1 Risk Management Department Ladder Safety July, 2006

2 Ladder Safety Introduction Every year, more than 30,000 people in the United States are injured in ladder accidents in the workplace. This training contains information about the hazards posed by ladders and steps you must take to use ladders properly and to protect yourself from injury.

3 Ladder Safety Introduction In this training we will cover:  Getting Started  Pre-Use Inspection  Set-Up  Safety Below  Safe Climbing Tips  Moving a Ladder  Carrying Materials

4 Ladder Safety Getting Started  What will you need for your job?  Type of ladder  Capacity – appropriate for weight  Will you be working with or around electrical energy? If so, a non-conductive ladder will be required

5 Ladder Safety Getting Started Types of Ladders  Step stools  Straight or extension ladders  Step or “A” frame ladders  Built-in mounted ladders

6 Ladder Safety Getting Started Ladder Capacity  IAA lbs. - Commercial General heavy-duty applications  IA lbs. - Heavy-Duty Industrial Building, Roofing, General Contracting  I – 250 lbs. - Industrial General Contracting, Building, Maintenance, Drywalling  II lbs. - Commercial Light Commercial, Painting, Cleaning Light Repair  III lbs. - Household Painting, Yard Work, Chores

7 Ladder Safety Pre-Use Ladder Inspection  Make sure feet are not broken or malfunctioning and that the slip-resistant pads are secure.  Inspect the ladder for cracks, bends and splits on the side rails, rungs and steps.  Make sure both rung locks are working properly.  Test the rope and pulley. Examine the rope for any signs of fraying. Make sure the pulley is operating smoothly.

8 Ladder Safety Pre-Use Ladder Inspection  Ensure all bolts and rivets are secure.  Make sure the ladder is free of foreign materials such as oil and grease.  If using a stepladder, make sure the spreader braces are secure and working properly.  Aluminum or steel ladders should be inspected for rough burrs and sharp edges.

9 Ladder Safety Set-Up  Make sure that ladder is placed on an even surface and that the ground is not too soft to prevent sinking  Position a straight ladder at a 4 to 1 ratio (base of ladder should be 1’ away from the vertical surface for every 4 feet of the ladder’s length to support you)  Extend straight or extension ladders 3 rungs above the roof surface.  Tie off ladders against the building if working above 12 feet

10 Ladder Safety Safety Below  Barricade off area below your ladder so pedestrians don’t walk into or under your ladder while your on it.  Lock or block any nearby door that opens in toward you  Keep area around base of ladder clutter-free  Also you may drop something and injure someone passing by below you.

11 Ladder Safety Safe Climbing  Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for proper use of the ladder.  Always face the ladder when climbing  Allow only one person on the ladder at a time  Keep at least one foot and one hand on the ladder at all times  Hold the side rails not the rungs when climbing or descending a ladder  Only take one step at a time  Do not stand on the top step of a “A-frame” ladder.

12 Ladder Safety Moving a Ladder  Never attempt to move a ladder while you are on it (rock-n- roll, or hip-hop)  Take the time to move a ladder instead of “over-reaching” your position.  If your body is outside the rails you are over-reaching

13 Ladder Safety Carrying Materials  Use a tool belt to keep hands free  Lift materials from a hand line bucket from the ground  Consider using mechanical equipment instead of a ladder if at all available or possible

14 Ladder Safety You are finished! You have finished the Ladder Safety training. Download the quiz from the Risk Management website’s training page. Print the form and be sure to write your name, location and employee number in the spaces provided. Complete the ten questions and have your supervisor send it to the Risk Management office