Ladders and Stairs

Hazards of ladders

• Falls

• Slips

• Reaching too far

• Weather

1a

Hazards of ladders

• Oil or grease on a ladder

• Not secure

• Contact with electricity

• Objects that fall from ladders

1b

Hazards of stairs

• Clutter

• Slippery surfaces

• Damage

1c

Hazards of stairs

• Poor lighting

• Unsafe work practices

1d

OSHA regulations

• General industry - 29 CFR 1910.24 through .27

• Construction – 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X

3a

Terms used in general industry regulations

• Ladder

• Stepladder

• Type 1 - Industrial stepladder

• Type 2 - Commercial stepladder

4a

Terms used in general industry regulations

• Type 3 - Household stepladder

• Single ladder

• Extension ladder

• Fixed ladder

4b

Terms used in general industry regulations

• Individual-rung ladder

• Rail ladder

• Cage

• Well

4c

Terms used in general industry regulations

• Ladder safety device

• Grab bars

• Pitch

4d

Terms used in construction regulations

• Portable ladder

• Fixed ladder

• Individual-rung/step ladders

• Job-made ladder

4e

Terms used in construction regulations

• Single-cleat ladder

• Double cleat ladder

• Step stool

4f

Portable ladder specifications for general industry

• Materials used in the construction

• Length restrictions

• Spacing between rungs/steps

• Width between side rails

5a

Portable ladder specifications

for general industry

• Non-skid

• Limits on overlap of sections on extension ladders

• Stepladder spreaders or locking devices

5b

Portable ladder specifications

for general industry

• Materials used in the construction

• Length restrictions

• Spacing between rungs/steps

• Width between side rails

6a

Portable ladder specifications for general industry

• Non-skid

• Stepladder spreaders or locking devices

• Load-carrying capacities

6b

Portable ladder specifications

for general industry

• Materials used in the construction

• Load limitations

• Rungs and cleats

• Spacing between rungs/steps

7a

Portable ladder specifications

for general industry

• Length of rungs/steps

• Clearance around the ladder

• Use of cages, wells, landing platforms, ladder safety devices

7b

Portable ladder specifications

for general industry

• Grab bars

• Step-across distance to the landing

• Pitch or angle of the ladder

7c

Fixed ladder specifications for the construction industry

• Load limitations

• Side rails

• Non-skid

• Clearance around the ladder

8a

Fixed ladder specifications for the construction industry

• Use of cages, wells, ladder safety devices, self-retracting lifelines

• Grab bars

• Step-across distance to the landing

8b

Fixed ladder specifications for the construction industry

• Pitch or angle of the ladder

8c

Safety devices for fixed ladders in construction

• Safety devices/support systems must be capable of withstanding a drop test consisting of an 18-inch drop of a 500-pound weight

• Safety device must be activated within 2 feet after a fall occurs

9a

Safety devices for fixed ladders in construction

• Safety device must limit the fall velocity of a worker to 7 feet/sec or less

• Connection between the carrier/lifeline and the point of attachment to the harness must not exceed 9 inches

9b

Safety devices for fixed ladders in construction

• Employees must be able to use the device leaving both hands free for climbing

9c

Ladder inspection

• Inspect ladders frequently

• Portable metal ladders must be inspected immediately if it tips over

• Construction ladders are inspected by a competent person

10a

Ladder inspection

• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for inspection

• Include inspections in preventative maintenance schedules

10b

Precautions for safe ladder use• Inspect the ladder for defects before

using it

• Select a ladder with adequate length and load limits

• Do not use metal ladders near electrical lines

11a

Precautions for safe ladder use• Use ladders for their intended purpose

• Set up the ladder on a firm, solid surface

• Keep ladders secured/barricaded

11b

Precautions for safe ladder use• Keep areas around the top and bottom

of the ladder clear

• Open stepladders fully, and lock the spreaders

• Set up straight ladders using the 4-to-1 rule

11c

Precautions for safe ladder use• Face ladders when

ascending/descending

• Use both hands to grip the side rails whenever possible

• Only one person on a ladder at a time

11d

Precautions for safe ladder use• Don’t stand on the top 2 steps of a

stepladder

• Never move a portable ladder with someone on it

11e

Precautions for safe ladder use• Hoist material up to you when you’ve

reached the top of the ladder

• Work within the side rails

• Store ladders in designated areas

11f

Maintenance

• Remove ladders with structural defects, corrosion, or defective parts from service

• Tag ladders “Do Not Use”

12a

Maintenance

• Repair ladders to the original design

• Have qualified personnel make repairs

12b

Staying safe on stairs

• Eliminate slippery conditions

• Clean up spills

• Keep free of ice and snow

• Ensure proper lighting in stair areas

13a

Staying safe on stairs

• Use handrails

• Always walk up and down stairs - don’t run

13b

Staying safe on stairs

• Make sure you can see over materials you are carrying on a stairway

• Report unsafe conditions

13c