Weekly Toolbox Talk: War on Falls – 3 Keys to Ladder Safety

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WAR ON FALLS
n3 KEYS TO WORK SAFE ON LADDERS

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Grab a ladder. Stand it up and climb. So simple anyone can do it, right?

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But if it really were all that simple, 130,000 people wouldn’t get hurt on ladders each year, would they?

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Most ladder accidents are caused by improper selection, setup, or use, not defects.

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SELECTION

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Be sure the ladder you select is strong enough to support your weight and any materials you need. Select a ladder that is going to reach your work area, in some cases you might need a taller ladder depending on the type of work.

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  Type IA ladders have a duty rating of 300 pounds.

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  Type I have a duty rating of 250 pounds.

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  Type II have a duty rating of 225 pounds.

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• Type III are the most lightweight and have a duty rating of 200 pounds.

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SET UP

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  Place ladder feet evenly on firm ground or a hard floor

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  Make sure the ladder stands straight and stable

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  When using an extension ladder, the top of the ladder should extend three feet beyond a roof edge or stepping-off point, like a platform

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• Brace the feet of the ladder where there is a chance of the feet slipping

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USE

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  Always inspect ladders prior to its use

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  Only company approved ladders (four-foot ladders or personal ladders are not allowed)

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  Be sure the steps and rungs are free of grease, oil, wet paint, mud and paper

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  Face the ladder when climbing

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  Use a 3 point climb; two hands and one foot

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  Climb first, then pull any materials up with a rope or let your partner hand it over to you

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  Keep your feet in the center of the step or rung

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  Do not walk the ladder or lean against the wall

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  No straddling on the top

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  Limited to standing on the third rung from top on step ladders

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  Use ladder only for their designed purpose

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   Most importantly, do not overreach from the ladder or lean too far to one side. 

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