Ladder Safety
Objectives Employees receiving this training will be able to: Select the correct ladder to use Perform pre-use inspections of ladders Properly store ladders Recognize actions that could cause injuries when using ladders
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Who is Required to Complete this Training? Employees who are required to use ladders in the course of their job Team leaders, facilitators, or others who supervise employees who use ladders
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Hazards Associated with Ladder Use Falling from the ladder Dropping items while on a ladder Coming in contact with electrical lines, hot pipes, fans, etc. Injuries caused from improperly stored ladders or ladders tipping over
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Choosing the Right Ladder
Ladder Selection
Choose a ladder appropriate for the job. The ladder must have the proper:
Strength Length Material of construction
Match the weight capacity of the ladder (see chart on next slide) to the load it will be subjected to (your weight, weight of tools and parts you will carry)
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Stepladder Ratings
I-A
Class Heavy Duty
Capacity 300 lbs (136 kg)
I
Heavy Duty
250 lbs (113 kg)
II
Medium Duty
225 lbs (102 kg)
III
Light Duty
200 lbs (90 kg)
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If you don’t have the correct ladder
If your facility does not have a ladder with the features necessary to perform the job safely, use a work platform or other device instead
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Transporting Ladders Ask for assistance when carrying heavy or long ladders If a ladder must be transported on a vehicle, make sure it is securely fastened
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About Inspections A visual inspection must be conducted prior to each use A documented inspection must be performed prior to first use and monthly thereafter A documented inspection must be performed if ladder is involved in an incident that may have damaged the ladder
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Performing Inspections Inspect:
Check for:
Side rails for dents or
Grease, or other slippery
bends Rungs for excessive denting Rung-to-side-rail connections Hardware connections Rivets for shear Four rubber feet (footpads) on bottom of step ladders Metal spreader or locking device to be sure it is in good working condition
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materials on rungs or rails Broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps Broken or split rails Sharp edges, burrs, etc Other faulty or defective components.
Defective Ladders Damaged or defective ladders must be taken out of service Tag the defective ladder “Dangerous, Do Not Use” or other equally effective terminology Only repairs authorized by the manufacturer can be performed on ladders
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Storage Ladders must be stored: Lying down or Chained in an upright position
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Guidelines for Use
Allow only one person at a time on a ladder Always face the ladder when climbing up or down the ladder Use both hands when climbing or descending a ladder Don’t overly stretch when on the ladder, move the ladder closer to the work Follow manufacturer’s load rating for the ladder Avoid carrying tools when ascending or descending ladders Wear slip-resistant shoes Maintain ladders free from oil, grease, or other slipping hazards Always return ladder to storage area after use. Do not leave ladders unattended in an upright position. Do not leave ladders on the workshop floor if you have finished with them.
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Guidelines for Use (Continued) Make sure ladder has a secure footing on a level surface, and when feasible, secure the ladder in place at the top and bottom Do not use the top two steps of a regular stepladder as a step or footrest, nor the top as a seat Don’t lean a ladder against a surface that may be damaged by it Adjust the position of the ladder only from the floor level rather than from on the ladder or other level
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Portable Ladders • •
Longer than 20’ not permitted 3 types Type I: Industrial; 3-20’ (utilities, contractors and industrial use) Type II: Commercial stepladder; 3-12’(painters, offices, light industrial use) Type III: Household stepladder; 3-6’ for light duty
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Portable Ladders Never use a ladder as a scaffold Only one person on the ladder Never placed in front of doorway or door unless the door is blocked, locked or guarded Never place a ladder on boxes or barrels to obtain additional height Never splice a ladder together
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Ideal Pitch – 4 to 1 Ratio The base should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of working ladder height Ladders used for roof access must extend at least 3 feet over top
15 ft. ladder
12 ft. building 3 feet
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Ladders used for Electrical Work Non-metal/non-conductive side rails No contaminations such as paints, grease, oils, etc. Wood ladders not exposed to water, liquids or excessive humidity
Avoid wood ladders if possible
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Fall Protection
If work requires use of a ladder on the platform or some other type of boosting device, fall protection measures are required
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Fixed Ladders Permanently attached to a structure, building or equipment Equipped with cages or a ladder safety device with a length of more than 20 feet to a maximum unbroken length of 30 feet Cages extend a minimum of 42 inches above the top of a landing Cages extend down the ladder not less than 7 feet nor more than 8 feet above the base of the ladder
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Summary
Ladders must be visually inspected before each use Defective ladders must be tagged and removed from service Store ladders lying down or chained in an upright position Use ladders with non-conductive side rails for electrical work Wood ladders must not be exposed to wet conditions or high humidity Follow guidelines for correct usage Return Ladders to Storage after use.
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LADDER SAFETY TRAINING
Thank you for completing the Ladder Safety Training 2013 Refresher, by signing and returning this form you acknowledge having received this awareness training.
Please print and complete this form and return to EHS Responsible
Print Name: _________________________________________
Department: ________________________________________
Location:
Signed: _________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________
Houston
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