Section 12: Ladder Safety

Section 12: Ladder Safety OVERVIEW Nationally, there were 123 work related deaths in 2009 due to ladder-use accidents. Misuse of, and falls from, ladd...
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Section 12: Ladder Safety OVERVIEW Nationally, there were 123 work related deaths in 2009 due to ladder-use accidents. Misuse of, and falls from, ladders consistently rank in the highest causal factors for work place injuries. CalOSHA has numerous ladder safety regulations that must be adhered to for assuring compliance and safe work activities when using ladders. This section is intended to guide you in managing the safe selection, procurement, usage, work practices, inspection, inventory tracking and record keeping of all ladders…. so that your operations are in compliance with CalOSHA codes and the law. This section applies to every UC campus, at field stations, or on property leased by University of California where any type of ladder three feet (36”) or more in length/ height is used by UC personnel (including temporary employees, students and visitors who use UC-owned ladders). The department owning the ladders is responsible for the proper selection of ladders to be kept in their ladder inventory based upon an assessment of work tasks. In addition, Owner Departments are responsible for providing training to their personnel who use ladders, for keeping the records of training completed, and for performing annual inspections and maintenance of all ladders under their ownership /control. Ladder users are required to follow safe work procedures, to alert Owner Department management whenever they discover a damaged ladder, and to follow any specific safe work practices developed by the department concerning ladder use.

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WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING DO I NEED BEFORE USING A LADDER? You must receive ladder safety training before you first use a ladder in accordance with your department’s or campus’ Injury and Illness Prevention Program, with refresher training as necessary. Training must be provided by your supervisor or someone with specialized knowledge in ladder safety. Supervisors must have received ladder safety training as well. EH&S or other safety professionals can provide this training on your campus. This section of the Shop Safety Manual provides the following training as required by Cal/OSHA for safe ladder use:       

Importance of using ladders safely, including: frequency and severity of injuries related to falls from ladders. Ladder selection, including: types of ladders, proper length, maximum working loads, and electrical hazards. How to maintain and inspect ladders, as well as when to remove a damaged ladder from service. Erecting ladders, including: footing support, top support, securing, and angle of inclination. Climbing and working while on ladders, including: user's position and points of contact with the ladder, as well as when fall-protection must be worn while working from a ladder. Factors contributing to falls, including: haste, sudden movement, lack of attention, footwear, and user's physical condition. Prohibited uses, including: uses other than designed, climbing on cross bracing, maximum lengths, and minimum overlap of extension ladder sections.

SELECTING A LADDER FOR USE There are two basic types of portable ladders: self-supporting stepladders and non-selfsupporting straight and extension ladders. Either type can be made of metal, wood, or fiberglass. When you select a ladder for use, consider both the type of ladder and how appropriate it is for your planned work, and the load-carrying limits of the ladder.

HOW STRONG IS MY LADDER? Manufacturers give ladders duty ratings based on the maximum load (weight limit) they can safely support. CalOSHA requires the ladder duty-rating must be clearly labeled on the ladder. UC System - Shop Safety Reference Manual Section 12 – Ladder Safety Page 2

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The duty rating must exceed your weight plus the weight of any tools and materials you carry with you. Consider the maximum weight a ladder will support before selecting one for the task you must complete. Ladders must not be subjected to loads greater than their duty rating.

Portable Ladder Duty Ratings Type IAA – Special duty, up to 375 pounds Type IA – Extra heavy duty, up to 300 pounds Type I – Heavy duty, up to 250 pounds Type II – Medium duty, up to 225 pounds Type III – Light duty, up to 200 pounds

