16
Ladder Safety
Ladders are one of the most useful tools in the workplace.
When properly used ladder s are one of the most useful tools avail able to workers.
Improper uses, incl uding the follow ing, can result in inju ries, falls, and deaths :
.
Ladders placed on unsta ble surfa ces
.
Personn el reachi ng too far o ut to the sides (overr eachin g)
.
Personn el stand ing too high on the ladder to mai ntain balanc e
.
Defective or broken ladders (e.g., broken rails or rungs and missing hardware)
.
Ladders that were not secure d or braced
.
Personnel carrying loads while ascending and descending
.
Selecting the wro ng ladder for the job (Figur e 16.1)
.
Improper position on the ladder
.
Adverse weather such as strong winds, rain, ice, or snow
.
Using a ladder to work on electrical conductors or power lines
ß 2008 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
This type of improper use of ladders results in an estimated 19,000 injuries and 24
fatalities per year according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Falls or slips account for 80% of accidents and almost half fell at least 8 ft. While falling,
50% held on to other objects while 66% were not trained on how to inspect ladders and
73% were not instructed on the safe use of ladders. In 73% of accidents, the ladders

employees including management and supervisors are to receive ladder safety train-
ing. The content of the training shall include the following:
.
Company rules and policies
.
Accountability and responsibility
.
Ladder hazard recognition
.
Reporting and responding to ladder hazards
.
Safe use of ladders
.
Climbing safely
16.1.3 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Before using a ladder all employees should inspect the ladder in accordance with the
company’s ladder checklist (such as the one found at the end of this chapter) and use a
ladder inspection form to document the inspection (Figure 16.3). If a faulty ladder
having structural defects such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats,
steps, b roken or split rails, corroded components, or other defective components is
found, the ladder should be removed from service and marked prominently as defect-
ive or tagged with ‘‘Remove from Service. Do Not Use’’ until repaired or discarded.
The supervisor should be notified of the unsafe ladder. The supervisor must assure the
ladder is not used and it is either disposed of or repaired to a safe condition. Any ladder
accidents should be investigated thoroughly by the supervisor and recommendations
to prevent further occurrences shoul d be made and imp lemented.
16.1.4 LADDER SELECTION
A ladder should be selected based on its use and capacity. Ladders are classified in
the following manner relevant to their load capacity (Table 16.1).
Ladder inspection form

point, which may be the wall or roof line. This will allow enough length for proper
setup, overlap ladder sections (3 ft), height restrictions for the highest standing level,
and, where appropriate, the extension of the ladder above the roof line. The highest
standing level is four rungs from the top. Never stand on the ladder above the support
points. Table 16.3 depicts the selection of length for extension ladders.
The following points must be kept in mind when selecting a ladder: it should
have unbroken rungs or steps and safety feet, functional spreaders that lock, it
should comply with ANSI standards, must be of the right size, should not have
TABLE 16.2
Stepladder Size Selection Chart
Maximum Height
You Want to Reach (ft)
Purchase This Size
Stepladder Level (ft)
Highest Standing
Level
7 3 11 in.
8 4 1 ft 11 in.
9 5 2 ft 10 in.
10 6 3 ft 10 in.
11 7 4 ft 9 in.
12 8 5 ft 8 in.
14 10 7 ft 7 in.
16 12 9 ft 6 in.
18 14 11 ft 5 in.
20 16 13 ft 4 in.
TABLE 16.3
Extension Ladder Size Selection Chart
Height to Top
Support Point (ft)

.
Tie or brace it at the bottom or have someone hold it.
.
Keep the ladder the right distance from the wall or support (use the 4 to 1 rule
or 75.5) as seen in Figure 16.4. Raise an extension ladder before extending it.
.
If you place a ladder in front of a door, make sure the door is locked or blocked.
.
Make sure areas of high traffic are barricaded around the ladder.
.
Maintain good housekeeping around the bottom of the ladder.
As further guidance, the following dos and don’ts should be adhered to for prevent-
ing accidents and injuries.
Working length
3 ft min
A
A
4
Distance to top support
FIGURE 16.4 The 4 to 1 rule for ladders. (Courtesy of Department of Energy.)
ß 2008 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
16.2 DOS
.
Clean your shoes first to remove mud, oil, and debris.
.
Allow only one person at a time on a ladder.
.
Face the ladder while climbing up or down.
.
Have three points of contact when climbing (two hand and one foot

