The safe construction and use of ladders can protect workers who are
required to access multiple levels and those who work from
the ladders. Training workers on safe ladder use and how to assess the condition of
the ladder before use is an important aspect of a safety and health program.
Potential Hazards:
- Structural failure of the ladder or its components, causing the worker
to fall.
- Inappropriate ladder placement (such as ladder angle), causing the worker to fall. See
Figure 4.
- Unsecured ladder causing the ladder and worker to fall.
- Inappropriate work practices (such as over-extending, climbing with
equipment in hand, not facing ladder when climbing down), causing the worker to fall.
- Electrical shock or electrocution when using metal ladders.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Defective ladders must not be used and must be removed immediately.
[1915.72(a)(1)]
- When splicing ladders, special precautions are required. [1915.72(a)(2)]
- Portable ladders used for access must be secured and extend at least
36 inches above the upper landing. [1915.72(a)(3)]
See Figure 5.
- Manufactured portable metal or wood ladders must be in accordance with
ANSI standards. [1915.72(a)(4) and
(a)(6)]
- Portable metal ladders must not be used near electrical shock
hazards (such as conductors and electric arc welding). [1915.72(a)(5)]
Additional Requirements:
- Hand lines or tool bags must be used to keep workers' hands free when
using ladders. [1915.131(a)]
- Only one worker is allowed on a ladder unless the ladder is designed for
additional workers. [1910.25(d)(2)(ii)]
-
Portable straight ladders must have a 4-to-1 ratio.
Ladders must not be used in a horizontal position as platforms,
runways, or scaffolds. [1910.25(d)(2)(i)]
See Figure 6.
-
Portable ladders must be used when the ship's
ladders in the cargo holds are defective. [1915.76(a)(3)]
Additional
requirements for ladder use:
|
Figure 3: Training can prevent improper ladder use such as this.
Figure 4: Ladder positioned at unsafe angle.
Figure 5: Properly secured ladder extending 3 feet above landing.
Figure 6: Portable metal ladder secured at proper 4 to 1 angle. |
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