It is UC Policy when purchasing and providing ladders that: Only Type IAA “Special Duty”, Type IA “Extra Heavy Duty”, and Type I “Heavy Duty” ladders can be used for commercial, crafts, research and maintenance work, or on a construction job site. UC allows a Type II “Medium Duty” ladder to be used in infrequent-use locations such as offices, dormitories, etc. assuming the ladder is not overloaded by users. At no time are Type III “Light Duty” rated ladders allowed to be used on UC property. All ladders used in UC shops must be manufactured according to ANSI standards as referenced in CalOSHA ladder regulations and be labeled accordingly. The labels must remain in place on the ladders and be visible for someone using the ladder to see as part of their inspection prior to use of the ladder. Ladders that have had OSHA labels removed or painted-over must be taken out of service and destroyed.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE LADDERS MADE FROM? Many fixed ladders are made from steel and are integral to the structure of a building or a large piece of equipment. There are three primary materials portable ladders are made from: wood, aluminum, and fiberglass, and they have specific uses based upon the type of work to be done. Wooden ladders are heavy when lifting / carrying them, and are more easily damaged than aluminum or fiberglass ladders. While wood ladders have been around from more than a century, they have inherent maintenance and inspection problems and are discouraged from being purchased / used. As wooden ladders develop maintenance problems through use, retire them from service and replace them with either aluminum or fiberglass ladders. Take note however, in some research operations where staticelectric generation could damage delicate research equipment, wood ladders may be the only material allowed for use as it will not generate static, and does not conduct electricity. If you have a wood ladder, NEVER PAINT THE LADDER with any kind of paint that masks viewing the wood grain. Safety inspections of wood ladder require that the grain be inspected for hair-line cracks and other defects in the wood that paint would

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cover-up. If you have a wood ladder that has already been painted, please destroy it. It is no longer inspect-able and would be cited by CalOSHA as defective equipment. Aluminum ladders are very lightweight but conduct electricity so they are not appropriate for doing any electrical work, or work that involves using electricallypowered tools that are attached to a building’s utility system. Fiberglass ladders are nonconductive when dry, but are heavier than wood. The table below provides a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of ladder. Keep these in mind when selecting one to use. Table – Ladder Material of Construction - Selection Guide Type of Ladder

Pros 

Wood

  

Provides a natural feel. Can be used for electrical work Doesn’t build a static charge

  

  Aluminum

  

  Fiberglass

 

Lightweight. Durable and weather resistant. Will not crack or chip with rough handling. Doesn’t build a static charge Likely least expensive of three ladder construction materials

Durable and corrosion / weather resistant. Nonconductive when clean and dry. Will not dry out, split or bend. Can be used for electrical work

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  

Cons Require protective coating of clear varnish (they are not allowed to be painted) to keep wood from drying and splitting. Heavy (particularly longer ones). May be more-costly than other ladders of same size Does not insulate well against heat. Conducts electricity (never use aluminum ladders near energized electrical lines, this includes changing light bulbs). To minimize slipping, rungs of metal ladders must be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, or coated with skid-resistant material.

Heavier than comparable aluminum or wood. Can chip or crack with improper handling. Can build a static charge

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WHAT KINDS OF LADDERS ARE THERE, AND WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR? Each of the following ladder designs are available in any material “Type” and/or “Duty Rating”. Use this information as a guide to selecting the correct ladder for your intended work.

Articulating, Combination, Multi Position, or Sectional Ladder An articulating ladder is a non-self-supporting or self-supporting portable ladder, adjustable or non-adjustable in length. It consists of two or more sections of ladder that may be combined to function as a single ladder. The overall length of the assembled sections designates its size. They can be used to access areas above uneven surfaces.

Extension Ladder An extension ladder is a non-self-supporting portable ladder, adjustable in length. It consists of two or more sections that travel in guides or brackets, which are arranged to permit length adjustment. An extension ladder’s size is designated by the sum of the lengths of the sections measured along the side rails. It cannot exceed 40 feet. They can be used to access varying heights.

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Extension Trestle Ladder A stepladder that is a self-supporting portable ladder with an extension. They are available in “twin front” or “double front” design so they can be climbed from both sides. They can be used for operations in theater and stage work or to get to equipment above drop ceilings

Fixed Ladder A fixed ladder is a ladder permanently attached to a structure, building, or equipment. The type of ladder shown is used to access the top of facilities for maintenance.

Individual Rung Fixed Ladders A type of fixed ladder that does not have side rails. Each rung is permanently attached to the surface of a wall, machine, or piece of equipment. These ladders are used to access and egress facilities like manholes and crawl spaces.

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Platform Step Ladder, Single entry work platform A step ladder with small horizontal platform at the top. These can be used to work safely at elevated locations using both hands without having to “hold on” to the ladder.

Single Ladder A single ladder is a non-self-supporting portable ladder, similar to an extension ladder, nonadjustable in length, which consists of only one section. Its size is designated by the overall length of the side rail and cannot exceed 30 feet. These can be used to access heights within the limit of their height.