16.4 USE OF LADDERS BY THE SERVICE INDUSTRY
Many industry sectors may require ladders to extend a worker’s reach. The sectors
that most require ladders are the utilities, warehousing, wholesale trade, retail trade,
telecommunication (information), other service, and maintenance personnel in the
leisure, hospitality, education, health care, and administration sectors.
Depending on the frequency of use, the degree of training and attention to ladder
safety will be determined by the amount of emphasis that is needed to continue a
program for the safe use of ladders.
16.5 OSHA LADDER STANDARDS
The following is a summary of the OSHA standards for ladders and not the complete
regulation.
16.5.1 FIXED LADDERS (29 CFR 1910.27)
A fixed ladder must be able to support at least two loads of 250 lb each, concentrated
between any two consecutive rungs. Fixed ladders must also support added antici-
pated loads caused by ice buildup, winds, rigging, and impact loads resulting from
ß 2008 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
the use of ladder safety device s. Fixed ladders must be used at a pitch no great er than
90 8 from the horizontal , measured from the rear of the ladder .
Individual rung=step ladder s must extend at least 42 in. above an access level or
landing plat form eith er by the c ontinuation of the rung spaci ngs as horiz ontal grab
bars or by providing vertical grab bars that must ha ve the same late ral spaci ng as the
vertical legs of the ladder rails. Eac h step or rung of a fixed ladder must be able to
support a load of at least 250 lb appli ed in the middle of the step or rung.
The minim um clear distance between the sides of indi vidual rung=step ladders
and between the side rails of other fixed ladders must be 16 in. The rungs of
individua l rung=step ladder s must be shaped to prevent slipping off the end of the
rungs. The rungs a nd steps of fixed met al ladders manufactur ed after March 15,
1991, must be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid- resistant material , or
treated to minimize slipp ing. The minim um perpend icul ar clearance betw een fixed
ladder rungs, cleat s, an d steps and any obstructi on behind the ladder must be 7 in.,

Horizontal bands must be fastened to the side rails of rail ladders or directly to
the structure, building, or equipment for individual rung ladders. Horizontal bands
ß 2008 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
must be spaced at intervals not more than 4 ft apart measured from centerline to
centerline.
Vertical bars must be on the inside of the horizontal bands and must be fastened
to them. Vertical bars must be spaced at intervals not more than 9.5 in., measured
centerline to centerline.
The bottom of the cage must be between 7 and 8 ft above the point of access to
the bottom of the ladder, and the bottom of the cage must be flared no fewer than
4 in. between the bottom horizontal band and the next higher band. The top of the
cage must be a minimum of 42 in. above the top of the platform or the point of access
at the top of the ladder. Provisions must be made for access to the platform or any
other point of access.
Wells must completely encircle the ladder. Wells must be free of projections.
The inside face of the well on the climbing side of the ladder must extend between
27 and 30 in. from the centerline of the step or rung. The inside width of the well
must be at least 30 in. The bott om of the wel l above the point of access to the bottom
of the ladder must be between 7 and 8 ft.
All safety devices must be able to withstand, without failure, a drop test
consisting of a 500 lb weight dropping 18 in. They must permit the worker to ascend
FIGURE 16.5 Example of a fixed ladder.
ß 2008 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
or descend without continually having to hold, push, or pull any part of the device,
leaving both hands free for climbing. All safety devices must be activated within 2 ft
after a fall occurs, and limit the descending velocity of an employee to 7 ft=s or less.
The connection between the carrier or lifeline and the point of attachment to the body
harness must not exceed 9 in. in length.
Mountings for rigid carriers must be attached at each end of the carrier, with
intermediate mountings, spaced along the entire length of the carrier, to provide the

