How to use ladders properly

1. Ladder Safety

2. 2
Ladder Safety
 Use self-supporting portable ladders that are rated to
support four (4) times the maximum intended load.
 Inspect all ladders before use and remove defective
ladders. Examples of unacceptable damage include:
• Split or broken side rails.
• Missing or damaged rungs.
• Bent or missing hinges.
• Other damage that affects the safe use of the ladder.

3. 3
Ladder Safety
 Use self-supporting portable ladders that are rated to
support four (4) times the maximum intended load.
 Inspect all ladders before use and remove defective
ladders. Examples of unacceptable damage include:
• Split or broken side rails.
• Missing or damaged rungs.
• Bent or missing hinges.
• Other damage that affects the safe use of the ladder.

4. 4
Ladder Safety
 Extend ladders a minimum of 1 m (3 ft)
above the top landing point.
 Set straight ladders and extension
ladders at a slope of 4:1. Place ladder
vertically only if both side rails are
secured to a supporting structure (e.g.,
scaffold).

5. 5
Ladder Safety
 Secure ladders at the top and provide stable
footing on a level surface. Do not use boxes,
blocks, or temporary platforms (e.g.,
scaffolds) as a means of support.
 Do not use ladders in a horizontal position as
a platform, walkway, or scaffold.
 Allow only one person at a time on a ladder.

6. 6
Ladder Safety
 Station a flagman or a standby man when a
ladder could be struck by moving vehicles,
equipment, or adjacent doors.
 Use wooden or fiberglass ladders for work
near electrical equipment. Do not use metal
ladders or ladders with metal reinforced or
conductive side rails when working on or
near electrical equipment or conductors.

7. 7
Ladder Safety
 Do not splice, lash, tie, or fasten
together ladder sections to provide
longer sections.
 When working from a ladder, face the
ladder and maintain three points of
contact at all times.
 Face the ladder when climbing and
descending.

8. 8
Ladder Safety
 Use other methods such as scaffolds or
personnel lifts instead of ladders if the
work is long term in nature or requires
heavy physical exertion.
 Descend the ladder in order to move,
shift, or extend the ladder.

9. 9
Ladder Safety
 Never work off the top step of a stepladder,
or stand on its nonstep (brace) side.
 Open a stepladder fully and lock/secure
cross-braces before use.
 Do not use stepladders as an upright or
straight ladder. “Flip-up” type stepladders are
prohibited.