Specialty Ladders Any type of ladder that is constructed for specific use on unique devices used for research or any other purpose The ladder shown is a shelf ladder that is attached to or used to access shelves. Another type of “specialty ladder” is a rolling “Library Ladder” set on rails attached to shelving, etc

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Step Ladder A stepladder (also known as an “A” frame ladder) is a self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, having flat steps and a hinged back. It is measured along the front edge of the side rails. They are available in “twin front” or “double front” design so they can be climbed from both sides. These can be used to access heights within the limit of their height.

Step-to-Straight Ladder Ladder can convert quickly from a stepladder to a push-up extension ladder. They are equipped with rung lock, utility-style safety shoes, and a standard pole grip. They can be used as either a self-supporting or non-self-supporting ladder.

Tripod Orchard Ladder Tripod orchard ladders are designed to be used on soft and uneven terrain therefore they lack spreaders, locking devices, steel points, and safety shoes. These should ONLY be purchased and/or used for outdoor work in pruning and accessing tree canopies.

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Tripod Industrial Ladder Tripod Step Ladders are designed to be used in construction and maintenance activities where a 4-leg step ladder would have limited access or require the ladder user to work off to one-side of the ladder. These should be purchased/used for maintenance and construction work where a single pole leg can be placed amongst equipment or other obstructions and allow a safe-work access for the ladder user to face the work area not having to work off to one side. Note that the front legs are spaced wider-apart than a basic step ladder to provide stability.

HOW LONG CAN LADDERS BE? The length of a ladder is determined by the sum-total of all the sections of the ladder in an “extension” or “single” ladder design, or the length of the front ladder for a “step ladder” design. Ladders are limited in length by some OSHA codes, and because of the structural and work-use limitations of some materials ladders are made from. Remember when selecting ladders that they are set-up leaning against something or set at an angle. Therefore, you’ll need to determine how high the location you’re trying to access is, and then select a ladder that is at least three-feet (36”) longer for “single” and “extension” ladders, and two feet (24”) shorter for “step” ladders. The table below details the maximum allowable length of different kinds of ladders. Maximum Ladder length Ladder Type

Maximum Length (Feet)

Step Ladder

20

Two-section extension ladder (wood)

60

Two-section extension ladder (metal)

48

Three-section extension ladder (metal)

60

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Two-section extension ladder (reinforced plastic).

72

Trestle ladder

20

Extension trestle ladder base section

20

Extension trestle ladder extension section

20

Painter's step ladder

12

Mason's ladder

40

Cleat ladder

30

Trolley ladder or side-rolling ladder

20

Single ladder

30

CAN I MAKE MY OWN LADDER? The short-answer is, “NO”…. not legally! For both fixed ladders and portable ladders, ladder design and duty ratings are strictly guided by very detailed OSHA codes that dictate every aspect of a ladder’s design and construction including the size of the rungs, width of the side-rail spacing, the size of the side-rails, the torsional strength of the ladder structure, the friction coefficient of steps and slip-resistance of the feet when placed on a surface, etc… Ladder manufacturers ensure their products meet or exceed the numerous OSHA safety codes that ladders must be designed to by law, and ladders are regularly tested by manufacturers and independent Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) to ensure purchased commercial ladders meet or exceed minimum legal requirements. You could not design and build a ladder that would meet or exceed OSHA code requirements for less money than you could go out and buy one for. Never build your own ladder. If you find you have a very unusual situation that a commercially-available ladder cannot be found to address, please contact your campus EH&S department to discuss what alternatives to building your own ladder may be available.

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USING STEPLADDERS SAFELY The standard stepladder has flat steps and a hinged back. They must have metal spreaders or locking arms that hold the ladder locked-open when properly set up. In addition, they must have skidresistant treads on the steps, and have slip-resistant “feet” on all four legs. Stepladders are self-supporting, nonadjustable, and intended for use by only one worker at a time unless they are designed for two people to use such as a “twin front” design. They cannot be longer than 20 feet as measured along the front edge of the side rails. If you need a longer ladder, select an extension ladder. Only use stepladders on surfaces that have a firm, level footing such as floors, platforms, and slabs. Never stand on the top step or the top cap when using a stepladder. 

A step ladder must be tall enough so that you don’t have to stand on the top cap or top two rungs of the ladder to access your work. Select a step ladder that is long enough to safely access your work area while complying with this code requirement.



