Ladder Safety

1. Stepladders
   
   
   1. Inspect ladders before using them. Remove defective ladders from service and notify your supervisor.
      
      
   2. Always open and set the ladder level on all four feet on a firm base, lock spreaders in place.
      
      
   3. Never use a stepladder like a straight ladder.
      
      
   4. Never climb higher than the second tread or rung from the top.
      
      
   5. Do not place tools or materials on steps.
      
      
   6. Do not place a ladder in front of a door that opens toward it unless the door is locked, blocked or guarded by someone.
      
      
   7. Keep both feet on the ladder. Do not reach out too far or place one foot on some other surface.
      
      
   8. Only one person is to be on a ladder at any time.
      
      
   9. Do not use ladders for skids, braces, workbenches or any other purpose other than climbing.
      
      
   10. Two people may be required when working from a ladder of any height, check with your supervisor before starting the task. (i.e. one person is required to hold an extension ladder at the bottom until it is secured or if it cannot be secured, such as light pole work.)
   
   
2. Straight and Extended Ladders
   
   
   1. Inspect ladders before using them. Remove defective ladders from service and notify your supervisor.
      
      
   2. Use the four-to one ratio. Place the ladder so that its feet are one foot away from what it leans against for every four feet in height to the point where the top of the ladder rests.
      
      
   3. Place the ladder's feet on a substantial and level base, NOT on movable objects, and the top of the ladder must be adequately tied off at the top to prevent slipping.
      
      
   4. The top of the ladder must extend at least three feet beyond the supporting object when used as access to an elevated work area.
      
      
   5. Hold onto the ladder with both hands when going up or down. If material must be handled, raise or lower it with a rope.
      
      
   6. Always face the ladder when climbing up, climbing down or when working.
      
      
   7. Be sure that your shoes are not greasy, muddy or slippery before climbing. Check ladder rungs for grease, mud and other debris and remove it before climbing the ladder.
      
      
   8. Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top on straight or extension ladders.
      
      
   9. Never use a metal ladder around electrical circuits or place where they may come in contact with such circuits.
      
      
   10. When work situations require a 20-foot or longer extension ladder, two associates shall be assigned to the job.
       
       NOTE: Two people may be required when the ladder is under 20 feet high, check with your supervisor before starting the task.