LS :- Different Types of Ladders

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Chapter :- Ladder Safety 

Different Types Of Ladders 

Step Ladder 

All kinds of ladders are used every day on the job. One of the most common is the step ladder. Construction would be impossible without ladders. 

Stepladders can be a quick and easy way to extend your reach however, every time you use a stepladder there is a risk for permanent injury or death. Those hazards can be greatly reduced by following good safety practices.

Using a stepladder safely is not as simple as most of us would believe. Depending on the work to be accomplished and the work environment, there will be other unique safety hazards to be considered for each ladder setup. A little forward planning, an inspection of the ladder, and survey of the work area is a good start to ensure a safe work experience using a stepladder.

Fixed Ladders

A fixed ladder is a ladder permanently attached to a structure, building or equipment. Fixed ladders pose hazards including slippery surfaces, unsure footing, and structural damage. 

Take these precautions when using fixed ladders:

1. Check rungs to ensure that they're free of splinters, sharp edges, burrs or projections that may create a hazard. Reports ail defects promptly.
2. Clean muddy or slippery boot soles before mounting a fixed ladder, or any ladder.
3. When climbing fixed ladders on towers, tanks, or chimneys, use appropriate ladder safety devices as instructed. A ladder safety device is an appliance that will arrest the fall of an individual working at elevated heights.
4. Wait until the other person has exited the ladder before ascending or descending.
5. When climbing fixed ladders, follow the same basic rules as with portable ladders.
6. Take advantage of landing platforms to rest when climbing or descending from heights.

Extension Ladders

Each year several workers are killed by falls from ladders. Falls from extension ladders can be particularly dangerous because people are usually working at greater heights. 

Follow these safety tips when using extension ladders:

1. When choosing an extension ladder, keep in mind that the length of a ladder is different from its usable length. The height these ladders can safely reach is reduced by the angle at which the ladder must be set up.
2. Position an extension ladders so that the base of the ladder is one foot away from the wall for every four feet of ladder height. This ratio is important because if the angle is too steep, you can fall backward. If the angle is too horizontal, the ladder can slip out from under you.
3. Make sure that both feet are on stable and level surfaces, and that both rails are resting evenly on the resting spot. Secure ladders to prevent accidental movement.
4. Make sure side rails are at least three feet above the landing point, or that an adequate grab rail is provided.
5. After you set up an extension ladder, lock the top section in place.
6. If using multi-section ladders, make sure sections overlap — by at least 3 feet for ladders up to 32 feet, by 4 feet for ladders 32 feet to 48 feet, and by 5 feet for ladders 48 feet to 60 feet.
7. When working from an extension ladder, consider using a fall protection system attached to a secure anchor point on the building, especially if doing work that involves pushing, pulling, or prying