Never use a step ladder in the “closed” position or lean it against a surface for use as a leaning ladder. Step ladders are not designed to be climbed as a leaning ladder and are unstable when used this way.

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USING EXTENSION LADDERS SAFELY Extension ladders offer the greatest length in a general purpose ladder. They are considered non-self supporting because they must be leaned against a stable surface such as a wall for support. Extension ladders consist of two or more sections that travel in guides or brackets, allowing adjustable lengths, as shown at right. The sliding upper section must be on top of the lower section. Each section must overlap its adjacent section a minimum distance, based on the ladder’s overall length. On newer extension ladders, this overlap is designed-into the extension ladder by the manufacturer to ensure the ladder cannot be extended beyond its longest-safedistance. On older extension ladders, the ladder may not have the overlap-stops builtinto the ladder, and you’ll need to ensure the ladder has the required minimum section overlap for safety and code compliance. Below is a table of extension ladder length and the corresponding required minimum overlap distance needed when setting up the ladder. Note the overlap distance is based upon the overall length of the extension ladder, not the distance / length you’re extending the ladder to for your work. Extension Ladder Overlap Ladder Size (Feet)

Minimum Overlap (Inches)

Up to and including 32...............

36

Over 32, up to and including 36.

46

Over 36, up to and including 48.

58

Over 48, up to and including 60.

70

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HOW DO I SET UP A LEANING-LADDER? A leaning single or extension ladder must extend at least 36” above the edge of a roof / mezzanine / upper edge when properly installed. As a rule-ofthumb, ladder rungs are 12” apart, so at least threerungs must be above the edge. When setting the ladder on the supporting surface, ensure the surface is clean and dry as possible, and level. For uneven support surfaces, ladder extension feet (see “Ladder Accessories” paragraph below) are available to ensure the ladder is vertical and properly supported. Lean the ladder against the roof / mezzanine / upper edge so that both side-rails rest firmly against the edge. Angle the ladder so that lean-angle ratio is approximately 4:1. This means that the horizontal distance the upper-support is from the base is approximately ¼ the distance of the upper edge from the surface the ladder is set upon. So, if you’re upper edge is 16’ above the surface the ladder is set upon, then the base of the ladder must be 4’ further away horizontally from the upper edge. Remember when using an extension ladder to have the minimum required overlap (see paragraph above). Tie-off the ladder to the structure using a “ladder cinch” or “ladder tie” to limit the ladder’s ability to move when being used. These are usually braided nylon straps or rope that secure the ladder in place during the entire time of use.

WHAT LADDER ACCESSORIES ARE ALLOWED TO BE USED ON LADDERS? There are many accessories manufactured that enhance ladder-use safety, and allow users to achieve safer and more-efficient work aloft. Accessories include extension feet for creating stability on uneven surfaces, tool keepers, portable shelves, etc…. A list of all available accessories for ladders is beyond the scope of this reference manual. But, to make sure whatever accessories that are purchased are in compliance with ladder-safety codes and regulations, always purchase accessories from reputable ladder manufacturers with accessory labels that bare an approval stamp from a “Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory” (NRTL) (e.g. Underwriters Laboratory UL, Canadian Standards Agency CSA, etc…) Federal OSHA keeps a current list of NRTLs at the website located at the following link:

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https://www.osha.gov/dts/otpca/nrtl/ When installing accessories on ladders, the manufacturer’s installation instructions must be followed completely. OSHA does not allow ladders to be drilled-into, or in any other way structurally altered from how it was made by its manufacturer. Accessory manufacturers take this requirement into account when designing their equipment, and the attachment method used will ensure they comply with all regulations. Below are examples of common accessories used to promote safer ladder use.

Cage (Fixed Ladder Cage) Ladder cages provide fall protection and are required by code on fixed ladders over 20 feet high. The base of the cage must be at 7’ above the base surface.

Caster Brackets Weight sensitive brackets with casters that allow a ladder to be rolled on a floor when there is no load on the ladder

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Cable hook and V-ring assembly Used to secure the top of a single ladder or extension ladder to a pole, pipe or other “rounded” vertical support structure.

Cinch (Ladder Cinch or Ladder Tie) Used as a quick tie down for use on poles or similar structures.

