1.6.1-ladder safety procedures

UNIVERSITYOF MAN ITO 13 A

PHYSICAL PLANT Safe Work Practice # 1.6.1Safe Ladder Use

Edited by: Approved by: Created by; Date created:In consensus with Elect. October 2014

John Evinger M- Bruce Hancock CEP and South Zone CTW- Dave Myska Last revision date:

SD — John Evinger November 2014

Supportive Information:

1. No person shall use a ladder without having received ladder training2. Caretaking staff may climb up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) only, unless authorized by supervisor3. Work requiring a ladder over 12 ft tall requires 2 workers4. Only CSA Grade 1 or better ladders are to be use

Purpose

Provide guidance and information relating to the minimum standard of safe work practice to reduceinjury while working with ladder

IntroductionLadders are commonly used to reach or to gain access to higher areas/levels andsometime from which to perform work. There are a number of hazards associated withladderuse that can cause accidents resulting in serious injuries. These potentialinjuries include:

• Falling from ladders (especially when getting on/off or contact with electricity)• Struck by objects or by ladder (falling ladder or when carrying ladders)• Tripping over ladders• Muscle strain from carrying heavy ladders

Causes of ladder accidents include:

• Ladder not secured in place• Slippery surfaces (feet, rungs, footwear)• Improper angle• Improper set-up - not spreading ladder legs and spreader bars.• Poor grip• Unsafe position on ladder (reaching, climbing too high)• Defective/damaged ladder• Ladder positioned too close to electrical lines• Using ladder in high winds

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Working from ladders poses the risk of falling and the decision to use a ladder fromwhich to work should be considered the least desirable method. Safer alternate methodssuch as performing work from stairs, scaffolding or elevating platforms should beconsidered first. Except for work of short duration that can be done safely from aladder, work will be done with a scaffold or elevated work platform; this will bedetermined and documented with a JHA by the individuals performing the workltask

-, UNIVERSITYOF MANITOBA


Method

The method used to reduce the risk of incidents involving ladders is based on the rigorousapplication of risk management principles combined with education and training including:

• compliance with applicable legislation;• risk identification;• risk assessment;• identification and implementation of treatments;• communication and review of procedures;• training and education; and• actions and considerations following an incident.

This document describes different ladder types and outlines the procedures forproper selection and safe use of portable ladders.

TYPES OF LADDERS

LADDER TYPES

Ladders may be fabricated from wood, aluminum or fiberglass and they come indifferent shapes and heights or lengths. Selecting the proper ladder depends on theparticular task at hand. Ladder types include:

• Straight• Extension• Sectional• Hooked• Trestle and extension trestle- Platform (best choice if working from ladder)

57 £ /7 FES 1;,

47TrestlelStep and Platform StraighUExtension and Hook Ladders

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UNIVERSITYOF MANITOBA

PHYSICAL PLANT Safe Work Practice #1.6.1Safe Ladder Use

LADDER CLASSIFICATIONThe Canadian Standards Association standard for portable ladders (CAN3-Z11-M81(2003)) specifies certain minimum characteristics of strength and stability necessary for thesafe use of portable ladders. It also includes guidelines for safe use and care ofladders. Ladders are classified as outlined in the following table;

Table 1Rating Grade Capacity (Ibs) Recommended Use

Heavy Duty 1A 300 Construction and Industrial

Heavy 1 250 constmcon and industrial

Moderate 2 225 Tradesmen and Farm

Light 3 200 Household

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTSSafe ladder requirements for specific types of work can be found in the followingregulations underthe WSH Regulations part 13 and...

(a) (i) CSA Standard CAN3-Z1 1-M81 (R2005), Portable Ladders,

(ii) ANSI Standard A14.1-2000, American National Standard for

_________

—

Ladders - Wood - Safety Requirements, ‘1(uimi s.c )

(iii) ANSI Standard A14.2-2000, American National Standard for

_________________

Ladders - Portable Metal - Safety Requirements,A[rNTION

(iv) ANSI Standard A14.5-2000, American National Standard for fl GRADE 1Ladders - Portable Reinforced Plastic - Safety Requirements; and

(b) is used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer1sspecifications and safe operating instructions. sLHvIcE(

