Weekly Toolbox Talk: War on Falls – 3 Keys to Work Safe on Ladders

n

WAR ON FALLS
n 3 KEYS TO WORK SAFE ON LADDERS

n

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

n

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

n

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

n

SELECTION

n

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.

n

n
• n

  Type IA ladders have a duty rating of 300 pounds

  n

n

• n

  Type I have a duty rating of 250 pounds

  n

n

• n

  Type II have a duty rating of 225 pounds

  n

n

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

n

n

SET UP

n

n
• n

  Place ladder feet evenly on firm ground or a hard floor

  n

n

• n

  Make sure the ladder stands straight and stable

  n

n

• n

  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.

  n

n

• n

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

  n

n

n

​USE

n

n
• n

  Always inspect ladders prior to use

  n

n

• n

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

  n

n

• n

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

  n

n

• n

  Face the ladder when climbing

  n

n

• n

  Use a 3 point climb, two hands and one foott

  n

n

• n

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

  n

n

• n

  Keep your feet in the center of the step or rung

  n

n

• n

  Do not walk the ladder or lean against the wall

  n

n

• n

  No straddling on the top

  n

n

n

n
• n

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

  n

n

• n

  Use ladders only for their designed purpose

  n

n

• n

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

  n

n

n