1. Supported access Stairways and Ladders
1926 Subpart X - Stairways and Ladders
This presentation is designed to assist trainers conducting OSHA 10-hour Construction Industry outreach training for workers. Since workers are the target audience, this presentation emphasizes hazard identification, avoidance, and control – not standards. No attempt has been made to treat the topic exhaustively. It is essential that trainers tailor their presentations to the needs and understanding of their audience.
This presentation is not a substitute for any of the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or for any standards issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.
1926 Subpart X

2. Improper use of the top rung of a step ladder
Hazards
Stairways and ladders cause many injuries and fatalities among construction workers
About half the injuries caused by slips, trips and falls from ladders and stairways require time off the job
Stupid ladder tricks claim up to 300 lives a year
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 53 people die a year from ladder deaths and more than 8300 people are injured. But here’s what is really interesting - it’s not from ridiculously high ladders, either. Most ladder deaths are from falls 10 feet or less.
The American Ladder Institute claims it’s more like 300 or close to one ladder fatality per day in the U.S. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, the U.S. leads the world in ladder deaths. So the question becomes: We think we know how to use a ladder, but do we?
Improper use of the top rung of a step ladder

3. Many injuries come from employees taking short cuts

4. Stairway or Ladder
There must be a stairway, ladder or ramp at points of access where there is an elevation break of 19 inches or more.
At least one point of access must be kept clear.
Break in elevation
Reference (a)
This is true unless a ramp, runway, embankment, or personnel hoist is provided.
Point of access -
All areas used by employees for work-related passage from one area or level to another.
19 inches
or More

5. Stairways
Stairways with four or more risers or higher than 30 inches, along each unprotected side or edge.
Do not use stairs before hand rails are installed
Report any missing or broken handrail to your foreman

6. Handrail and Top Rail Strength
Rails must be able to withstand a force of 200 pounds
Reference (c)(5)
Handrails and the top rails of the stairrail systems must be capable of withstanding, without failure, at least 200 pounds of weight applied within 2 inches of the top edge in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge.

7. Temporary Stairways
Only use pan stairs if filled with filler material at least to the top edge of each pan
Report this condition to your foreman
If the pans are not filled then they should be barricaded from use
Pan

8. Dangerous Conditions
When using stairs watch for possible tripping or slippery hazards. If you can correct the problem yourself safely, then do so. If not report it to your foreman.
Stairway parts must be free of projections which may cause injuries or snag clothing.
Use handrails when using stairs so if you do slip or lose your balance you have something to hold onto.
In addition to the components of a stair system, it is important to address other potentially dangerous conditions such as slippery stairs, rails or landings due to weather conditions or the composition of the stair material (e.g. smooth, metal surfaces).   

9. Portable ladder safety
Falls from portable ladders (step, straight, combination and extension) are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries.
The ladder is one of the most frequently used pieces of equipment on the job. They are also a tool that we use improperly which leads to many severe injuries.  

10. Major factors contributing to ladder accidents
Climbing or descending improperly
Using broken or damaged ladders
Carrying objects while climbing or descending 
Over-reaching and not repositioning the ladder to a safer position

12. Check that the footing is secure, do not erect a ladder on a slippery surface.
Never use any makeshift foundation such as drums, boxes or blocks to get extra height.

13. Prevent from displacement
Failing to secure or tie-off the ladder at the top or failure to secure the ladder at the bottom
++++++Ladders must be firmly secured, or tied off (top and bottom). When tied the ties should be
attached to the stiles, not the rungs of the ladder. Ladders must be held firmly, by another person
whilst they are being secured.
Where it is not practicable to secure or tie off a ladder, the ladder must be ‘footed’ at the base by
another person keeping both hands on the stiles to prevent movement or overturn.
If a ladder is to be placed against a pole, it should have a suitable strap or chain at the top

14. Portable ladder safety
Use a hand line to lift materials and tools
Never lift electric power tools by their cords
Don't carry tools in hand, use a tool belt.
Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder.
labels must remain on the ladder, do not remove ,paint or cover

15. Ladder load capacity
Each ladder type has a load capacity rating based on the type of ladder and is labeled as above.
The rated maximum weight includes the weight of the worker and the equipment they are carrying.
Exceeding the load capacity may cause the ladder to collapse.

16. Portable ladder safety
Generally, commercial ladders are constructed properly and of sound material. However, after they have been in use for some time, they are often damaged by rough handling, being struck by heavy objects and other causes. Failure to report a defect on the part of anyone using a damaged ladder may cause serious injury. 

