STEP & EXTENSION LADDER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Ladder labels are required by ANSI standards to list the highest standing level (see sample labels on p. 6). Use these charts to determine the right ladder length for your job: STEP LADDER HEIGHT SELECTION GUIDE STEPLADDER APPROX. HIGHEST SIZE STANDING LEVEL 4’ 1’ 11” 5’ 2’ 10” 6’ 3’ 9” 7’ 4’ 9” 8’ 5’ 8” 10’ 7’ 7” 12’ 9’ 6” 14’ 11’ 5” 16’ 13’ 4” 18’ 15’ 3” 20’ 17’ 2” EXTENSION LADDER LENGTH SELECTION GUIDE LADDER MAX. EXT.
Choosing the Ladder Material Your choice of ladders is also influenced by the environment of your work site. For example, you must use a clean, dry fiberglass ladder if you are working near sources of electricity. That’s because metal ladders can easily conduct electricity to you, causing serious injury or death. Don’t forget that sweat, oil, paint, caulk, and grease can conduct electricity. Make certain your ladder is free of these substances and any other dirt or debris.
I: )-0,%-%.4 ! 3!&% 3%450 2/54).% A major cause of falls from ladders is improper set-up. Many accidents can be avoided with common sense and good work practices. Using proper set-up techniques will give your ladder maximum stability and help ensure your safety. Preparing to Use a Ladder Your first step is to rid the area of hazards.
AVOIDING HAZARDS s 2EAD AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTION LABELS ON LADDER &AILURE TO DO SO MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH s #OMPLETELY RETRACT THE mY SECTION OF AN EXTENSION LADDER BEFORE MOVING OR REPOSITIONING IT s $O NOT USE ANYTHING SUCH AS BOARDS OR BOXES TO GIVE A LADDER EXTRA HEIGHT s /NLY ONE PERSON AT A TIME SHOULD CLIMB A LADDER UNLESS IT IS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT TWO PEOPLE s .
