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Stairways and Ladders• Course Overview

• Objective: to fulfill training requirements in stairways and ladders in accordance with OSHA 10 Hour Outreach program

• Estimated Length: 1 hour • Audience: Workers, Supervisors, Managers• References: 1926.1050-Subpart X - Stairways and

Ladders

Introduction

Introduction

Course Agenda• This course will focus on:

• Terms and Definitions• Temporary Stairs• Ladder Types• Safe Use• Inspection• Straight, Step, and Fixed Ladders

Introduction

Get Site-Specific Training!• This training course:

• provides basic occupational safety and health information

• is not intended to be a substitute for provisions of OSHA Act or for OSHA standards

• is not a substitute for specific, hands-on training and information

Ladder Accidents• Falls from ladders:

• are a leading cause of work place fatalities and injuries

• from 1984 to 1997, these falls accounted for approximately:

• 3,000 fatalities• 65,000 disabling injuries

Introduction

OSHA Citations -Stairways & Ladders

• One recent year, OSHA cited these violations:

• 598 citations for no handrail

• 488 citations: Ladder does not extend 3 feet beyond landing

• 253 citations: No stairway or ladder provided

• 137 citations: Damaged ladder

Introduction

Stairway & Ladder Definitions • Common terms:

• Cleats:- crosspieces between vertical

side rails• Single-cleat:

• standard ladder configuration of cleats and side rails

Definitions

Definitions

Definitions • Double-cleated ladder:

• Two vertical side rails, one center rail• allows for two-way traffic up and down

• Extended trestle: (extension ladder) • A self-supporting portable ladder • with adjustable section to increase length and height

Definitions

Definitions • Job-made and Portable Ladders: • Job-made:

• fabricated on site to ANSI A.14.4-1979• Portable Ladders:

• readily moveable

Definitions

Definitions• Maximum intended load:

• ladder’s ability to support combined weight of people, equipment, and materials

Definitions • Fixed-Ladder: part of permanent structure

• Stair rail system: • a vertical barrier for fall protection

• typically 36 inches above the tread• Tread is top horizontal surface of a step• Tread depth:

• measurement of tread front-to-back

Definitions

Definitions

Definitions• Unprotected sides and edges:

• Areas with no stair rail system or wall 36” + in height

• Any side of edge with no wall or guardrail system 39” + in height

• Except entrances at point of access

Definitions

Definitions• Metal pan stairs and landings are:

• stair forms before they are filled with concrete • may create a tripping hazard

Tripping Hazards • To prevent tripping hazards:• Pan stairs are required to be filled • Treads must be of a non-slip material or coating• Stairs must be swept frequently and kept clear of tripping

hazards

Temporary Stairs

Temporary Stairs• Basic Requirements

• For elevation break of 19 in. or more: • Stairs, ladder, or ramp required

• Handrail required at 4 or more risers• Landing 30 in. by 22 in. is required at every 12 ft.

of vertical rise

Temporary Stairs

Temporary Stairs

Basic Requirements • Temporary stairs:

• should be installed between 30 degrees and 50 degrees • riser height and tread depth shall be uniform

• variations not to exceed one-fourth inch

Temporary Stairs

Basic Requirements • Good housekeeping

• Slippery conditions corrected immediately• Electrical cords not strung across stairs • Materials and tools should not be left or stored

on stairs or landings• Stairway must be free of projectiles, sharp

edges, or nails

Basic Requirements • Adequate lighting is critical: • 5 foot-candles of illumination (minimum) must be

available at all times• Door opening directly onto a stairway requires a

platform at the same level• Minimum clearance: 20 inches

Temporary Stairs

Temporary Stairs

Spiral Stairways • Spiral stairways:

• Should be part of permanent structure• Shall be equipped with handrail offset to prevent

walking where tread is less than 6”• See OSHA Standards 1926.1051(a) 1 and 1926.1052c2

Stairway Handrails

• Stairways:

• at 4 or more risers or 30 inches, whichever is less

• shall be equipped with at least one handrail

• and one stair rail system on all unprotected sides

• Handrail height = 30-37 inches (from the tread to top of handrail)

Temporary Stairs

Temporary Stairs

Stairway Handrails

• Midrails to be installed:

• At midway point between tread and handrail

• Mesh may also be required

• Must be constructed to withstand 200 lbs. of force

• Toeboards around floor openings and stairwells

Types of Ladders • Four Types:

• 1. Straight ladder• 2. Extension Ladder• 3. Step ladder• 4. Fixed ladder 24’ or higher must

have:• Cage• Self-retracting lifeline• Rest platform

Types Of Ladders

Types Of Ladders

Ladder Materials • Common ladder materials:

• Wood • Aluminum• Fiberglass

• Each has its limitations, advantages, and disadvantages

Duty Rating• When selecting a ladder, consider:

• Rated load capacity

• Found on manufacturer’s label

• Total Weight (weight of worker + PPE + tools + equipment)

Types Of Ladders

Types Of Ladders

Duty Rating • Type IA = Heavy duty, industrial rating, 300 lb.

weight limitation

• Type I = Heavy duty, 250 lb. weight limit

• Type II = Medium duty, 225 lb. weight limit

• Type III = Light duty 200 lb. weight limit (Household ladder)

Using Ladders Safely • You must:

• Understand and follow proper ladder safety practices• Can you eliminate exposure to potential injury?

