Safe Ladder Use
Three-Point-Control vs. Three-Point-Contact
What is the difference between the three-point-control method and the three-point contact method?
Portable Ladder Safety
Three-Point-Contact Method
The three-point-contact method requires a worker to depend solely on any three points of contact with the ladder.
Using the stomach or palm are examples of points of contact; these points of contact are unstable, unreliable, and lead to a false sense of stability. For instance, if a worker has both feet on a ladder while resting one palm on the roof, they will not be able to prevent a fall if both feet were to slip. For this reason, three-point-contact is not considered a safe work practice.
Three-Point-Control Method
The three-point-control method is preferred because it requires a worker to use either two feet and one hand or one foot and two hands providing greater stability and support.
The three-point-control method requires the worker to place his hand on the ladder in a way to support the full weight of the body if needed in an emergency. The breakaway force from a vertical rail is too great for a worker to fully support their weight if only gripping with one hand. During a fall, the hand would slide down the bar until it contacts a rung on the ladder. The hand would most likely disconnect from the ladder when it collides with the rung. A vertical grip can only support about half of a person's bodyweight.
If a worker, using the three-point-control method with both feet properly positioned on the ladder and is gripping a horizontal rung, the likelihood of a fall is much less if both of their feet were to slip.
There are seven conditions for using three-point-control while working from ladders. They include:
- Hold on to a horizontal rung, not the vertical rail.
- Grasp using a power grip, rather than merely making contact
- Use light tools and materials designed for single-hand use.
- Make sure the ladder is stabilized.
- Keep the ladder at the lowest height possible.
- Make sure belly button remains between side rails.
- Keep both feet at the same level.
Keeping three-point-control for good support is critical while a worker is climbing, moving or working at an elevation. It is important to note, the three-point-control method is not a substitution for the use of fall protection equipment.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-4. Which of the following is the preferred method for safely climbing a ladder?
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