Jacks (Ladder Jack) Attaches to rungs of non-self-supporting ladders to allow the use of ladders as supports for scaffold planks. Fall protection is required.

Ladder Jacks and Guardrail Systems Below is a link to a video that describes one manufacturer’s setup and use of guardrails and tool hangers for use with ladder jacks, ladder planks and working on roofs. http://www.safetyinnovationsllc.com/fall-safetyequipment-ladder-guardrails/

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Levelers (Ladder leveler) Two base attachments that are used to level the ladder on a sloped support surface.

Pail Shelf A pail shelf attaches to an existing shelf to provide relatively stable locations for tools and pails or buckets.

Paint can hangers (for extension ladders) Are designed to be easily attached and removed from a ladder in order to hang a bucket. There are load limits, as determined by the manufacturer, for both the ladder rail and the hanger. They can be used to temporarily hang other supplies or tools as long as they are within the load limits of the ladder and hanging bracket.

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Platform (Ladder Platform) Kicks out of the way easily for climbing and is used as a platform to stand on.

Stabilizer Attaches to the ladder rungs or rails to stand the ladder off from a surface or stabilize the ladder around an obstruction such as a pipe, a gutter or a window.

Tray – Multipurpose Use Made for straight or stepladders. The texture is intended to provide a place to put small parts such as bolts, nuts, wire-nuts and small tools in addition to pails.

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Tool Belt Worn by ladder users to hold tools and project materials securely attached to their waste so that they may ascend and descend ladders using both hands.

Tool Lasso Secures awkward tools to a belt to allow safe ladder climbing with needed tools.

Go to Quick Start Go to Table of Contents Go to FAQ Fact Sheet

WHAT ARE THE “LADDER USER’S SAFE-WORK PRACTICES”? Selecting the Correct Ladder for your work  

 

To minimize slipping on round metal rungs that can be especially slippery in wet or dirty conditions, rungs of metal ladders must be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, or coated with skid-resistant material. Select a ladder that is the proper length and “duty rating” for the intended work. Do not use electrically conductive (e.g. aluminum) ladders for electrical work or near live electrical parts, even if you’re only changing light-bulbs. Inspect the ladder for broken or defective parts prior to each use. This may count as a visual monthly inspection, or may be documented as part of an annual shop safety inspection.

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Remove damaged or defective ladders from use, red-tag them and notify department management of the problem ladder. If they can’t be repaired by a qualified ladder repair company, replace them. Do not repair them yourself!

Preparing your work area 

  



Clear debris and equipment that could cause a slip, trip, or fall from the work area around the ladder. Set up ground cloths if needed to collect materials that may drop, and define your work area for passersby. Cordon off work areas using yellow caution tape to keep casual passersby out of your work area. Prevent equipment and supplies from falling on other people by using a utility belt, restraining straps or using a lift bucket on a rope to bring equipment aloft or safely lower it to the ground. Keep shoes free of slippery material such as mud, oil, or water.

Setting up the Ladder     



   

Always place ladders on stable bases. Never use boxes, barrels, or other unstable surfaces to obtain additional height. For leaning or extension ladders, tie, block, or otherwise secure the ladder while in use. If tying off a ladder is not possible, ask a co-worker to hold the base of the ladder to help stabilize it during use. Do not place ladders where they can be accidentally impacted by others. If the ladder is used in an area where anyone could walk under it, the area must be cordoned off with a visual barrier such as yellow caution tape to alert pedestrians to the hazard of something falling from the ladder. Ladders must not be placed in passageways, doorways, driveways, or any location where they may be displaced by activities being conducted by any other work, unless the ladders are protected by barricades or guards. Never splice ladders together. Make sure that a stepladder is properly set up and that the spreaders are locked in place before use. Do not use the stepladder as a lean-to ladder. Do not place planks on the top cap or any other part of a ladder.

Using and working-from the Ladder 

No matter what type of ladder you use, always wear shoes with non-skid soles that are free of mud or grease to avoid slips and falls.

