Ladder Safety Training and its Essentials

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Chapter : Ladder Safety 

Ladder training is crucial for creating safer workplaces and reducing the risk of preventable accidents. Fall from portabIe ladders (step, straight. combination and extension) are one of the leading Causes or occupational fatalities and injuries, often resulting from improper use, lack of maintenance, or insufficient knowledge of safety practices.

With proper ladder training, employees gain the skills to:

• Select the right type of ladder for the task.
• Inspect ladders for defects or damage before use.
• Use ladders correctly, including maintaining three points of contact and avoiding overreaching.

The training not only protects workers but also helps businesses maintain compliance with safety regulations and foster a culture of safety. Investing time in ladder safety training demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and operational excellence.

Key Ladder Safety To Be followed At Workplace:

• Avoid electrical hazards! - Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. 
• Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipments
• Always inspect the ladder prior to using it. If the ladder is damaged, it must be removed from service and tagged until repaired or discarded.
• Always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder when climbing. 
• Keep your body near the middle of the steps and always face the ladder while climbing.
• Only use ladders and appropriate accessories (ladder, levelers, jacks or hooks) for their designed purposes.
• Ladders must be free of any slippery material on the rugs, steps or feet.
• Do not use a self-supporting ladder (e.g, step ladder) as a single ladder or in a partially closed position.
• Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it was designed for  that purpose.
• Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to prevent displacement
• Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.  
• Do not move or Shift a ladder while a person or equiment is on the ladder.
• An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevate surface must extend at least 3 feet  above the point of support. 
• Do not stand on the three top rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder.
• The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall Other vertical surface.
• A ladder placed in any location where it can be displaced by other work activities must be secured to prevent displacement or a barricade must be erected to keep traffic from the ladder.
• Check all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged.
• Do not exceed the maximun load rating of a ladder. Be aware of the Ladder's load rating and of the weight, it is supporting including the weight of any tools or equipment.

Let's prioritize safety by equipping teams with the knowledge they need to work smarter and safer every day!

1. Check that ladder is in good condition and fit for use
2. Set up on firm and level ground
3. 
   Never use near power lines
4. Set up at an angle ratio of 4:1 (75 Degree)
5. Ensure top of ladder extends at least 1 metre
6. Don't lean ladder against anything unstable
7. Secure ladder so it cannot slide out from the wall or sideways
8. Never set up where people could bump into it
9. Test before climbing
10. Wear suitable shoes
11. Always keep 3 points of contact
12. Hold ladder on sides, not on rungs
13. Always climb up and down facing the ladder
14. Only one person on a ladder at a time
15. Do not use ladder as a work platform or for heavy work...
16. Do not over-reach
17. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions
18.  IF STEPLADDERS :- 
• Ensure all 4 feet are firmly on the ground
• Open & lock spreader bars
• Do not stand on top 2 rungs