Ladder UseLadder UseClimbing the Ladder

to Safety

Ladder Accidents

Over 25,000 work-related accidents each year

Many result in severe injuries or death

Most common injuries include sprains, cuts, bruises, head injuries, & broken bones

Annual cost of compensation and medical treatment reaches into the millions of dollars

Indirect costs (worker replacement, retraining, and loss of productivity) can be up to 4 times as much!

Ladder (equipment) failure

Unexpected ladder movement

User loss of footing or balance

3 Main Sources of Ladder Accidents are:

Reasons for Ladder Failure:

Improper selection & use Deterioration due to improper care & storage Exposure to damaging agents

chemicalsheat

PreventingPreventing Ladder FailureGeneral prevention techniques include:

a. Proper SelectionSelection

c. Appropriate UseUse

b. Adequate InspectionInspection

Read and follow all manufacturer's instructions

Don't choose a step ladder when an extension ladder is needed

Don’t use a ladder with obvious structural defects

Use only wooden or fiberglass ladders near electrical service or power lines

Attach a single point support where both rails fail to contact (against columns, poles or corners)

Check ladder capacity

PreventingPreventing Ladder FailureProper SelectionSelection

Look for damaged or loose rungs or side rails

Note any broken or bent hardware Check the condition of extension ladder

ropes and pulleys Ensure that ladder footings are firmly

attached and tread is intact Tag a defective ladder “out of service” &

report it immediately If broken, worn, or damaged beyond repair,

destroy the ladder

PreventingPreventing Ladder Failure Adequate InspectionInspection

Keep to its intended purpose Don’t stand on the back cross bracing Don’t use an extension ladder as a

horizontal platform (scaffold) Don’t allow more than one worker on

the ladder at a time Don’t load the ladder beyond its

maximum intended load Protect ladder base from traffic; if

used in front of a door, make sure door is locked or guarded

Preventing Preventing Ladder Failure Appropriate UseUse

Unexpected Unexpected Ladder Movement

When ladders move unexpectedly, it is almost always because of improper placement – either on inappropriate surfaces or at an improper angle.

Situate ladders only on firm, level ground - not in mud, in water, or on an incline

Ensure that the extension ladder’s base is at a minimum distance from vertical that is at least 1/4 of the ladder’s working height

Ensure an extension ladder reaches at least 3 feet above the landing

Preventing Ladder Movement

Do not place the ‘round’ ends of an extension ladder downward

Do not take apart extension ladders or use single sections individually

Fully open stepladders and lock the spreader - all feet should contact a level supporting structure

Ensure that all ladders are equipped with slip-resistant footings or “shoes”

Preventing Ladder Movement

When using an extension ladder, always:

Tie it off Brace it at the bottom Secure extension rope to lower

section as back-up for lock assembly

Ladders move when they are not properly tied off.

Preventing Ladder Movement

Loss of Footing or Balance

Ladder accidents can occur when the user loses footing (slips) or loses balance

Chief causes include Improper ladder preparation Wet shoes Carrying materials while climbing Overreaching while on the ladder Inattention to the job

When ladder users ignore proper operating procedures or simply fail to employ good common sense, the results can be disastrous!

To reduce your risk of a fall, follow these guidelines:

Clean any wet or slippery rungs before use

Wear slip-resistant shoes Always face the ladder Keep eyes on the ladder and pay

attention to hand and foot placement

PreventingPreventing Loss of Footing/Balance

To reduce your risk of a fall, follow these guidelines:

Lift equipment & materials with a rope; don't carry in your hand

Carry smaller tools in pouches around the waist

Always maintain 3 points of contact (2 feet/1 hand, or 2 hands/1 foot)

Do not overreach.  Keep belt buckle positioned between the side rails

PreventingPreventing Loss of Footing/Balance

To reduce your risk of a fall, follow these guidelines:

Never stand on the top two steps of any ladder

Do not move, shift, or extend the ladder while standing on it

Preventing Loss of Footing/Balance

FINALLY, IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY THAT YOU AVOID ALL CONTACT WITH POWER

LINES!!IF YOU MUST PERFORM ELEVATED WORK NEAR ANY OVERHEAD

LINES:

1. USE A NON-CONDUCTIVE LADDER (FIBERGLASS)

2. CONTACT YOUR SUPERVISOR

3. WALK THROUGH THE PROCEDURE BEFORE STARTING THE JOB

Thank you for your cooperation!