• If possible, don’t use a ladder and eliminate the risks --falls, contact with over - head utilities, back and muscle strain

Using Ladders Safely

When you have to use a ladder • Protect yourself from injury: • Wear good work boots or shoes with a heel and non-slip soles• Ensure boots are clean before starting to climb the ladder• Gloves are recommended • Be aware of jewelry that might catch on the ladder


Top Ten Rules1. Inspect the ladder for damage or defects

• Do not use a damaged ladder • Remove it from work area• Is it free of oil, grease, other slipping hazards?• All warning stickers should be clearly affixed



Top Ten Rules • 2. Inspect the location

• Is it stable?• Free of debris, liquids?• Any overhead utilities, other obstructions? • Equipment, traffic or tripping hazards?


Top Ten Rules 3. Select the right ladder for the job:• long/tall enough, non-conductive?


Top Ten Rules• 4. Position the ladder correctly, using the four-to-one

rule.


Top Ten Rules

5. Face the ladder and use both hands when ascending and descending.


Top Ten Rules • 6. Secure the ladder to a rigid support


Top Ten Rules7. Do not carry materials or tools while ascending

and descending the ladders


Top Ten Rules8. Do not extend beyond the rails


Top Ten Rules 9. Never use a stepladder as a straight ladder

-- and never stand on the top 2 steps of a stepladder


Top Ten Rules

10. When setting up a step ladder:ALL four legs must be level and on a firm surface

Ladder Inspection• Ladders must be inspected:

• On a periodic basis• After any occurrence• By a competent person• Prior to use



Ladder Inspection• Wood ladders:

• Look for rot, cracked, split, loose• Should never be painted

• Metal ladders:• Inspect for corrosion • Defective ladders to be removed from

service.• Not to be used around electrical work


Ladder Inspection • Fiberglass ladders:

• Inspect for Damage by heat or corrosives• Always check rung locks on extension ladder and

check label • Tag damaged ladders “do not use” and remove

from work area

Straight Ladders- Requirements• Support 4 times the maximum intended load (see

manufacturer’s label)• Do not exceed the maximum load! • Spacing for rungs, cleats and steps must be

uniform 10”-14”• Rungs, cleats and steps are to be skid-resistant

Straight and Stepladders

Using Straight Ladders • Single section max. length = 30’• Double section ladders max. length = 48’• Triple section ladder max. length = 60’• Overlap of sections = 3-5’• Top section of an extension should not be used by itself


Common Types of Stepladders • Three Types of Stepladders, rated by height:

• Type I are Industrial, 3-20 ft. long, heavy duty, construction, industrial trades

• Type II are Commercial, 3-12 ft. long, medium duty, office, light duty trades

• Type III are Household, 3-6 ft. light duty• Not approved for use on construction projects


Using Stepladders• See ANSI A14.1, 14.3, or 14.5 • Rungs, cleats, or steps are to be skid

resistantSpacing for rungs, cleats or steps = 8 in. -12 in., uniformly

• Spreader/locking device is required


Using Stepladders• Top two steps are not to be used

• In California, top 3 steps cannot be used unless handhold available or fall protection available



Using Stepladders • Stepladders used only in fully open position:

• Placed on level ground• Do not use as a straight ladder• Must have permanently affixed label • Periodic inspection by a competent person, before use

by the worker

FIXED LADDERS –Definition• Fixed ladders:

• Permanent part of structure in most cases

• Provide access to roofs, tanks, or to large equipment

Fixed Ladders

Fixed Ladders

Fixed Ladders - Requirements• Standards for Fixed Ladders: • Found in ANSI A14.3 and in OSHA regs • Distance between rungs can not exceed 12

inches, and must be uniform• Metal ladders should be painted or otherwise treated to

resist corrosion and rusting.

Fixed Ladders

Clearances for Fixed Ladders• Clearances:

• Climbing side of ladder at least 30 inches from any other object

• Minimum clearance of 7 inches from back side of ladder to any other object

Fixed ladders must have:• For a vertical climb < 24’ but where top of

ladder is > 24’ above lower levels, fixed ladders shall have:

• Cages• Wells• Ladders safey devices, or• self – retracting life lines

• Landing platform every 20 feet if no cage, well, or ladder safety device

Fixed Ladders

Fixed Ladders • When Length of Climb exceeds 24 feet:

• Ladders must have a cage or well, and multiple ladder sections, each section not to exceed 50 feet

• Ladder sections shall be offset from adjacent sections, and landing platforms shall be provided at maximum intervals of 50 feet

Fixed Ladders

Fixed Ladders

Fixed Ladders: More Requirements • Fixed ladders without cages or wells shall

have: • a clear width to the nearest permanent

object of at least 15 inches on each side of the centerline of the ladder

Fixed Ladders

Towers, Water Tanks, & Chimneys • Ladder safety devices:

• can be used on tower, water, tank, and chimney ladders over 20 feet.

• No landing platform is required

Final Considerations

Summary • This course has covered the following with respect

to the OSHA standards:• Key Terminology • Temporary Stairs• Types of Ladders• Rules for Safe Use• Guidelines for Straight, Step, and Fixed • It’s up to you to apply this knowledge on your

worksite!

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