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 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