LS : Ladder Safety

www.safetygoodwe.com

Chapter :- Ladder Safety 

Ladders Safety

Injuries in the workplace because of ladder are commonplace. Falls from ladders can be as painful as a fall from a roof; about a third of all reported falls are falls from ladders. Many of the fall related injuries result from the improper use or the use of a defective ladder. Step/extension ladders are made to access/egress upper levels, not to be used as work platforms. There are specifically designed ladders for use as work platforms such as order pickers. These ladders are constructed with a small platform and guardrail.

Safety Awarness Training :- Ladder Safety :- 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uU7itQ82Gt7pDtl8ReuoTFTnI337H8xO/view?usp=drive_web

Considered maximum height to work on a ladder

There's no strict maximum working height for ladders, but here are some guidelines to consider.

Ladder Selection: Ladders are best suited for short-duration work at height, typically under 30 minutes, and where the risk is low. For longer tasks or higher risks, consider alternative equipment like scaffolding or mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

Height Considerations: While there's no maximum height limit, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends providing landing areas or rest platforms at suitable intervals when working at heights above 9 meters (approximately 30 feet).

Safety Precautions: Ensure the ladder is used on stable ground, properly secured, and maintained in good condition. Users should also receive proper training and follow safety guidelines.

Regulatory Framework: Ladder use is governed by regulations like the Work at Height Regulations , which emphasize risk assessment, competence, and equipment inspection.

Types of Ladders and Heights: Different types of ladders have varying maximum heights, such as:

1. Portable Wood Ladders:
• Stepladders: up to 20 feet
• Type I Industrial: 3-20 feet
• Type II Commercial: 3-12 feet
• Type III Household: 3-6 feet
2.     - Portable Metal Ladders:
• Single Ladders: up to 30 feet
• Two Section Ladders: up to 48 feet
• Greater Than Two Section Ladders: up to 60 feet

Ultimately, the key to safe ladder use is a thorough risk assessment and adherence to safety guidelines.

Your life literally can depend on knowing how to inspect, use, and care for ladders. Let’s spend a few minutes talking about the safe use of ladders.

Before using a ladder, inspect it. Look for:

1. Loose or missing rungs or cleats.
2. Loose nails, bolts, or screws.
3. Cracked, broken, split, dented, or badly worn rungs, cleats, or side rails.
4. Wood splinters.
5. Corrosion of metal ladders or metal parts.

Choose the right type and size ladder.

• Be sure straight ladders are long enough so that the side rails extend above the top support point by at least 36”. Secure the ladder by tying it off.
• Don’t set up ladders in areas such as doorways or walkways where they may be run into by others,unless they are protected by barriers. Keep the area around the top and base of the ladder clear. Don’t run hoses, extension cords, or ropes on a ladder and create an obstruction.
• Never increase the height of a ladder by standing it on boxes, barrels, or other materials. Never splice two ladders together.
• Don’t try to use a step ladder as a straight ladder.
• Tie in, block, or otherwise secure the top of straight ladders to prevent them from being displaced.
• To avoid slipping on a ladder, check your shoes for oil, grease, or mud and wipe it off before climbing.
• Always face the ladder and hold on with both hands when climbing up or down. Don’t try to carry tools or materials with you.
• Don’t lean out to the side when you’re on a ladder. If something is out of reach, get down and move the ladder over.
• Most ladders are designed to hold only one person at a time. Two may cause the ladder to fail or throw it off balance.
• Remember the 1 to 4 rule - the base of the ladder should be 1’ away from the wall or support for every 4’ of vertical extension.

The following safe work rules should be observed when working with ladders.

Important key points for safe ladder use:

• Pick the right ladder for the job you are going to do.
• Make sure the ladder is in good condition.
• Set up the ladder correctly.
• Work safely on the ladder.

Inspection

• Look for missing or loose cleats at the bottom.
• Look for loose or missing screws, bolts or nails on job made ladders
• Look for cracked, broken, split, dented or badly worn rungs, cleats or side rails.
• Splinters on wood ladders.
• Corrosion on metal ladders.

Ladder Use

• Always use the right ladder for the right job.
• Don’t set your ladder in a walkway or door opening.
• Keep the area at the top and bottom of the ladder clear of tool cords, tools, material and garbage.
• Always set the ladder on solid footing.
• Use a twenty-five percent (25%) angle on the slope of the ladder.
• When using extension ladders, the three (3) top rungs must extend beyond the landing platform. (Or the top of an extension ladder must be 36” (3 feet) above the landing.
• Don’t lean to the side when on a ladder or you may tip over.
• Do not carry tools or materials on a ladder. Use both hands when climbing a ladder to grab onto the side rails. If it is necessary to move material or tools up a ladder, first climb up, then pull up the work with a hand line.
• Only one person on a ladder at a time (unless the ladder is double cleated).
• Always secure the top of the ladder to prevent it from sliding.
• Never lean a step ladder; always fully open a step ladder.
• Always face the ladder.

Important Notes:

If you find a ladder in poor condition, don’t use it. Report it. It should be tagged and properly repaired or immediately destroyed.

• Always tie off the ladder. That way it stays where you put it.
• When you are on a ladder, you can fall. If you can fall, you can get hurt. Use ladders safely.