CON5iL}Icjj,

Ladders shall be designed, constructed and maintained so as not to endanger AND RENIAL

a worker and shall be capable of withstanding all loads to which it may be KOMINAI. iF

subjected: 2.44 iii

8 ft.• Only CSA Grade 1 Ladders shall be used (Construction and EXTE SIGN LONGLE’YI

Industrial, Heavy Load Rating)7:52

A ladder: MODtL!MctLE

• Shall be free from defects or loose rungs 6408• Shall have rungs spaced at 300mm on centers• Shall have side rails at least 300mm apart• Shall be placed on firm footing

The maximum length of a ladder measured along its side rail shall not be more than:

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b UNIVERSITYor MANITOBA


• 5m for a trestle ladder or for each of the base and extension sections of anextension trestle ladder.

• 6m for a step ladder• 9m for a single ladder or individual section of a ladder• 14Gm for and extension ladder with two sections• 20m for an extension ladder with more than two sections.

• If a section of an extension ladder is extended, the extended section overlapsanother section for at least

• one metre, for a ladder less than 11 m in length;• 1.25 m, for a ladder between 11 m and 15 m in length; or• 1.5 m, fora ladder over 15 m in length.

- No ladder shall be lashed to another ladder to increase length• No ladder shall be present in an elevator shaft or a similar hoisting area when the

shaft or area is being used for hoisting.

A ladder used as a regular means of access between levels of a structure:

• Shall extend at the upper level at least 900 mm 3 ‘) above the landing or floor• Shall have a clear space of at least 150mm ( 6 )behind every rung• Shall be located so that an adequate landing surface that is clear of

obstructions is available at the top and bottom of the landing and• Shall be secured at the top and bottom to prevent movement.

3.2 INDUSTRIAL REGULATION - PORTABLE LADDERS

Portable ladders shall;• Be free from broken or loose members

• Have non-slip feet

• Be placed on firm footing

• Must ensure that a portable ladder is secured against movement at all times during use andis placed on a stable, level base.

3.3 MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM ELECTRICAL POWER LINES

Unless special measures and procedures are in place, ladders must be protected frommaking contact with energized conductors and kept safe distances at least as far asrequired by the following table: Table #2

Minimum Distances From Live PowerLines

Nominal Phase-to-Phase Voltage Minimum Distance750 or more volts, but not more than 150 000V 3mMore than 150 000V, but no more than 250 000V

4.5mMore than 250 000V 6m

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b UNIVERSITY0 OF MANITOBA


GENERAL LADDER SELECTION AND SAFE USE PROCEDURES

1) Ladder Selection

Working from ladders poses the risk of falling and the decision to use a ladderfrom which to work should be considered the least desirable method. Except for workof short duration that can be done safely from a ladder, work will be done with ascaffold or elevated work platform; this will be determined and documented with a JHAby the individuals performing the workltaskWhen selecting a ladder:

A) Select the most appropriate type of ladder for the task to be performed• Step• Straight• Extension• Platform

B) Select most appropriate material (PP is fading out aluminum & wood ladders)- Aluminum• Fiberglass (only use fiberglass near electrical equipment)• Wood

C) Select proper ladder height to:• Position yourself so you don’t have to stand on the upper rungs!• Check for overhead power lines!• See chart (voltages and distance)• Use fiberglass when working on or near electrical conductors

2) Inspect Ladders Prior to UseBefore using a ladder, be sure to inspect it to ensure it is in good working condition andsafe to use. Inspect ladders for:

• Defects such as broken or missing rungs, cleats, safety feet or rails.• Slippery substances on wngs• Stability• Inspect for structural integrity

V Joints should be fight and secureV Hardware and fittings should be secure, not damaged or corrodedV Moveable parts should operate freelyV Check side rails and rungs for signs of damage, cracks, fraying (fiberglass)V Test rung locks (extension ladders)V Check ropes, cables and pulleys

Damaged or defective ladders must be immediately removed from service andnot used.

3) Set-Up• Check the work and surrounding areas for hazards such as overhead wires, slippery or

uneven surfaces, traffic etc...• Ensure the area at base and top of ladder is free/clear of obstructions• Ensure ground/surface is firm and level

Keep metal and wood ladders away from power lines and other live conductors

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UNIVERSITY0 OF MANITOBA


• Place ladders on firm, level ground• Position ladder at proper angle (straight and extension) and secure in position.• Open ladder fully (step ladder)• Take appropriate measures to protect the base of the ladder from any activity that could

bang it (e.g. people, doors, vehicles).