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     







Always conduct a quick safety inspection of the ladder just prior to using it. Ladders can be damaged by others and put back into storage without your knowledge. Never use a ladder without first inspecting to make sure it’s safe to use. Always face the ladder while ascending and Safety Rule of Thumb descending a ladder. To avoid falls, never let your belt buckle get outside the Do not stand on the top two rungs of a single ladder uprights. That keeps ladder or an extension ladder; you with in the “footprint” of Do not stand on the top cap and top two steps of the ladder a step ladder. If working outside of the ladder’s footprint, always use fall protection as detailed in the paragraph below. Do not use the X-bracing or other structures on the rear section of a stepladder for climbing unless the ladder is designed to be climbed from both sides. Always use a tool belt and other ‘hands-free’ carrying devices when ascending and descending a ladder. Use a “lifting pail” on a rope to safely bring tools up to your work area on the ladder, or safely lower tools to the ground once work is complete. When ascending or descending a ladder, always have three-point contact of twohands plus one foot, one-hand plus two feet, or an alternating combination of both as you move up / down the ladder. Don’t carrying anything in your hands when ascending or descending a ladder. Use tool belts, a lift-bucket on a pull rope, or other means to carry materials aloft, or send materials safely to the ground without having to hold onto them with your hands while moving on the ladder. When working aloft, secure tools and supplies so they cannot fall from the ladder. Ladder Safety Reminders

1. For an extension or single ladder, set up the pitch at a 4:1 angle (1 ft. out from the base for every 4 ft. of rise). 2. Wear proper footwear with non-slip soles. 3. Face ladder while ascending and descending and hold on to each side rail. 4. Use a tool belt to carry tools; never carry them in your hands. 5. Never stand above highest "safe standing level" prescribed by ladder's manufacturer, (i.e., above the top three rungs of an extension ladder or on the top cap or two top steps of a stepladder). 6. Limit reaching. Don’t extend the center of your torso (belt buckle) past the side rails. 7. Keep at least 3 points of contact when working (e.g. your feet and 1 hand) unless you’re wearing fall protection tied off to a CalOSHA-approved anchor. 8. When climbing onto or off of an upper surface, make sure ladder extends at least 3 ft. above the surface. 9. Do not set up ladders in high-traffic areas. 10. Never leave an erected ladder unattended.

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FALL PROTECTION – WHEN MUST IT BE WORN WHEN WORKING FROM LADDERS? Ladders may be used WITHOUT the user wearing a personal harness tied off to a CalOSHA compliant fall protection anchor, when a leaning or extension ladder can be tied-off and stabilized to a permanent structure, or a step ladder is used on a level firm surface, and then work is done within the following specific activities: 1. When using the ladder to gain access from one level to another without carrying anything in your hands. 2. When using a ladder for access to a work area where work is conducted while standing on the ladder, provided the user can ascend and descend using both their hands during the entire up/down movement on the ladder. 3. When working aloft on the ladder provided both of the user’s feet are stationary on rungs and the work area requiring two-handed work is within the ladder’s ‘foot print’ (i.e. no reaching beyond the base legs of the ladder with both hands). 4. When the user can use three-point contact (both their feet plus one hand) for stability when reaching and working outside the ladder’s ‘foot print’ using only one ‘free’ hand. 5. When the ladder user’s feet are below the top two rungs of a leaning single/extension-ladder, or are below the top two steps and top cap of a step ladder and a secure hand grip is used as part of the “three-point-contact” criteria. 6. When doing elevated ‘fine two-handed work’ within the ‘foot print’ of the ladder, where a user is using both hands to conduct light-weight work without the use of power tools. (Example: Twisting a wire nut on two to three 12-gage or smaller wires, hammering a nail into wood, or unscrewing a light bulb and installing a replacement light bulb.) 7. When using a small cordless power tool such as a ¼” bit (or smaller) hand-drill that is not likely to cause imbalance should the power tool bind during use. 8. When using a corded power tool within the ‘foot print’ of the ladder using only one hand to control the tool, and otherwise having 3-point contact on the ladder. Fall protection must be used in all other ladder-use situations unless the Owner Department can demonstrate that the planned work activities are equivalently safe to the above noted requirements. Alternatives to using fall protection include temporary scaffolding with appropriate railings, the use of a “Lift Pod”, the use of Genie lifts or bucket trucks, etc., and should be considered before using ladders in such situations. If alternatives are unavailable or not feasible, personnel must use fall protection devices. To use fall protection equipment, specific documented training is required in addition to ladder-safety training. UC System - Shop Safety Reference Manual Section 12 – Ladder Safety Page 21

