Use and Care Manual
SELECTION GUIDE INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS INSPECTION SELECTION GUIDESELECTION GUIDE
SELECTION GUIDE
HOW TO SELECT A LADDER (CONTINUED)
The OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA)
regulates the adequacy of ladders and the work practices followed by
employees using them in ve sections: Portable Wood (1910.25), Portable Metal (1910.26),
Fixed Ladders (1910.27), Mobile Ladder Stands and Scaffolds (1910.29) and ladders used in
Construction Industry (1926.1053). These sections specify the standards to which all portable
ladders must be manufactured, care and placement of ladders in the workplace, and the safe
use of ladders on the job.
OSHA sets minimum national requirements with respect to the use of ladders in business
and industry. However, many states have enacted their own regulations under the
Occupational Safety & Health Act that establish more severe requirements. The more
demanding state codes will supersede OSHA standards within their respective states.
Therefore, users should check with their own state OSHA representatives.
Where applicable, product meets or exceeds
CANADIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTE testing requirements.
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Look for damaged or missing parts
Always check for damage before using any ladder. Do not use a damaged ladder.
Conduct your inspection before you leave for the job site.
1. Begin at the bottom, making sure the feet are not broken or malfunctioning and that
the slip-resistant pads are secure.
2. Inspect the ladder for cracks, bends, and splits on side rails, rungs, and steps.
3. Check all rung/step-to-side rail connections, as well as hardware, fittings, and
accessories. Make sure both rung locks are in working order.
4. Test the rope and pulley for smooth operation. Replace the rope if frayed or partially
cut.
5. All pivotal connections and the rung-locks should be well-lubricated.
6. All bolts and rivets should be secure. Never use a ladder if any bolts or rivets are
missing or if the joints between the steps (or rungs) and the side rails are not tight.
7. Make sure the ladder (particularly the steps and rungs) is free of foreign materials
such as oil and grease.
8. If you’re using a stepladder, make sure the spreader braces are not bent, are secure
and working properly.
Use a ladder-inspection chart as a guide for evaluating the safety of a ladder.
Remember to inspect the ladder before you travel to the job site, because once
you’re there you’ll be tempted to use the ladder regardless of its condition.
Always mark unsafe ladders by using a damaged-ladder tag (see sample illustration).
Be sure to store damaged ladders away from usable
ladders. Have them repaired as soon as possible.
Destroy unrepairable ladders immediately.
Transporting a ladder
Accidents can happen while transporting the ladder
to the job site. A ladder is long and awkward, and
can cause injuries and property damage during
transport. When possible, two people should carry
an extension ladder. If you carry it yourself, keep
the front end of the ladder slightly higher than the
back end.
Never move or reposition an extension ladder
without completely retracting the fly section.
Failure to do so can cause serious injury or
death.
Secure both ends of a ladder when transporting it on
a vehicle. Use care when placing ladders onto or
removing from ladder racks.
LADDER INSPECTION