1. Ladder Safety in Construction
Developed by Division of Occupational Safety and Health
September, 2009

2. Ladder Safety in Construction
Falls from ladders are one of the leading causes of injuries in the construction trade.
The majority of the falls are caused by misuse, faulty ladders or carelessness.
The Ladder Safety Rule (WAC ) was written to reduce or eliminate these mishaps.
This presentation provides some basic safety practices on ladder use based on these regulations.

3. Common causes of ladder injuries
  Improperly getting on or off the ladder
Loss of balance
Setting up the ladder improperly
Overreaching while on the ladder
Mis-stepping or slipping while climbing or descending

4. Other causes of falls from ladders
Lack of training on safe ladder use
Using the wrong type ladder for the job
Exceeding the ladder weight capacity
Climbing ladder with tools or material in hands
Climbing or descending not facing the ladder
Oil, grease or mud on ladder rungs
Ladder not secure at the base or top
Ladder not set up at the proper angle
Ladder not extended 3 feet above upper surface
Using the top step of a step ladder
Placing ladder on unstable surfaces
Over-reaching beyond the side rails of the ladder

5. Ladder Training
Every employee that uses a ladder must be trained by a competent person in the use, placement and construction of the ladder and the hazards associated with them.
A competent person is anyone who is knowledgeable of the ladders to be used, can recognize all the hazards associated with ladders and has the authority to take the necessary action to eliminate these hazards.

6. Self-supporting ladders
These include stepladders and have one or two extra legs that are attached to the ladder for support. They do not require a structure to support them.
Wood stepladder
Trestle ladder
Tripod Ladder
Fiberglass stepladder

7. Ladder Parts – Step Ladder

8. Non-self supporting ladders
These include straight ladders and extension ladders. A ladder is “non-self supporting” type when it must be leaned against a solid structure for support and can’t stand alone.
In the photo, this extension ladder will be supported by the building structure.
Leaning extension ladder against building for support

9. Examples of Non Self-Supporting Ladders
Straight ladder
Extension ladder

10. Extension Ladder parts

11. Multipurpose ladders
These ladders can be used in a variety of configurations

12. Ladder load capacity
Each ladder type has a “duty rating” that is specific to the maximum safe load capacity of the ladder. A person's fully clothed weight plus the weight of the persons tool belt must be less than this duty rating.
Workers should select a ladder based on load capacity and the type of work to be done.
Exceeding the load capacity may cause the ladder to collapse.
Ladders will be labeled as shown above.

13. Keep Ladders in a Good Condition
Ensure the following:
- Side rails aren't bent, broken, or split
- Rungs, cleats, or steps aren't bent, broken, or missing
- All bolts and rivets are in place and securely tighten
- Joint between the side rails and the individual rungs/steps is tight
- Safety feet are not excessively worn
- Hardware and fittings are securely attached and working properly
- Ropes aren't frayed or badly worn
- Moveable parts operate freely without binding or excessive play.
- Metal components aren't corroded.
- No other faulty or defective components exist.
- Any auxiliary equipment is securely attached, not excessively worn and functions properly.

14. Inspect ladders before use
Look for cracks, splits, dents, bends, corrosion, and missing hardware.
All of these ladders are unsafe and could fail if used by employees.

15. Mud, Oil or Grease Keep shoes/boots free of slippery substances.
Inspect ladder rungs for any oil, grease, mud or other slippery substances which could affect traction.

16. Ladder Positioning Position ladders so that they are:
Not in the paths of workers walking through,
Not in front of unblocked exits,
Not in front of doors that can open out into the ladder,
Not on boxes, barrels or other unstable surfaces,
On solid footing and level at the bottom,
Stable at the top with each rail supported equally,
Against a structure capable of supporting the intended load,
Away from debris and other hazards.

17. Ladder Placement
Place ladders on solid surfaces that will support the ladder and prevent displacement by other workers.
Block, tape, lock or guard a door if the ladder is placed where the door will hit it when opened.

18. Step-Ladder Setup
Open up step ladder legs completely and lock the spreader bar braces.

19. Never use the top of a step ladder
Warning labels on stepladders clearly state that the top step and top cap are not to be used as a step. The higher you are on a step ladder, the less stable it becomes.
step ladder too short for this job
…could lead to this!!
Doing this….

