Use and Care Manual
Table Of Contents
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.
The aim of this handbook is to teach you how to use a ladder properly and safely. You’ll learn how to
choose the right ladder for most jobs, how to spot a damaged ladder, how to properly set up a ladder, how
to climb, and how to work safely while on a ladder. You’ll also learn how to take care of and store your
ladder to ensure that it provides years of service.
C: CHOOSE IT RIGHT. ALWAYS HAVE THE RIGHT LADDER FOR THE JOB.
Ladders are manufactured for specific uses, which means, for example, a job that can be safely performed
with a step ladder could become dangerous if an extension ladder is used instead.
You must evaluate the work environment and know what ladders are available before you can choose the
RIGHT LADDER FOR THE JOB +EEP IN MIND ALL POTENTIAL HAZARDS $OES ELECTRICITY POSE A POSSIBLE DANGER 7ILL
THE LADDER BE RESTING ON AN UNEVEN SURFACE )S THE AREA CROWDED WITH PEOPLE AND MATERIALS !RE THERE
OBSTRUCTIONS OVERHEAD
In addition, you must keep in mind the physical requirements of the job. How much room will there be to
POSITIONTHELADDER(OWMUCHWEIGHTCOMBININGTHEUSERTOOLSANDMATERIALSWILLBEONTHELADDER
7HATLENGTHWILLTHELADDERNEEDTOBETOSAFELYPERFORMTHEJOB)FCONDUCTIVITYISNOTIMPORTANTTHEN
ladder weight may be a consideration when choosing a ladder. Aluminum ladders are the lightest, followed
by fiberglass.
Types of Ladder
Portable ladders are typically manufactured from aluminum or fiberglass. The portable-ladder classification
includes self-supporting stepladders, single ladders, twin front ladders, extension trestle ladders, and
extension ladders.
SECTION TWO – STEP & EXTENSION
LADDER SAFETY WORKBOOK
STEP SINGLE TWIN FRONT EXTENSION TRESTLE EXTENSION
STEP & EXTENSION LADDER
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS