Choosing Ladders Carefully

 

Tragedies like fatal falls can happen even from a ten-foot ladder or a normal staircase. But you can prevent falls that could prevent injuries or death by choosing ladders carefully, inspecting ladders and stairways, using them properly, and keeping them in good shape.

Ladders are fixed (cannot be moved) or portable (movable). When choosing a portable ladder, consider type (step ladder, straight, or extension ladders), length (convenient height without reaching), strength (base your choice on weight and stress the ladder has to bear), and material (wood isnonconductive, heavy, hard to move, and rots; metal is light, weather-resistant, but conducts electricity; and fiberglass is light, long-lasting, nonconductive, and has good traction). In addition, inspect ladders before using them. Also, all ladders should be thoroughly inspected at least once per year. Don’t use damaged ladders. Instead, label the damage, and then repair or destroy the ladder as appropriate. When inspecting, look for loose, broken, or missing rungs, steps, cleats or siderails; missing safety feet, frayed ropes, and other defective parts; oil, grease, or other slippery substances on rungs; skid-resistant features on rungs or steps of metal ladders; operational movable parts; and ample oil on metal bearings. For stairway inspections, look for loose or missing treads/stairs/handrails and clutter.

Do NOT use other means to reach higher places (i.e., chairs, benches, or boxes). If the job calls for a ladder, take the time to find one. Use ladders safely as follows:

·         Placement—Don’t place ladder in horizontal position. Place ladder away from doors.

·         Footing support—Place ladder on sure footing (not boxes or blocks), securing when possible. Place ladder so that for every four feet up, the ladder’s base is one foot out.

·         Top support—Top of ladder is placed so rails are fully supported. Extra room is given in case of ladder shifting. Ample strength is provided for load applied to ladder. Top support point is rigid.

·         Ladder height—Ladder siderails are at least 3 ft above the support point. Do not stand on top 2 steps of stepladder or top 4 rungs of straight ladder.

·         Ladder extension—Raise extension ladders so upper section overlaps and rests on bottom section.

·         Electrical hazards—Keep metal ladders away from power lines. Take precautions as you would when using a metal tool.

·         Climbing—Face ladder. Use both hands. One person at a time on portable ladders. Make sure work shoes are clean. Hoist tools up after reaching the top. When using stairways, don’t carry objects, hold the handrail, and keep a sure footing.

Keep stairs dry and clean, free of protruding nails, splinters, holes, or loose boards.

Lock-Out / Tag-Out

 

If you are required to repair or maintain any machinery or equipment, or any electrical power source, start the job by locking out and tagging out all energy sources and starting mechanisms.  Locking or tagging out is the only sure way to prevent other employees from accidentally activating the system. 

 

Contact your supervisor when tagging out any piece of equipment or machinery so that he is aware of the situation.  Schedule any maintenance or repairs ahead of time with the supervisor to avoid conflicts and any interruptions the work. 

 

Install your tag out or lock out at the power or ignition source.  If a piece of equipment can be activated from more than one location, then additional locks or tags may be required.  Make sure that the tag or lock is secure and will not blow off or fall off the machine. 

 

Machines can still be harmful even when they are turned off.  Make sure that the machine is not coasting to a stop and watch for moving parts that turn by gravity.  Be careful of air or hydraulic pressure lines that have not been bled.  Read the manufacturers recommendations for repairs to avoid any hidden dangers such as springs that are under a load that might accidentally be released. 

 

Remember to remove your lock and tags after your work is complete.  NEVER remove a lock or tag that has been installed by someone else.  If you find a lock or tag out, contact the person who tagged that equipment out and the supervisor for further instructions.  NEVER ASSUME THAT SOMEONE JUST FORGOT TO REMOVE THE LOCK OR TAG. 

 

BE SMART - LARGE JOB OR SMALL, TAG IT OUT FIRST!

Working Safely with Ladders

 

Before you climb, check these basic rules for ladder safety...

Stepladders

·         Make sure the spreaders are locked open before climbing.

·         Make sure nearby doors are locked or walkways barricaded to prevent collisions.

·         Never overreach while working on a stepladder. Move the ladder instead.

·         Never climb above the second rung from the top.

Straight Ladders

·         Always use the 4-to-1 rule: Position the base of the ladder 1 foot from the wall for every 4 feet of the ladder’s height up to the support point.

Example: The base of a 16-foot ladder should be 4 feet from the wall.

·         A straight ladder should extend at least 3 feet past its support point.

·         Tie down your ladder as close to the support point as possible.

·         Use only straight ladders that have properly functioning safety feet.

·         Never climb past the third rung from the top on a straight ladder.

·         Never overreach: The trunk of your body should not extend past the side of the ladder.

All Ladders

·         Always wear slip-resistant footwear.

·         Keep the ladder rungs free of oil and grease.

·         Always go up and down facing the ladder, holding on with both hands.

·         While working, hold on to the ladder with one hand at all times.

·         Use a tool belt or a bucket attached to a hand line to pull tools up.

·         Never use a metal ladder when working with electrical current.

Before climbing any ladder, check its condition...

• Nuts and bolts tight?

• Rungs secure?

• Spreaders working?

• Safety feet working right?