Ladder Safety
- 1. Ladder Safety Presented By Bill Taylor
- 2. Ladder Safety - Introduction Ladders are indispensable tools There are many different sizes, shapes 780 workers injured annually in California Most injuries: fall of less than 10 feet
- 3. Ladder Safety - Introduction Most falls involve portable ladders Why do accidents happen? Ladder - Moves, tilts, or shifts during climbing -Unstable / slippery base surfaces -Misstep / slip of foot -Loss of balance (overreach) -Struck by vehicle or other
- 4. Ladder Safety - Introduction To reduce ladder fall risks: Frequently inspect and maintain ladders Match tasks to appropriate ladders Set up ladders correctly Climb and descend ladders properly. Employers - responsibility to train workers
- 5. Ladder Ratings 4 ratings Based on maximum working load 200 pounds Light duty (III) 225 pounds Medium duty (II) 250 pounds Heavy duty (I) 300 pounds Extra heavy duty (I-A) Working Load Rating
- 6. Types of Portable Ladders Non-self-supporting ladders Two different types Self-supporting ladders Five different types
- 7. Non-self-supporting ladders Single portable or straight ladder Slip-resistant feet 30 foot maximum length One worker Wood, metal, fiberglass
- 8. Non-self-supporting ladders Extension or section ladder Two or more sections Upper section on top Minimum section overlap One person Wood, metal, fiberglass
- 9. Non-self-supporting ladders Extension or section ladder Maximum length of ladder 72 feet Wood ladder not more then 60 feet Individual sections not more then 30 feet Non-slip base – tie off top Install positive stops on individual ladder sections to ensure required overlap. 5 feet Over 48 through 60 feet 4 feet Over 36 through 48 feet 3 feet Up to and including 36 feet Overlap Ladder Length
- 10. Self-supporting ladders Standard stepladder Flat steps, hinged back Use on firm level footing Metal, wood, fiberglass One worker Metal spreader or locking arms No work from top step 20 feet maximum length
- 11. Self-supporting ladders Two-way stepladder Similar to standard Steps on both sides Two people not more then 20 feet
- 12. How Many Safety violations Can You Count
- 13. Self-supporting ladders Platform ladder Special purpose Max 20 feet to platform Stable platform is highest working height
- 14. Self-supporting ladders Orchard ladder Special purpose for pruning/harvest use One person 16 feet maximum Wood, metal, fiberglass DO NOT stand on top step
- 15. Self-supporting ladders Trestle ladder Two sections, hinged Used in pairs to support planks or staging Angle of spread = 5.5 inches per foot of length Max Height 20 feet Spreaders required
- 16. How Many Safety violations Can You Count
- 17. Selecting Ladders Other ladders for special needs platform trolley side-rolling shaft Manhole Choose the right ladder for the job!
- 18. Selecting Ladders Example 1 A medium-duty, four-legged stepladder is designed for use on firm, level footing. If you use it frequently on soft, uneven ground — typical in orchard work — it will eventually twist and fail to support a load. You risk becoming a victim of the most common ladder accident — a ladder that tips over.
- 19. Selecting Ladders Example 1 A medium-duty, four-legged stepladder is designed for use on firm, level footing. If you use it frequently on soft, uneven ground — typical in orchard work — it will eventually twist and fail to support a load. You risk becoming a victim of the most common ladder accident — a ladder that tips over. Example 2 An orchard ladder lacks locking arms or spreaders. When used on a firm, smooth footing, the tripod leg or pole tends to creep forward. The result is another common accident scenario — the ladder is likely to collapse.
- 20. Using Ladders Accidents happen: fail to inspect place inappropriately ignore safe practices when climbing
- 21. Using Ladders Beginning a job select appropriate ladder for task inspect ladder – clean undamaged
- 22. Using Ladders Placing a ladder near work proper angle extend ¼ the ladder length minimum slope 50 degrees solid rest across openings protect base from bumps orchard ladder pole on ground Avoid... placing ladder in front of unlocked/unguarded door placing ladder on boxes, table, trucks or other movable objects
- 23. What’s Wrong?
- 24. Using Ladders Securing a ladder nail/lash in place extend at least 36 inches above access area Avoid exposed areas during storm or wind ladders covered with ice or snow using ladder if stairway can be used instead
- 26. Using Ladders Ascending and descending face the ladder grasp rails with both hands raise/lower heavy loads with hand line or hoist attach light tools to ladder or person Avoid sliding down ladder climbing with slippery hands/shoes using hands to carry items carrying awkward loads
- 28. Using Ladders Securing equipment use strong bail hook on picker bucket when not using limb hook, secure it to ladder or nearby limb Avoid placing tools/materials on ladder if they could fall off
- 30. Using Ladders Metal ladders skid resistant surface on steps, rungs corrugated knurled dimpled coated “ WARNING — Do Not Use Around Energized Electrical Equipment.” Avoid using ladders with conductive rails near exposed, energized equipment
- 32. Using Ladders Precautions both feet firmly on rungs and steps one person only on standard ladders inspect ladder that has collapsed, tipped, or exposed to harsh chemicals extend extension ladder > 36 inches above access keep area around ladder free of debris keep load on ladder (including worker) below maximum load capacity
- 33. Using Ladders Do NOT paint ladders; use transparent preservative use ladders with broken, patched, oily parts use ladder as guy, brace, or skid stand or sit on top 2 steps of stepladder reach out over side rails, lean, turn use self-supporting ladders without spreader or locking device load ladder beyond maximum load capacity
- 34. Transporting Ladders Hand carry elevate front end Vehicle transport parallel to bed don’t toss or throw into bed support ladder so it won’t bend or sag secure ladder to vehicle drive slowly over rough terrain
- 35. Storing Ladders Well ventilated area Limit exposure to moisture/excessive heat Store straight/extension ladder on flat racks or wall brackets – no sagging Store stepladder and orchard ladder vertically in closed position Store promptly after use Limit exposure of wood and fiberglass to moisture and sunlight
- 36. Maintaining Ladders Neglected ladders quickly become unsafe ladders Maintenance – regular inspection, tighten step bolts and fastenings Do not paint wooden ladder – hides defects
- 37. Repairing Ladders Wooden ladder: replace lower steps when ¼ of step is worn away Non-skid surface reduces wear Don’t use cleats to repair rung ladder Do not paint wooden ladder Stock repair parts – ladder bolts, lower steps, related hardware
- 38. Improve Slip Resistance Cloth-backed mineral abrasive Anti-slip abrasive surfacer Coarse-ground walnut shells Sand Re-dimpling (for metal ladders)
- 39. Checklists Available from EH&S Ladder hazards Ladder training
- 40. Definitions Check Cleat Competent person Decay Extension ladder Extension trestle ladder Fastening Ladder Platform ladder Rungs Sectional ladder Single (or straight) ladder Special-purpose ladder Stepladder Steps Tread Tread width Trestle ladder
- 41. Ladder Safety - Introduction CAL-OSHA regulations D - Ladders and Scaffolds 4 (Agriculture) X - Stairways and Ladders 3 (Construction) D - Walking/ working Surfaces 2 (General) Subdivision Division