Ladders are one of the most common tools in the construction industry – and also result in thousands of injuries every year. OSHA counts this as one of the most important hazards in fall protection and has specific requirements to ensure worker safety.
The statistics give evidence that even portable ladders have real safety consequences when used improperly. An ounce of prevention can save thousands in possible fines. The safety measures apply to all sizes of ladders and require vigilance in training and equipment maintenance.
These include:
Loads
- Self-supporting and non-self-supporting portable ladders must be able to support at least four times the maximum intended load, except extra-heavy-duty metal or plastic ladders, which must be able to sustain 3.3 times the maximum intended load.
Angle
- Non-self-supporting ladders, which must lean against a wall or other support, are to be positioned at such an angle that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is the working length of the ladder.
Rungs
- Ladder rungs, cleats, or steps should be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use. Rungs must be spaced between 10″-14″ inches apart.
- For extension trestle ladders, the spacing must be 8″-18″ inches for the base, and 6″-12″ inches on the extension section.
- Rungs must be so shaped that an employee’s foot cannot slide off, and must be skid-resistant.
Slipping
- Ladders should be kept free of oil, grease, wet paint, and other slipping hazards.
- Wood ladders should not be coated with any opaque covering, except identification or warning labels on one face only of a side rail.
- Foldout or stepladders should have a metal spreader or locking device to hold the front and back sections in an open position when in use.
- When two or more ladders are used to reach a work area, they should be offset with a landing or platform between the ladders.
When workers are at heights, fall protection is paramount. A simple misstep can mean the difference between an injury and a safe worksite. For more information, contact our offices at Diversified Safety Services.