17. Inspect Daily Common Defects
Inspect all ladders before use to ensure that they are in a safe and sound condition.
The following defects should be looked for, prior to each use:
• Loose steps or rungs that can be moved by hand.
• Slippery steps or rungs.
• Cracks or splits in steps, rungs or stiles.
• Splinters or burrs on steps, rungs or stiles.
• Loose nails, screws, bolts or other metal parts.
• Damaged or missing stiles.
• Uneven footings, damaged or worn non-slip bases.
• Check the longitudinal (lengthwise) rigidity, there should be NO longitudinal play.
In addition, check step ladders for defects such as:
• Loose hinges.
• Ineffective spreaders.
• Wobbly ladder due side strain.
Extension ladders must also be checked for defects such as:
• Defective clutches, stops, guide irons or pulleys;
• Deterioration of rope from wear, exposure to acid or other destructive agents.
Pulleys should be lubricated and all moving parts should operate freely without
bending or undue play. Frayed or worn ropes should be replaced.

18. DESTROY! Defective Ladders Remove for job asap
Defective Ladders Immediately Marked “Do Not Use”
Remove for job asap
DESTROY!
++++In the event a ladder is discarded, it must be destroyed in such a manner as to render it useless. Another person must not be given the opportunity to use a ladder that has been deemed unsafe.+++++

19. Top and bottom of ladders kept clear

20. Power Lines
Avoid electrical hazards! – Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment.
A minimum safe distance is no less than 10 feet

21. Ladders in Access Areas
Secure Ladder or Barricade area to Prevent Displacement in Traffic Areas
Do not be place ladders in front of doors which open towards the ladder unless the door is locked or otherwise barricaded from opening and warning signs are posted.
Never place a ladder in front of a doorway, unless the door is blocked open, or locked closed, or a
person is standing guard at the foot of the ladder.

22. Draft Job Site New Hire Orientation
Ladders
Face the ladder when climbing maintaining 3 point contact with the ladder
Wear proper footwear with non-slip soles.

23. Ladders
Observe the “belt buckle” rule- do not lean over the sides of the ladder past your belt buckle , i.e. (do not over reach).
Change the position of the ladder as often as necessary to keep within reach of the work.

24. Extension Ladders 4 TO 1 Ratio
Place an extension ladder at a 75° angle. The set-back (“S”) needs to be 1 ft. for each 4ft. of length (“L”) to the upper support point, i.e. (ladder is extended 28' feet, it's base should be 7' feet from the building).
Stand at the base of the ladder with your toes touching the rails. Extend your arms straight out in front of you. If the tips of your fingers just touch the rung nearest your shoulder level, the angle of your ladder has a 4:1 ratio.

25. Extension Ladders
Side rails should extend at least 3 feet above upper landing surfaces
Do not stand above highest "safe standing level" prescribed by ladder's manufacturer, i.e. above top three rungs.

26. Ladder Landings
Unprotected sides and edges of Ladder landings shall be provided with guardrail system per Subpart M

27. Step Ladders
Set ladders on a firm, level base. A mudsill may be necessary for work on dirt or other soft surfaces where ladder feet could sink into the surface.  
Only use step ladders when fully opened with spreader bars locked.

28. Step Ladders
More than one employee shall not work from the same ladder unless it is specifically designed for two people or more.
Do not stand on the top two steps of stepladder
Ladder designed for two people who follow directions. You can not stand on the first rung from the top

29. Ladder Fall Protection
Straight, extension, and step ladders are considered a “safe work platform” when properly selected, inspected, set-up and used.

30. FALL PROTECTION
Normally, fall arrest equipment is not required when using a portable ladder. Fall arrest equipment (anchored to a suitable independent anchorage point) should be used when working on or above the third rung from the bottom of a ladder and:
a) The employee cannot reposition the ladder and must work backwards (facing away from the ladder). b) The employee is using both hands to push, pull or handle tools/equipment/material that places the worker in a potentially unstable position, i.e. pulling on a wrench. c) The worker must extend his/her "belt buckle" area beyond the side rail.

31. FALL PROTECTION Continued
d) The portable ladder is used near a platform handrail, leading edge, or other similar area with significant differences in elevations.
e) Note that the fall arrest equipment must be anchored independently of the ladder to a suitable anchorage point.
f) If any of the above cannot be met, then the ladder cannot be used and some other method must be selected such as the erection of scaffolding.

32. Job-Made Ladders
Only use wood that is clear of defects (open or loose knots, splits)
Insert filler blocks between cleats
Secure the ladder at the top
Inspect all job-made ladders for damage
Ensure even spacing for cleats

33. Chicken Ladders
Ladders made by fastening cleats across a single rail shall not be used;