V Have someone guard or block the area while work is being performed on theladder

V Post warning signs or use pylons if necessary

4) Safe Climbing and Use

• Caretaking staff may climb up to 8 feet (2.5 metersl only, unless authorized by supervisor

• Work requiring a ladder over 12 ft tall requires 2 workers• Only one person is permitted on a ladder at the same time- Do not overreach• Always face the ladder and keep your hips (center of gravity)

between the rails• Maintain 3-point contact with ladders (1 hand and 2 feet or

2 hands and 1 foot) when climbing or descending ladders.• Keep hands free when climbing ladders. Use a tool belt

or rope to raise tools.• Ensure soles of shoes are clean and not slippery• Never climb a damaged, bent or broken ladder.• Get help when carrying long or heavy ladders.• Be aware of surroundings when carrying ladders. Pay particular attention to

overhead obstacles and people around to avoid striking them.• Do not use ladders if you tire easily, are subject to fainting spells, are using medicine

or are physically limited.• You must be physically fit to work on a ladder.

• DO NOT USE A LADDER IF YOUHave a sore back, legs, arms, hands

Z Have dizziness, nausea, light headednessAre taking medications that affect your balance or concentration

• If you experienced a dizzy spell on a ladder:• Stop and drape arms over a rung• Wait until spell passes• Slowly and carefully descend ladder.

5) Storing and Transporting Ladders• Ladders should be supported to prevent sagging• Do not store items on top of ladders

• When carrying a ladder:V Hold middle side rail and tip front slightly upwardV Watch for swing in the tail endV Watch for overhead hazardsV Get help with long ladders (>1211) or in congested or public area where the

public may be injured

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EXTENSION OR SINGLE-SECTION STRAIGHT LADDERS1) Ladder Selection

• Select a ladder of proper length to reach the working height and inspect prior to use.• Keep metal and wood ladders away from power lines and other live conductors• Use fiberglass ladders when performing work on or near electrical conductors

2) Set-Up

• Set ladder on firm ground. Do not use on ice, snow orslippery surface without non-skid devices or securing feet.

• Extend ladder 3ff above roof line and tie top at support points.V Extend top section only from ground, never by

“bouncing” or from the roof.- Secure the base when raising.• Never set-up ladder when it is extended• Position ladders at a safe angle. The recommended angle is

V 4:1 - Position the feet 1 foot back for each 4 feet up.• Do not overextend the ladder sections. Maintain

minimum overlap of sections• Have someone hold the bottom of the ladder when the top is not tied off• Securely engage ladder locks before climbing. Check to ensure the top and bottom

ends of ladder rails are firmly supported.• Protect the base of the ladder from any activity that could bang it (e.g. people,

doors, vehicles).• Have someone guard or block the area while work is being performed on the

ladder• Post warning signs or use pylons if necessary• Ladder MUST surpass upper level by 3 feet


• Do not place in front of a door opening toward the ladder unless the doorway canbe secured.

• Face ladder when climbing up or down.• Do not overreach.• Keep body centered between side rails.• Move ladder as needed. Never “walk” a ladder while standing on it.• Maintain a firm grip. Use both hands when climbing.• Do not climb onto ladder from the side unless the ladder is secured against movement.• Do not stand on or above the 3rd rung from the top of the ladder. Never climb above

the top support point.• Do not use ladder in high winds.• Keep ladder close to work area. Avoid pushing or pulling off to side of ladder.• Do not place on boxes, unstable surfaces or on scaffolds to gain additional height.

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STEP LADDERS1) Ladder Selection

• Select a style (e.g. platform, standard frame etc...) of stepladder most appropriate to the task and of proper height to reachthe working height. —

• Keep metal and wood ladders away from power lines and other liveConductors

• Use fiberglass ladders when performing work on or near ‘

electrical conductors.

2) Inspect Ladders Prior to UseBefore using a Ladder, be sure to inspect it to ensure it is in good working condition andsafe to use. Damaged or defective ladders must be immediately removed from serviceand not used.