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INSPECTING, MAINTAINING, AND STORING LADDERS Ladders must have a documented safety inspection done by a supervisor or a trained designee at least annually for visible defects. In addition, ladder users must inspect their ladder prior to each use. They must also be inspected after any incident that could affect their safe use. Use the Ladder Inspection Checklist located in Shop Manager’s Safety Management Tool Kit for inspections. Copies of ladder inspections must be kept for five years. “Home-made ladders, portable ladders with structural defects, such as corroded, broken faulty or missing rungs, cleats, steps, or rails must immediately be marked defective and tagged out with a “Do Not Use” tag. Tags are located in your shop’s lock out/tag out equipment. Any tagged ladders must be removed from service until repaired by a qualified ladder-repair company. Immediately destroy any ladder that cannot be repaired, or is “home-made”. Anyone who uses a ladder can complete minor maintenance such as lubricating hinges and tightening hardware, affixing a label that’s starting to peel-off, etc. More extensive ladder repair must be completed by a qualified person or the manufacturer. Ladder Care and Storage 1. Maintain ladders in good condition. 2. Keep all ladder accessories, especially safety shoes, in good condition. 3. Lubricate metal bearings and pulleys of extension ladders on a regular schedule. Check before use to see if additional lubrication is necessary. 4. Check ropes on extension ladders on a regular schedule as well as before use. Replace worn or frayed ropes. 5. Wooden ladders to be used outside should be treated to prevent weather damage. A clear finish or transparent penetrating preservative should be used. Linseed oil is a good treatment for a wood ladder, although it adds some weight to the ladder. An oil treatment also helps to rustproof the metal parts of a wooden ladder. 6. Never paint a wooden ladder. This will cover dangerous cracks or fill and hide them. 7. Never sit on ladder side rails. 8. Never use a metal or fiberglass ladder which has been exposed to fire or strong chemicals; it should be discarded. 9. Be sure that ladders are properly supported and secured when in transit. Vibration and bumping against other objects can damage them. 10. Never store materials on a ladder. 11. Store wooden ladders where they will not be exposed to excessive heat or dampness. Store fiberglass ladders where they will not be exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet light sources. 12. Store ladders on flat racks or wall brackets, which give them proper support when not in use. Secure ladders to keep them from tipping. 13. Whenever possible, hang extension ladders horizontally when in storage. 14. Store stepladders vertically, in a closed position, to reduce the risk of sagging or twisting.

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QUIZ – SECTION 12 - LADDER SAFETY 1. True or False – You are allowed to carry tools in your hand while climbing a ladder. 2. When setting an extension ladder, the horizontal distance from the top support of the ladder to the foot of the ladder should be approximately what distance? a. ½ the working length of the ladder b. 1/3 the working length of the ladder c. ¼ the working length of the ladder 3. How high above the upper landing area must an extension ladder extend? a. At least 2 feet (2 rungs) b. At least 3 feet (3 rungs) c. Exactly 4 feet (4 rungs) 4. True or False – It is safe to stand as high as the second rung from the top of a single or an extension ladder. 5. True or False – When climbing up or down, face the ladder and hold the rungs with both hands. 6. True or False – Ladders must have a documented safety inspection done at least annually, and ladder users should do their own safety inspection before use every time. 7. Which of the following repairs would the average shop user NOT be allowed to do on a defective ladder? a. Cleaning with a mild soap and water solution b. Tightening a loose screw c. Reattaching a peeling label with clear adhesive tape d. Filling a crack and painting over the surface 8. True or False – Ladder users must have ladder safety training before using ladders for their work. 9. True or False – It’s OK to lean a closed step ladder against a wall and climb it to access a worklocation high up on the wall. 10. True or False – It is OK to extend an extension ladder to its full length and use the ladder with just a couple rungs of overlap.

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* Quiz Answers: 1. False – Never carry tools in your hands while ascending / descending a ladder. Use tool-belts, lift-buckets on a rope, etc…. to safely bring / remove tools to / from your work location. 2. C 3. B 4. False – Never stand higher-than the third-rung of an extension or single ladder. 5. True 6. True 7. D 8. True 9. False – Only use step ladders when they opened with the ladder-spreader locks in place, and set upon a clean dry hard surface. 10. False – Extension ladders must have a minimum overlap based upon the ladder length. Please review the requirements on page 12 of this section if you have questions.

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