Welcome to this web based training on ladder safety. In this training, participants will be given information on the characteristics of ladders and the benefits of most ladder types, how to properly set up and use a ladder, and ways to avoid a fall or other injury when working on a ladder. First we will discuss the characteristics of ladders including types of ladders, materials and the rating system of ladders. There are three main types of ladders that are most commonly used at work and home.

Step ladders, or A-frame ladders, are foldable ladders with a hinged support frame and small platform which can be expanded to work free-standing while supporting a worker and equipment. Extension ladders are two or more sections joined by a sliding mechanism which allows the ladder to extend. These ladders do not stand on their own, and must be leaned against a solid surface for support. A platform ladder is a fixed height ladder usually with stairs leading to a working platform at the highest working level. Ladders can be made from three types of materials, each with their own strengths and weaknesses depending on use and hazards. Metal, usually made aluminum, is the first type of material. Aluminum ladders are strong and light but will conduct electricity and cannot be used around electrical hazards. Fiberglass ladders are strong with good durability and do not conduct electricity when clean and  dry. However, these ladders are prone to splintering if dropped which makes the ladder unusable. Additionally, fiberglass ladders are usually the most expensive. Wood ladders are usually very stable; strong and also do not conduct electricity. However, they are the heaviest type of ladder material and they will degrade easily, especially when left outdoors. Manufacturers test and include detailed information with each ladder on its proper use and limitations. These stickers include ladder specifications as well as safety warnings similar to those seen in these two pictures. The most common testing method is the one set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).  ANSI has a detailed rating system depending on the type of work and maximum weight the ladder will be holding.  These ANSI ratings range from Type III for light duty and low total weight to Type IAA for industrial tasks with high weight specifications. Here are two examples of manufacturer specification stickers on ladders. The one on the left is for a Type II, which is a medium duty step ladder while the one on the right is for a Type III, which is a light duty ladder. These stickers include: The maximum weight the ladder is certified to hold. This weight limit includes both the weight of the person on the ladder as well as all necessary tools or supplies being used or stored on the ladder. Ladder height is how tall the ladder is when fully opened. The Highest standing level for each ladder, tells a worker how high their feet will be, at maximum height, while using the ladder. For instance, the ladder on the left is a six foot ladder but the highest standing level is only three feet and ten inches. Total length of sections tells the user how tall the sections will be if spread out end to end. You will notice this information is only included on the sticker on the right since this only applies to extension ladders.  Maximum working length lists how far the ladder unfolds with a safe overlap for safety purposes. The ladder on the right only expands to a maximum working length of 17 feet due to a three foot overhang between the sections when the ladder is opened and locked in its tallest position.  Testing standards show what regulations were applied to test the ladder information contained on the sticker. In these two examples, both tests met ANSI standard A14.2 which is certified by ANSI and meets OSHA regulations. Now that you know the background on ladder types and specifications, we will discuss how to work safely on a ladder.

Before using any ladder, it should be inspected along the frame, steps and hinges for cracks, dents, splits, bends, corrosion or missing hardware.  The steps should also be checked initially as well as periodically throughout the workday to be sure they are free of grease, mud or other slippery substances.  If any defects are found, do not use the ladder unless these items are fixed. The ladder should be tagged out of service until the repairs are made or disposed of if the repair will not be cost effective. Do not use temporary fixes to repair a ladder. Unless specific parts and instructions from the manufacturer are obtained, you should not attempt to repair the ladder yourself.  Each type of ladder has proper instructions for use.  Step ladders must only be used when standing upright with spreader bars completely open and locked. Step ladders should never be used while leaned against a wall or on an uneven surface.  Extension ladders must be moved into position and then locked prior to use. The base of the ladder should be level and secured to prevent slipping while in use.  Platform ladders usually have wheels to allow for easy movement of the ladder. Once they are in the proper location, these wheels must be locked before use to prevent the ladder from moving while a worker is on it.

Chairs, tables and other objects, such as crates, should not be used in place of a ladder. Objects like these are not intended to be used for this purpose and therefore do not have the proper precautions in place for a worker to use them safely in this manner.  There are certain rules that should always be followed when setting up an extension ladder to ensure it is being used as safely as possible.

When setting up the extension ladder, for every four feet the ladder rises in height, the base of the ladder should come out from the surface by one foot. For instance, if the ladder rises 12 feet in height as it does in this picture, it must be three feet from the base of the wall. If you are using this ladder to climb onto a higher surface, the ladder must clear that level’s platform by at least three feet regardless of the height of the ladder. A good, quick test for determining if the ladder is positioned correctly is to stand with your feet touching the base of the ladder and put your hands directly out in front of you. If your fingertips barely touch the ladder, it is approximately one foot from the wall for every four feet up.

Extension ladders are not rated to hold a vertical scaffolding platform or be walked on as a bridge and should never be used in this manner.  When ascending or descending a ladder, always maintain three points of contact with the ladder. This means that three of your four limbs should remain stationary and fixed on the ladder while only one limb is in motion.  You should only use the ladder while facing it and be sure to never turn around with your back to the ladder while ascending, descending or working on it.

Never climb to the top step of any ladder. Manufacturers will specify in product manuals and/or warning stickers the highest standing point of each ladder.  Do not carry objects, particularly ones that are bulky or heavy, while ascending or descending the ladder. Use tool belts or lifts not connected to the ladder to move materials and tools up and down instead of carrying them yourself. Also, carrying the objects will make it harder to maintain three points of contact and could change your center of gravity, increasing the chances of a fall.  Be careful where you set up the ladder. A ladder should not be set up in an area where it may be bumped or if the ground is slippery or unstable. In this picture, there are several things wrong. First, this ladder was set up on the stairs which have the potential for people passing by who could accidently bump the ladder. In situations like this, always be sure to block off the area to prevent others from walking nearby. This is a step ladder which has been folded up and is leaning against the wall for this task. Step ladders are not designed for this type of use and should not be used in this way. Finally, the ladder was set up on the stairs which created an uneven surface. There are adjustable leg ladders which are designed for this purpose but a non-adjustable ladder should not be used like this.

Overreaching or quickly shifting body weight while on a ladder can cause you to fall or the ladder to tip over. Additionally, your body should always remain between the two ladder rails to ensure your weight does not cause the ladder to tip. In this picture you will notice that the ladder appears to be too short for reaching the lightbulb. Although he is following the safe practices of the manufacturer by not standing on the top steps, he is reaching for the bulb which can be just as dangerous. When using any type of portable or fixed ladder, be sure to check your agency’s policy on fall protection use. Depending on the type of ladder, height and surroundings, fall protection may be required. In summary:

Always choose the correct type of ladder for the job. The most common types of ladders are step, extension and platform.  Inspect the ladder prior to use for potential problems. Do not use any ladder if issues are identified.  Set up the ladder on a level surface out of the way so it does not accidentally get bumped.  Avoid overreaching or quickly shifting your weight when on the ladder which could cause a fall.  Face the ladder at all times and maintain three points of contact for security during operation.

Thank you! For questions, contact your agency safety coordinator.