The EM 385 ladder safety guide emphasizes the importance of safe ladder usage to prevent fall accidents, detailing employers' legal obligations to secure work environments. Key guidelines include ensuring ladders are in good condition, the correct size, and used under safe circumstances, such as on non-slippery surfaces and by only one person at a time. Compliance with specified safety standards is crucial, particularly in work sites involving government or army contracts.

1. © 2018 360training.com | 888-360-8764 | www. 360training.com
EM 385 Guide: Ladder Safety

2. © 2018 360training.com | 888-360-8764 | www. 360training.com
EM 385 ladder safety
standards ensure that all
workers who work on ladders
do so safely and without
putting their lives on the line.
Employers have a legal
obligation to ensure that
workers remain safe. To
prevent fall accidents all floors,
roofs, wall openings, platforms,
scaffolds, ramps etc have to be
secured before being used.

3. © 2018 360training.com | 888-360-8764 | www. 360training.com
Most rules that apply to ladders
also apply to the equipment
mentioned. To prevent serious
accidents, employers need to
maintain these regulations on a
work site:
 Do not use ladders if they feel
dizzy or tired or in a high
storm
 Wear shoes that are slip-
resistant. This does not
include leather shoes.
 Inspect the ladder before
using it to ensure it is in good
working condition.

4. © 2018 360training.com | 888-360-8764 | www. 360training.com
 Ladders that are loose or
have missing parts should
be replaced immediately
 The ladder should be the
right size for the job
 The ladder should be long
enough that the worker
does not have to stand on
the top step to work.
 Only one person should be
on the ladder at a time.

5. © 2018 360training.com | 888-360-8764 | www. 360training.com
 The ladder should be placed
on a non-slippery surface
which should also be level.
 Ladders must not be placed
in front of doors. If
unavoidable, the door
should be locked or
guarded at all times to
prevent a collapse.
 Read all safety information
that comes with the ladder.
The safety manual is
specific for each ladder and
workers should be well
versed in them.

6. © 2018 360training.com | 888-360-8764 | www. 360training.com
 All locks on an extension
ladder have to be secured
before use.
 The maximum load rating of
the ladder must not be
exceeded. This includes the
combined weight of the
tools and equipment.
 The ladder should not be
moved or shifted when a
worker is on it.

7. © 2018 360training.com | 888-360-8764 | www. 360training.com
 Alternative equipment
should be considered if the
worker has to work for
more than 30 minutes at an
elevated height.

8. © 2018 360training.com | 888-360-8764 | www. 360training.com
According to the law, ladders
can be used at certain heights
if fall protection is in place.
However, this does not mean
that other safety precautions
should be overlooked.

9. © 2018 360training.com | 888-360-8764 | www. 360training.com
The 16-hour EM 385-1-1
USACE Safety & Health from
360training.com is designed to
give students an understanding
of the EM 385 regulations that
apply on a work site and to
ensure compliance during
government or army contracts.
Sign up today.

10. © 2018 360training.com | 888-360-8764 | www. 360training.com
SOURCES:
/360training.com/blog /company/360training
/360training /360training
© 2017 2018 360training.com| 888-360-8764 |
http://www.360training.com
http://www.americanladderinstitute.org/?page=BasicLadderSafety
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/portable_ladder_qc.html