LADDER SAFETY
(Just this morning, a guy in town was on a ladder hanging Christmas lights. He fell 20’. The ambulance took him to the hospital – on a backboard. My guess is that his Christmas may not be that merry.)
This is one of those times of the year when many of us find ourselves working on a ladder. Although ladders seem safer than other items we may use, such as chainsaws, ladder injuries account for a number of injuries and deaths in the United States each year. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, over 500,000 people in the United States are treated for ladder-related injuries each year. In 2000, 412 people died as a result of a ladder-related injury.
Back in the days when I was teaching light and heavy rescue classes, I often received feedback from students who acknowledged that they had learned a lot about an item that they had rarely given a second thought to in the past. So, I dug out my own lesson plans, did a bit of web-surfing and fact checking, and, without further ado, here are some things you should know about LADDER SAFETY.
1. USE THE RIGHT LADDER FOR THE JOB
LOAD BEARING CAPACITY
A ladder is rated based upon its maximum capacity for combined weight of the user and any objects being carried up the ladder. There are 4 distinct ratings:
Type IA Ladders are rated for 300 lbs. and are appropriate for extra-heavy professional use.
Type I Ladders are rated for 250 lbs. and are for heavy-duty use.
Type II Ladders are rated for 225 lbs. and are for medium-duty use.
Type III Ladders are rated for 200 lbs. and are for light-duty use only.
A rating sticker should be affixed to the side of every ladder. Look for a UL or ANSI sticker.
LADDER DESIGN
There are three general types of ladders used in homes; extension ladders, one section straight ladders, and extension ladders. Choose the proper one for the job.
LADDER LENGTH
On average, an individual will work most comfortably about 5’ above where he or she stands on a ladder. You should never work less than 2’ from the top of a ladder. Ladder accidents are often the result of using a ladder that is too short.
Never use a stepladder over 20 feet long.
The sections of an extension ladder should overlap enough to retain the strength of the ladder.
Extension ladders less than 36’ long should have a 3’ overlap.
Extension ladders between 36’ and 48’ long should have a 4’ overlap.
Extension ladders over 48’ long should have a 5’ overlap.
Extension and straight ladders should always extend at least 3’ beyond any ridge or over-hang against which it is rested.
LADDER CONSTRUCTION
Ladders are commonly constructed of either aluminum/light metal, or wood, or fiberglass. An aluminum or metal ladder should never be used for work near any electric line or other electric source. Aluminum/metal ladders are the most durable. Wood ladders may split or rot. Fiberglass ladders are the best combination of durability and non-conductivity, but are the most expensive.
2. INSPECT YOUR LADDER BEFORE USE
Make sure that all rungs, hardware, and fittings are clean, dry, and secure.
Make sure that all extension ladder ropes or cables are properly secured and in good condition.
Make sure that all moving parts move freely and without any binding or excessive free play.
Inspect wooden ladders for cracks, splits, and deterioration.
Never use a wooden ladder that has been painted. Paint may hide serious defects.
Metal and fiberglass ladders should be inspected for bends and breaks.
Rungs should be grooved or “non-skid” to avoid slipping.
Never use a ladder that does not pass your inspection or is slippery or shaky.
3. SETUP YOUR LADDER PROPERLY
Setting up the ladder correctly may help prevent falls. Locate all base legs and feet on a firm level surface.
Caution should always be used when placing or moving any ladder in the vicinity of electric lines. If an overhead power line is 50 kV or less, stay at least 10 feet away. For all other power lines, stay at least 35 feet away.
Stepladders should be fully open and locked before use.
To set up a ladder, first lay the ladder on the ground with the bottom resting against the base of the structure being ascended and the top pointing away. Next lift the top of the ladder over your head and slowly walk under the ladder to the object, moving your hands from rung to rung as you go. When the ladder is straight up, and the top touches the surface of the structure, pull out the legs of the ladder so that the distance away from the wall is about one-fourth of the height to the point of support. (To take down the ladder, simply reverse this procedure.)
Every ladder should be straight, stable, and secure before use. All legs and feet should be on a stable leveled surface.
Make sure all extension locks are secured in proper position.
Ladders should not be leaning sideways.
Use of ladders in snow, ice, or slippery conditions should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. If there is ANY chance of slippage, brace the ladder properly using a heavy staked section of lumber or with safety shoes.
Avoid setup or use of a ladder in high winds unless absolutely necessary. Brace the ladder appropriately.
Do not set up a ladder in front of doors without properly securing and posting a warning on the opposite side of the door.
The base of a long ladder should be secured to the ground.
The top of a long ladder should be tied to the upper landing surface. Top support for a ladder is as important as base stability. The top should rest evenly against a flat, firm surface. If a ladder is to be leaned against roof gutters, the strength and stability of the gutters should first be tested.
Secure the ladder against sideways drift or movement when accessing any upper landing surface.
A non-self-supporting ladder should be set at a 75 degree angle; the legs or feet should be set out about one-fourth of the ladder's height to its top support point. At less than 75 degrees, the ladder is more likely to tip backwards. At more than 75 degrees, the ladder is more likely to slide out at the bottom.
4. WHEN CLIMBING OR WORKING ON YOUR LADDER
Make sure that the rungs of the ladder and the bottoms of your shoes are clean and free of anything which may cause your feet to slip.
Face the ladder when climbing up or down. Use both hands.
Never carry any heavy or large object up a ladder. Climb up the ladder first, and then pull up the material with a rope.
Never stand higher than the second step from the top of a stepladder.
Don’t stand or sit on the top. Don’t stand or sit on the pail shelf. Don’t use the back of a stepladder. Never straddle a stepladder.
Never stand on or work from the two top rungs of a straight or extension ladder.
Climb up the ladder with your feet in the center of the steps or rungs.
Keep both feet on the ladder.
Do not reach or lean too far in either direction from a ladder. This is the most frequent cause of ladder falls and injuries. Always keep the more than half of your body. Never push or pull anything sideways while on a ladder.
Never slide down a ladder.
Never try to move a ladder while you are working or standing on it.
If you become dizzy while on a ladder, stop. Put your arms around the rungs and rest your head against the ladder until you feel better. Then climb down slowly and carefully.
Never leave a ladder unattended if there are children in the vicinity.
Do not leave tools or work materials on top of a ladder.
Do not attempt to extend the working height of a scaffold by using a ladder. Use a higher scaffold.
