Safe Ladder Use
There are many ways you can prevent a fall from a ladder - below are a few suggestions to get you started.
Choose the Right Ladder
First, you need to make sure a ladder is the best equipment for what you need to do. Would scaffolding or a mechanical lift be better?
Many times, the ladder is the only physical support you have while you are working. If it fails, you can fall. That's why it is so important to find the right ladder when you do need to use one. The three main types of ladders; single (straight) ladders, extension ladders, and step ladders are used in different situations for different tasks.
Single (Straight) Ladders: The most common type of portable ladder.
- Length cannot exceed 30 feet
- Available in wood, metal, and reinforced fiberglass
- Supports only one worker
Single (Straight) Ladder
Extension Ladders: Extension ladders offer the most length in a general-purpose ladder.
- They have two or more adjustable sections
- The sliding upper section must be on top of the lower section
- They can be made of wood, metal, or fiberglass
- The maximum length depends on material
- They support only one worker
Extension Ladder
Step Ladders: Step ladders have flat steps, a hinged back, and is not adjustable.
- For use only on firm, level surfaces
- Available in metal, wood, or reinforced fiberglass
- Must have a metal spreader or locking arm and cannot exceed 20 feet
- Supports only one worker
Step Ladders
Two Questions
Is the ladder long enough? Before you use a ladder it should be long enough to set it at a stable angle and still extend over the top edge to give you something to hold on to when you get on the ladder to descend. Setting the ladder at the right angle helps you keep your balance on the ladder. It also helps keep the ladder from falling backward.
- Make sure the ladder extends 3 feet (3 rungs; 0.9 meters) above the surface you will be working on.
- Make sure the ladder is placed at a stable angle. For every four feet (1.2m) high the ladder is, the base should be 1 foot (.3 m) out from the wall. The resulting angle of the ladder from vertical will be 75 degrees.
For example, if you will be working on a 10 foot-high roof (3 m), you need a ladder that is at least 14 feet (4.25 m) long. The base should be 2 ½ feet (.75 m) from the wall.
Is the Ladder in Good Working Condition? It shouldn't be missing pieces or be cracked or otherwise damaged. Check the duty rating on extension ladders - is it high enough for the weight you will be putting on it? Longer ladders don't always have higher duty ratings, so be sure to check. In construction, the most common ratings are:
- Heavy Duty (I) supports up to 250 pounds (113 kg).
- Extra heavy duty (IA) supports up to 300 pounds (136 kg).
- Special duty (IAA) supports up to 375 pounds (170 kg).
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-6. How far should the ladder extend above the surface you will be working on?
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