How Falls from Ladders Occur
Most workers fall from unstable ladders that shift or tilt when the workers climb too high or reach too far beyond the side rails.
Angle ladders with about a 75-degree angle or a 1:4 slope (base to height).
Workers also fall when they slip on rungs while they're climbing or descending and when vehicles strike the ladders.
Keep the following in mind to stay safe when you use a portable ladder:
- select the most appropriate ladder for the task;
- inspect the ladder before using it; make sure it's in good condition;
- angle straight ladders and extension ladders properly with a 75-degree or 1:4 slope (base to height);
- protect the base of a ladder to prevent others from accidentally striking it;
- Select a ladder that will extend at least 3 feet (36 inches) above the landing point;
- If the ladder could be displaced by work activities, secure it;
- face the ladder when you climb or descend it using the three-point-control method;
- stay within the side rails when climbing or working from the ladder;
- if you do reach out to the side, 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;
- never stand on to top rung of the ladder;
- never use ladders that have conductive side rails near exposed energized equipment; and
- never use ladders on scaffolds to extend reach.
Required Ladder Safety Training
Before workers use ladders, a competent person must train them so that they understand:
- the nature of the fall hazards in the work area;
- how to use, place, and care for ladders; and
- maximum intended load-carrying capacities of the ladders.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-2. If the upper landing point is 12 feet high, how many feet should you place the ladder away from the landing point?
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