Purpose
A number of questions are received each year concerning the safe
use of ladders. The following safe practices address the placement
and use of ladders.
Objective
To provide ladder safety information to campus employees and in
turn, comply with NCOSHA Standard 1910.25-27 "Portable and Fixed
Ladders".
Responsibility
Supervisors and managers are responsible for training and insuring
the safe use of ladders by employees in their workplace, thus complying
with NCOSHA standards.
PORTABLE LADDER
Safe Use Practices
• Use the correct sized ladder for the job.
• Do not allow more than one person at a time on a ladder.
• Place the ladder base at a 1:4 ratio from the vertical (horizontal/vertical).
For every 4 feet of working length the base of ladder should be 1 foot out from
the top support.
• Extend ladder 3 feet above the top support point. Securely lash or fasten
ladder to prevent slipping or falling when using a ladder for access to high
places.
• Use ladders only in a vertical position. Ladders are not a substitute
for a scaffold or a runway between two elevated surfaces.
• Keep ladder directly off of window panes or sashes.
• Keep ladders away from front of a door that opens toward the ladder unless
the door is locked, blocked, or guarded.
• Do not leave ladders
unattended for others to use or climb upon.
• Place a portable ladder so both side rails have secure footing. Provide
solid footing on soft ground to prevent the ladder from sinking.
• Place the ladder feet on a substantial and level base not on movable objects.
• Lean ladder against secured backing.
• Secure bottom and top of ladder to prevent displacement when using ladder
for access to a scaffold.
• Keep ladder away from electrical wiring. Use only wooden or fiberglass
ladders when working around power lines or other electrical sources.
• Do not use ladders during a strong
wind except in emergency and only then when tied securely.
Inspections
• Keep ladders
clean and grease free.
• Always
inspect ladders before use. Keep ladders clean and free from
dirt and grease.
• Make periodic ladder inspections for structural integrity.
• Conduct quarterly inspections as a minimum. Record all inspections made.
• Remove defective ladders from service when noted during inspection. Tag
it with "DANGEROUS -DO NOT USE". Do not use until ladder is repaired.
• Destroy any ladder that cannot be repaired.
Ascending/Descending Ladder
• Use both hands on ladders at all times. Maintain
a firm grip on the ladder.
• Do not exceed manufacturer's weight capacity for the ladder.
• Raise/lower materials by mechanical means. If necessary, carry tools
in a tool belt, not your hands.
• Keep the center of gravity centered as much as possible between the hands
and the foot that is in contact with the ladder. Keep your belt buckle
between the side rails.
• Do not overreach. Move the ladder
when you need to change position.
• Always face the ladder going up or coming down.
• Never slide down a ladder or jump from a ladder. Always dismount
from the bottom rung.
• Make sure shoe bottoms are not greasy, muddy, or slippery before you climb.
• Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top on extension or straight
ladders or the second tread from the top on step ladders. You are positioned
too high on a stepladder if your knees are above the top step or you cannot maintain
a handhold on the ladder.
Additional Safety Practices - Stepladders
• Use a stepladder
that is about 3 feet shorter than the highest point you have to reach. This
provides a wider, more stable base and places the shelf at a convenient
working height.
• Do not use stepladders
longer than 20 feet.
• Make sure step ladders are fully opened and the metal spreader
locked before you start to climb ladder.
• Place stepladders at right angles to the work, with either the front or
the back of steps facing the work. Keep the stepladder close to the work.
• Avoid pushing or pulling stepladders from the side. Repeated sideways
movement can make them wobbly. They are weaker or less stable in sideways
directions.
• Do not "shift" or "walk" the stepladder when standing
on it.
• Do not stand, climb,
or sit on the stepladder top or pail shelf.
• Do not overload
the stepladder. They are intended for use by one person.
• Do not use a stepladder
as a brace or as a support for a work platform or a plank, unless
the ladder is specifically designed or approved.
• Do not climb a stepladder
that is leaning against a wall. Use a straight ladder.
• Do
not place stepladders on boxes, unstable bases, or scaffolds to gain
additional height.
• Do not climb the
back of a stepladder.
• Do not use stepladders
in passageways, corridors, hallways, doorways, driveways, or other
locations where a person or vehicle can hit it. Set up physical
barriers or obstructions, or lock doors shut to avoid being struck.
• Inspect stepladders routinely for
structural defects or accidental hazards, such as sharp edges, burrs,
etc. Be sure they are corrosion resistant and kept free from
nicks. Treat nicks promptly to prevent possible metal fatigue
due to rust.
FIXED LADDERS
Definition
Fixed ladders cannot be moved. These ladders provide access to specific
elevated locations. All fixed ladders over 20 feet in length must have a
cage or well.
Other Characteristics
• The preferred vertical pitch of fixed ladders shall be in the range of
75 degrees and 90 degrees. Ladders having a pitch in excess of 90 degrees with
the are prohibited.
• Designed to bear a load of 200 pounds
• Minimum 3/4 inch rung diameter on metal ladders and a minimum diameter
of 1 1/8 inches for wood ladders.
• Minimum clear length of rungs shall be 16 inches.
• Rungs and steps are to be spaced no more than 12 inches apart and uniform
throughout the length of the ladder.
• Side rails of through or side-step ladder extensions shall extend 3 ½ feet
above parapets and landings.
• Provide a minimum clearance of 2 ½ feet on the climbing side of
ladders with a 90 degree pitch and 3feet on the climbing side of ladders with
a 75 degree pitch.
• Provide a clear width of 15 inches on each side of the center line of
ladder in the climbing space, except when cages or wells are necessary.
• Provide a minimum of 7 inch clearance in the back of the ladder to assure
adequate footing
• Metal ladders must be painted or appropriately treated to prevent deterioration
if conditions indicate. On ladders embedded in concrete in pits or other below
ground areas, individual metal rungs must have a minimum diameter of 1 inch or
shall be painted or otherwise treated to resist corrosion and rusting.
• All ladders shall be maintained in a safe condition and regularly inspected
to insure structural integrity.
Requirements
Projects requiring the installation of fixed ladders must be done
under the direction of a professional engineer. NC OSHA 1910.27 Sub-part
D requirements will be followed.
When fixed ladders are used on towers, tanks, or chimneys, use appropriate
ladder safety devices. A ladder safety device is an appliance that
will arrest the fall of an individual working at elevated heights.
Click on the following link, General
Safety Guidelines - Safe Use of Ladders , or review Attachment 3 in the
ASU Fall Protection Plan if you need additional information concerning
ladder safety. If you have additional questions, contact the Safety & Workers'
Compensation Office at Extension 4007.
(Revised 2/23/06)
