Preventing Falls from Ladders
Most workers fall from unstable ladders that shift or tilt when the workers climb too high or reach too far beyond the side rails.
Always use the 1 to 4 rule. Click to expand.
Workers also fall when they slip on rungs while they're climbing or descending and when vehicles strike the ladders.
Required Ladder Safety Training
Before workers use ladders, a competent person must train them so that they understand the following:
- the nature of the fall hazards in the work area;
- how to use, place, and care for ladders;
- maximum intended load-carrying capacities of the ladders; and
- OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.23-28 requirements for the ladders.
- Inspect ladders before each use.
- Match work tasks to appropriate ladders.
- Set up ladders correctly. Use the 1 to 4 rule. One foot out from wall for every four feet of height.
- Climb and descend ladders properly. Both hands should be free.
- Face the ladder when climbing and use the three-point rule. "Two feet - One hand" or "Two hands - One foot" making contact at all times.
- Protect the base of a ladder to prevent others from accidentally striking it. If the ladder could be displaced by work activities, secure it.
- Select a ladder that will extend at least 36 inches (2 rungs) above the access area, or provide a grab rail so that workers can steady themselves as they get on or off.
- Stay within the side rails when climbing or working from the ladder. You can reach out, but keep the rest of your body within the rails.
- Raise and lower heavy loads with a hand line or a hoist.
- Make sure metal ladders have steps and rungs with skid-resistant surfaces.
- Allow only one person on the ladder. Use a scaffold if two or more people need to work together.
- Never stand on top of a portable ladder.
- Never use ladders that have conductive side rails near exposed energized equipment.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-3. Most workers fall from ladders when _____.
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