20. Setting up extension ladder
Place ladder base on a firm, level surface with secure footing.
Don’t place a ladder on unstable footing or soft ground.
As the ladder sinks into the ground or slips from where it is positioned, it becomes very unstable.
Position the ladder on solid ground or shoring to ensure stability.
An unstable base

21. Setting up an extension ladder
When working from an extension ladder, make sure it is set up at a 4:1 angle with secure footing on a firm level surface.
For accessing an upper level, make sure the extension ladder is set up at a 4:1 angle on a firm, level surface and the side rails extend at least 3’ above the surface to be accessed. Lastly, make sure the extension ladder is secured at the top and bottom
Proper ladder set-up
Improper ladder set-up (not 3 ft. above roof line)

22. Proper Extension Ladder Setup
For every four feet of ladder length measured from where the ladder contacts the support point, the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the supporting structure (one to four rule).
The ladder must extend at least three feet above the surface to provide safe access or be rigidly secured at the top with a grasping device if less than three feet.
The ladder in the photo contacts the supporting structure at 9 feet. This means that the base of the ladder should be 27 inches back from the support.
Extended
3 ft. above top surface
Secured from slipping
9 ft.
27 inches

23. Determining proper ladder setup angle
One way to ensure proper angle is to stand with your feet at the base of the ladder and extend your arms straight out. If your hands just touch, the ladder will be very close to the 4 to 1 ratio.

24. Ladder set-up on uneven ground
Ladder can be set up straight and level on just about any type of uneven surface using ladder levels attached to the side rails.

25. Straight ladder stabilizers
The straight ladder side rails must be equally supported at the top, unless the ladder is equipped with an adequate stabilizer.
Ladders with top stabilizers

26. Climbing or descending a ladder
When climbing a ladder, you must have both hands free and face the ladder. This allows for three points of contact with the ladder at all times and reduces the chances of falling. The three point contact is two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet.
This way
Not this way

27. Climbing and descending
This worker does not have both hands free to hold onto the ladder while climbing or descending the ladder.
Proper ladder climbing with tools on belt and both hands free

28. Overreaching from the sides
Doing this….
Could result in this!

29. Electrical Hazards and Ladders
Don’t use metal or conductive ladders near
energized electrical equipment or overhead power lines.

30. Tying Extension ladders
Don’t tie or fasten ladder sections together to make a longer ladder, unless the manufacturer specifically endorses this modification using hardware fittings designed for that purpose.

31. Ladder misuse
A ladder must be used only for purposes specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
The ladder in this photo is being as a ramp to enter the house interior.

32. Step Ladder Misuse
Rather than a firm, level surface, this stepladder is positioned on a fence so the such that the bottom step is taking the load rather than the side rails.
It doesn’t extend three feet above the roof surface, is not secured, and the worker is standing on the top step to access roof.
This stepladder is being misused to access doorway.
Stepladders can’t be used partially closed and leaned against the wall.

33. Stepladder Misuse
A 3-legged step-ladder with the worker standing on the top cap and balancing on one foot.
(Also, no safety glasses while using a nail gun and hard hat is worn backwards)

34. Step ladder misuse
This step ladder is not fully opened with spreader bar locked and the step ladder side rails are straddling a scaffold plank being set up in a position not intended by the manufacturer.

35. Hazardous Ladder Use
A 3-legged step-ladder leaned against a 2x4 nailed across the window.
A repair patch on the left front side rail of ladder.
No fall protection in use while working at height.

36. Hazardous ladder use
Unsecured, folded step-ladder set on an angled shed roof so that only the tips of the side rails lay on roof.
Extension ladder not extended at least 3-feet above roof, set up at an angle greater than a 4:1, and it’s not secured top and bottom to prevent movement.
No fall protection being used while on this walking/working surface.

37. A better choice in ladders would make this job easier!!
Ladder Misuse
Two workers using two step-ladders leaned against wall, set up over wood debris, with the far worker standing on the top step. (also, third worker needs fall protection)
A better choice in ladders would make this job easier!!

38. More safe ladder practices
Use a ladder only when you are mentally alert and physically able.
Don’t let your belt buckle pass beyond either ladder side rails.
Hold the ladder with one hand while working with the other.
Don't hurry or skip rungs /steps when using the ladder.
Be careful when pushing or pulling anything while up on a ladder.

39. A few more ladder safe practices
Don't test a ladder by jumping on it.
Don't paint a wood ladder.
Don't use any ladder that has been exposed to fire or other strong chemicals.
Protect ladders from environmental elements such as: excessive heat or cold.
Don't drop or throw ladders.
Store ladders out of the way of other employees.
Secure ladders firmly when transporting on vehicles.

40. More Information OSHA Construction eTool – ladders
CPWR – Ladder Safety (safety meeting topic)
CPWR Video – ladder safety (online video)
L & I Video Library (several videos on ladder safety)