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Keys to Safe Ladder Use

By Marion Grant
Last updated: September 20, 2018
Presented by AD Safety Network
Key Takeaways

Using the wrong kind of ladder, or using the right one improperly, can lead to serious injury.

We’ve been climbing up and down ladders since we discovered the slide and monkey bars way back in elementary school. With all that experience under our belts, it should be a piece of cake, right?

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Well, not exactly.

Like any tool, the right ladder will increase productivity and help you get the job done. But using the wrong ladder (or using the right ladder the wrong way) can lead to serious and potentially fatal injuries.

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Like any tool, having the right ladder leads to higher productivity and a job well done. However, using the wrong kind of ladder at your facility can lead to serious injury or even death.

In this article, we'll go over some basics for safe ladder use. That way, you'll be able to climb them with confidence and without accidents.

How to Safely Use a Stepladder

A stepladder is a common fixture in workplaces and on jobsites. Its convenient, hinged design makes it easy to carry and store. Although its size is fixed, it comes in a variety of heights, from four feet to twenty.

Stepladders are intended for one worker’s use, and it’s unsafe for more than one person to be on it. However, if the job requires two people to work together, double-sided ladders, which have two sets of steps, offer a very convenient solution.

Another variation of the stepladder is the platform ladder. It’s similar to a stepladder but has a large, stable work surface to stand on. Again, only one person should stand on the platform at a time – even if there appears to be enough room for two.

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Stepladders should be used on firm, level surfaces with the spreader bars fully open and locked. It should never be leaned against a wall and climbed.

How to Safely Use an Extension Ladder

An extension ladder offers more versatility than a stepladder. It consists of two or more sections, which can be adjusted to give the ladder different lengths.

These ladders should only be used by one person at a time. If more than one person needs to use it, wait until the first user has completed their climb before starting yours.

Once it's set up, measures must be taken to ensure that the extension ladder can't be accidentally moved or displaced. This can be accomplished by tying it off at the top or bottom.

Proper placement requires that the working length of the extension ladder be four times the horizontal distance from the ladder’s base to the structure.

If there's a chance of coming into contact with electricity, use a fiberglass ladder rather than an aluminum one.

Never paint ladders, as this can hide dangerous defects.

(Find out How to Put Together a Safety Program for Working at Heights)

General Safe Ladder Practices

Workers should always be trained in the proper use, placement, and handling of ladders and must set up the ladder according to the manufacturer’s safety instructions and warnings.

Before selecting a ladder, be sure to determine the necessary duty rating. The worker’s weight plus the weight of any tools that are carried must be less than the duty rating specified by the manufacturer.

Inspect the ladder before each use. Look for missing or rickety steps, rungs, or cleats, faulty parts, and broken side rails. If a ladder is damaged in any way, it must be replaced or removed from service until repaired.

Tips for Safe Ladder Use

  • Ensure that the ladder is free of oil, grease, and other slippery substances
  • Make sure there are no wires overhead
  • Ascend and descend while facing the ladder, maintain a confident hold, and firmly set one foot before moving the other, maintaining three points of contact
  • Use a tool belt or tow rope to carry tools
  • Wear shoes with non-slip soles that are free of mud, oil, or anything slippery
  • Keep your body centered between the rails while using the ladder
  • Never over-reach
  • Don’t stand above the second step from the top of a stepladder or the fourth rung from the top of an extension ladder
  • Ladders must not be placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable objects
  • Ladders shouldn’t be placed in front of closed doors that could open toward the ladder – if this is unavoidable, make sure the door is closed and locked or guarded
  • Never attempt to move a ladder without first climbing down and getting off
  • Don’t use ladders in storms or high winds

Conclusion

Choosing the right ladder is a key component in providing a safe and productive work environment. Remembering to practice safe ladder use helps reduce accidents and injuries on the job site.

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Presented By

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Written by Marion Grant | Senior Copywriter at Northern Safety Co., Inc.

Marion Grant
Since joining Northern Safety & Industrial in 1999, Marion Grant has been writing about the importance of safety in the workplace. By keeping the conversation going about proper practices, she hopes to reduce accidents and injuries, as well as increase worker morale and productivity.

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