STEP & EXTENSION LADDER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SECTION TWO – STEP & EXTENSION STEP & EXTENSION LADDER LADDER SAFETY WORKBOOK SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AN INTRODUCTION TO LADDER SAFETY Each year, nearly 100 people are killed and 160,000 injured in ladder related incidents. These tragedies can be avoided. The fact is, a ladder is one of the simplest most easy-to-use tools in existence. Common sense, combined with the application of the basic rules of ladder safety can prevent many ladder-related deaths and injuries.
You may have many, if not all, of these ladders at your workplace. You may also have ladders specially made for a specific purpose. Familiarize yourself with all of the ladders available to you. This will help you select the proper ladder for the job. Duty Rating A ladder’s duty rating tells you its maximum weight capacity. There are five categories of duty ratings: Type IAA – These ladders have a Load Capacity of 375 pounds. Type IAA ladders are recommended for extra heavy-duty use.
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.
Raising extension ladders 1 When setting up an extension ladder, first position it flat on the ground with the bottom of the ladder touching the base of the building and the base section on top. 2 3 Pull the base of the ladder slightly away from the building. Lift the fly section and engage the rung locks. 4 Bring the base of the ladder away from the building until it’s at the proper 75.5º angle.
Secure locks, fully hook over base rung Use this diagram as an additional reference to ensure proper ladder set-up angle. 1. Place toes against bottom of ladder side rails. 2. Stand erect. 3. Extend arms straight out in front. 4. Palms of hands should touch top of rung at shoulder level. Stepladders and other self-supporting ladders Position stepladders and other self-supporting ladders so that all four legs are on solid, level ground. Lock the spreaders in the fully open position.
Securing the Ladder The forces you apply while working on the ladder, and other forces caused by wind or other factors, can overcome the stability of the ladder and cause you to fall, resulting in serious injury or death. Prevent an extension ladder from sideways movement and slide out by tying it off at the top and bottom Make certain the structure you tie it to is strong enough to hold the ladder.
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 .
