep your center of gravity between the side rails.
Your belt buckle should never be outside of the
Make sure that ladders are long enough to
side rails.
safely reach the work area. Mark or tag (“Do not
•
Keep boots/shoes clean of mud, grease or any
Use”) damaged or defective ladders for repair or
other slippery materials that could cause loss of
replacement, or destroy them immediately.
footing.
•
When portable ladders are used to access upper
Only commercial grade ladders should be
landing surfaces, the side rails must extend at
used. Never load ladders beyond the maximum
least three feet above the landing surface, and the
intended load or beyond the manufacturer’s
laddermust be tied off to prevent slipping.
rated capacity.