3) Set-Up

• Place ladder on firm, level surface with secure footing. Do not use on sLippery surfaces.• Open the ladder fully and lock the spreader in open position.• Do not place on boxes, unstable surfaces or on scaffolds to gain additional height.• Do not place in front of a door opening toward the ladder unless the doorway

can be secured and/or the ladder can be protected against impact.

V Have someone guard or block the area while work is being performed on the ladderV Post warning signs or use pylons if necessary


• Caretaking staff may climb up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) only, unless authorized by supervisor

• Work requiring a ladder over 12 ft or taller requires 2 workers

• Maintain firm grip and use both hands when climbing.

• Never climb the ladder from the side unless it is securedagainst sideway motion.

• Do not overreach. Move the ladder as needed.

• Do not stand on or above the 2nd rung from the top of the ladder. Never climb abovethe top support point.

• Face the ladder when climbing up or down.

• Keep the body centered between side rails.

• Do not “walk” or “shift” the ladder when standing on it.

• Do not sit, stand or climb on the top step, pail shelf, braces or back section.

• Keep the ladder close to the work area

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UNIVERSITY0! MANITOBA


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Guidance DocumenlslstandardslApplicable Legislation:CSA & ANSI Standards;

• As cited in materialThis task will be monitored periodically

Manitoba Regulation; to ensure compliance and safetyPart 02— General DutiesPart 04- General workplace RequirementsPart 06- Personal Protective Equipment - GeneralPart 09 — Working AlonePart 13- Entrances, Exits, Stairways and LadderPart 14 - Fall ProtectionPart 20- Vehicular and Pedestrian Traffic

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURENk •J1AREVIEWED BY PPLASH yes! no DATE:

NOTE;

MANAGEMENT SIGNATUR F-,

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Ladder Inspection FormProvided by Werner Co.

Please Print

Ladder Reference Number

Inspector

______________

Dept

Date.

U Fiberglass U AluminumSteps:

Rails:

Labels:

Pail Shelf:

Top:

Spreader:

General:

Other:

ft.

U WoodLoose, Cracked, Bent or Missing

Cracked, Bent, Split or FrayedRail Shields

Missing or Not Readable

Loose, Bent, Missing or Broken

Cracked, Loose or Missing

Loose, Bent or Broken

Rust, Corrosion or Loose

Bracing, Shoes, Rivets

Ladder tagged as damaged & removed from use

Ladder is in good condition

Size ft.

U Aluminum

Rungs:

Rails:

Labels:

Rung Locks:

Hardware:

Shoes:

Rope/Pulley:

Other:

General:

Loose, Cracked, Bent or Missing

Cracked, Bent, Split or Frayed


Loose, Bent, Missing or Broken

Missing, Loose or Broken

Worn, Broken or Missing


Bracing Rivets


Yes No

DciDciDciDciDciDciDciDci

Company Name:

Li Stepladder Size

Circle Areasof Damage

Yes No

Dci

DciDciDciDciDciDciDci

Actions: UU

Extension Ladder

o Fiberglass

i Circle Areas• of Damage

Actions: UU



Ladder Inspection Form Provided by Werner Co.

3 Specialty Ladder

Fiberglass J Aluminum J Wood

Model Number:

Mark all that applyYes

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No

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Steps/Rungs:

Rails:

Labels:

Hardware:

Fasteners:

Top:

Spreader:

Outriggers:

General:

Hinges:

Locks:

BracingFront, Rear:

Rivets:

Shoes:

Platform:

Rail Shield:

Shoulder Bolt:

Casters:

Loose, Cracked Bent or Missing

Cracked, Bent, Split or Frayed


Missing, Loose or Broken

Rust, Corrosion, Loose or Missing

Cracked, Loose, or Missing


Missing, Rust, Corrosion or Loosefor scaffolding


Loose, Bent or Missing

Loose, Bent, Broken or Missing


Rust, Corrosion, Loose, Missing

Worn, Broken or Missing


Missing or Loose


Rust, Corrosion or Loosefor scaffolding

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Actions: LILI

GM6407 © 2004 Werner Co.Printed in USA. August 2004



1.6.1-ladder safety procedures

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