used at an angle where the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the
ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder. Wood job-
made ladders with spliced side rails must be used at an angle where the horizontal
distance is one-eighth the working length of the ladder.
Ladders must be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent
accidental movement. Ladders must not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured
or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental movement. Slip-resistant
ß 2008 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
feet must not be used as a substitute for the care in placing, lashing, or holding a
ladder upon slippery surfaces. Ladders placed in areas such as passageways, door-
ways, or driveways, or where they c an be displaced by workplace activities or traffic,
must be secured to prevent accidental movement or a barricade must be used to keep
traffic or activities away from the ladder. The area around the top and bottom of the
ladders must be kept clear.
The top of a non-self-supporting ladder must be placed with two rails supported
equally unless it is equipped with a single support attachment. Ladders must not be
displaced or extended while in use. Ladders must have nonc onductive side rails if
used in proximity to exposed energized electrical equipment.
The top step of a stepladder must not be used as a step. Crossbracing on the rear
section of stepladders must not be used for climbing unless the ladders are designed
and provided with steps for climbing on both front and rear sections.
Ladders must be periodically inspected by a competent person for visible defects
and after any incident that could affect their safe use. Single-rail ladders must not be
used.
When ascending or descending a ladder, the worker must face the ladder. Each
worker must use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing. A worker on a
ladder must not carry any object or load that could cause him=her to lose balance
and fall.
A double-cleated ladder or two or more ladders must be provided when ladders
are the only way to enter or exit a work area having 25 or more employees, or when a

.
The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall
protection systems to be used
.
The proper construction, use, placement, and care in handling of all stair-
ways and ladders
.
The maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used
16.6 LADDER CHECKLIST
A checklist is an excellent method to determin e ladder safety and OSHA compliance.
Figure 16.6 depicts an example of a ladder checklist.
Ladder checklist
Answer the following questions yes or no to determine compliance or presence of ladder
hazards:
Ye s
&
No
&
Are only Type 1 or Type 1A industrial ladders are used?
Ye s
&
No
&
Do steps on ladders a minimum load capacity of 250 lb?
Ye s
&
No
&
Are all ladders inspected for damage before use?
Ye s

point of support, at eave, gutter, or roof line?
Ye s
&
No
&
Are stepladders fully opened to permit the spreaders to lock?
Ye s
&
No
&
Are all labels in place and legible on ladders?
Ye s
&
No
&
Are ladder always moved to prevent and avoid overreaching?
Ye s
&
No
&
Are single ladders not more than 30 ft in length?
Ye s
&
No
&
Do extension ladders up to 36 ft have a 3 ft overlap between sections?
Ye s
&
No
&

&
No
&
Is the base of a straight or extension ladders set back a safe distance from
the vertical or approximately 1=4 of the working length of the ladder?
FIGURE 16.6 Ladder safety checklist.
(continued )
ß 2008 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Ye s
&
No
&
Are ladders that project into passageways or doorways where they could
be struck by personnel, moving equipment, or materials being handled,
protected by barricades or guards?
Ye s
&
No
&
Do employees face the ladder when ascending or descending?
Ye s
&
No
&
Do employees must use both hands when going up or down a ladder?
Ye s
&
No
&
Are materials or equipment raised or lowered by way of lines?

&
Are all pulleys, wheels, and bearings lubricated frequently?
Ye s
&
No
&
Are rungs kept free of grease and oil?
Ye s
&
No
&
Is rope that is badly worn or frayed replaced immediately?
Ye s
&
No
&
Are all ladders equipped with slip-resistant feet, free of grease, and in good
condition?
Portable wood ladders
Ye s
&
No
&
Are all wood ladders free of splinters, sharp edges, shake, wane,
compression failures, decay, and other irregularities?
Ye s
&
No
&
Are portable stepladders no longer than 20 ft?

&
No
&
Are the steps shall no more than 12 in. apart?
Ye s
&
No
&
Are job made ladders constructed to conform with the established OSHA
standards.
Ye s
&
No
&
Are all fixed ladders painted or treated to prevent rusting?
Ye s
&
No
&
Do fixed ladders 20 ft or higher have a landing every 20 ft if there is no
surrounding cage?
Ye s
&
No
&
If it has a cage or safety device, a landing is required every 30 ft?
FIGURE 16.6 (continued)
ß 2008 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.