Ladder and Stairway Safety DFCI EH&S

Ladder selection Type IA300 Pound Construction areas Type I 250 Pound Industry & light construction Type II225 Pound Commercial ladder for light maintenance & office use Type III200 Pound Household use

Ladder Inspection zLoose steps or rungs (considered loose if they can be moved at all with the hand)? zLoose nails, screws, bolts, or other metal parts? zCracked, spilt, or broken uprights, braces, or rungs? zSlivers on uprights, rungs, or steps? zDamaged, worn or missing non-slip bases? zWobbly (from side strain)? zLoose or bent hinge spreaders? zStop on hinge spreaders broken? zLoose hinges?  Broken, split, or worn steps?

Ladder Safety- What this Guy Should Know  Keep tools in a tool belt.  Any heavy or bulky items should be brought up only after you have reached the top.  Make sure the ladder's feet are parallel to the surface it rests against.  Use both hands to climb a ladder. Remem- ber the "3-Point Rule": At least two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, should be in contact with the ladder at all times.  Avoid excessive stretching or leaning.  Always face the ladder when climbing, descending or working.  Do not use a ladder for unintended purposes, such as in place of scaffolding.  Never allow more than one person on a ladder at a time.

Safety Rules - or- Gravity is a Harsh Mistress  Do not try reaching so far that you lose your balance; move the ladder.  Non-skid feet or spurs may prevent a ladder from slipping on a hard, smooth surface.  Do not stand on the ladder's top three rungs.  The ladder should reach a minimum of three feet above the "point of support”.  Keep your body between the side rails of the ladder. This reduces the chance of tipping it over and/or falling off.

The 1-to-4 Rule  The base should be spaced 1 foot away for every 4 feet it reaches up.  Extension ladders need both locks in place to prevent overloading a rail.  Step ladders should be securely spread open.  Electrical shock can occur with metal or wet wooden ladders. Not only is the shock itself dangerous, but it can cause falls resulting in injury.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly ?