Climbing the Ladder to Safety Ladder Use Climbing the Ladder to Safety

Ladder Accidents Over 25,000 work-related accidents each year Many result in severe injuries or death Most common injuries include sprains, cuts, bruises, head injuries, & broken bones Annual cost of compensation and medical treatment reaches into the millions of dollars Indirect costs (worker replacement, retraining, and loss of productivity) can be up to 4 times as much!

3 Main Sources of Ladder Accidents are: Ladder (equipment) failure Unexpected ladder movement User loss of footing or balance

Reasons for Ladder Failure: Improper selection & use Deterioration due to improper care & storage Exposure to damaging agents chemicals heat

Preventing Ladder Failure General prevention techniques include: a. Proper Selection b. Adequate Inspection c. Appropriate Use

Preventing Ladder Failure Proper Selection Read and follow all manufacturer's instructions Don't choose a step ladder when an extension ladder is needed Don’t use a ladder with obvious structural defects Use only wooden or fiberglass ladders near electrical service or power lines Attach a single point support where both rails fail to contact (against columns, poles or corners) Check ladder capacity

Preventing Ladder Failure Adequate Inspection Look for damaged or loose rungs or side rails Note any broken or bent hardware Check the condition of extension ladder ropes and pulleys Ensure that ladder footings are firmly attached and tread is intact Tag a defective ladder “out of service” & report it immediately If broken, worn, or damaged beyond repair, destroy the ladder

Preventing Ladder Failure Appropriate Use Keep to its intended purpose Don’t stand on the back cross bracing Don’t use an extension ladder as a horizontal platform (scaffold) Don’t allow more than one worker on the ladder at a time Don’t load the ladder beyond its maximum intended load Protect ladder base from traffic; if used in front of a door, make sure door is locked or guarded

Unexpected Ladder Movement WHY? When ladders move unexpectedly, it is almost always because of improper placement – either on inappropriate surfaces or at an improper angle.

Preventing Ladder Movement Situate ladders only on firm, level ground - not in mud, in water, or on an incline Ensure that the extension ladder’s base is at a minimum distance from vertical that is at least 1/4 of the ladder’s working height Ensure an extension ladder reaches at least 3 feet above the landing

Preventing Ladder Movement Ensure that all ladders are equipped with slip-resistant footings or “shoes” Fully open stepladders and lock the spreader - all feet should contact a level supporting structure Do not place the ‘round’ ends of an extension ladder downward Do not take apart extension ladders or use single sections individually

Preventing Ladder Movement Ladders move when they are not properly tied off. When using an extension ladder, always: Tie it off Brace it at the bottom Secure extension rope to lower section as back-up for lock assembly

Loss of Footing or Balance Ladder accidents can occur when the user loses footing (slips) or loses balance Chief causes include Improper ladder preparation Wet shoes Carrying materials while climbing Overreaching while on the ladder Inattention to the job When ladder users ignore proper operating procedures or simply fail to employ good common sense, the results can be disastrous!

Preventing Loss of Footing/Balance To reduce your risk of a fall, follow these guidelines: Clean any wet or slippery rungs before use Wear slip-resistant shoes Always face the ladder Keep eyes on the ladder and pay attention to hand and foot placement

Preventing Loss of Footing/Balance To reduce your risk of a fall, follow these guidelines: Lift equipment & materials with a rope; don't carry in your hand Carry smaller tools in pouches around the waist Always maintain 3 points of contact (2 feet/1 hand, or 2 hands/1 foot) Do not overreach.  Keep belt buckle positioned between the side rails

Preventing Loss of Footing/Balance To reduce your risk of a fall, follow these guidelines: Never stand on the top two steps of any ladder Do not move, shift, or extend the ladder while standing on it

IF YOU MUST PERFORM ELEVATED WORK NEAR ANY OVERHEAD LINES: FINALLY, IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY THAT YOU AVOID ALL CONTACT WITH POWER LINES!! IF YOU MUST PERFORM ELEVATED WORK NEAR ANY OVERHEAD LINES: USE A NON-CONDUCTIVE LADDER (FIBERGLASS) CONTACT YOUR SUPERVISOR WALK THROUGH THE PROCEDURE BEFORE STARTING THE JOB

Thank you for your cooperation!