The document provides guidance on ladder safety. It discusses selecting the proper ladder based on weight capacity and height, setting up extension ladders at the proper angle, and maintaining three points of contact when climbing. Common causes of injuries include improper use, setting up ladders incorrectly, exceeding weight limits, and lack of training. The document emphasizes the importance of inspection, securing ladders properly, and not overreaching when working on ladders.

1. Ladder Safety
KNOWLEDGE BASED
SOLUTIONS

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Determine the proper ladder to use based on weight capacity and height.
• Calculate the proper pitch of extension ladders for proper set-up, and identify
how to secure and stabilize ladders.
• Identify how to maintain a safe position when using a ladder.

3. LADDER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Each employee using ladders should be trained to recognize hazards
related to their use.
This includes:
•Nature of the fall hazards in the work area
•Correct procedures for placement, use, and maintenance
•Maximum intended load-carrying capacities

4. COMMON CAUSES OF LADDER INJURIES
• Improperly getting on or off the ladder
• Loss of balance
• Setting up the ladder improperly
• Overreaching while on the ladder
• Miss-stepping or slipping while climbing
or descending
• Lack of training on safe ladder use
• Using the wrong type ladder for the job
• Exceeding the ladder weight capacity

5. OTHER CAUSES OF FALL FROM LADDER
• Climbing or descending not facing the ladder
• Oil, grease or mud on ladder rungs
• Ladder not secure at the base or top
• Ladder not set up at the proper angle
• Ladder not extended 3 feet above upper surface
• Using the top step of a step ladder
• Placing ladder on unstable surfaces
• Over-reaching beyond the side rails of the ladder
• Climbing ladder with tools or material in hands

6. SELF SUPPORTING LADDER
Trestle ladder Fiberglass stepladder Tripod Ladder Wood stepladder

7. STEP LADDER-PARTS

8. NON SELF SUPPORTING LADDER
These include straight ladders and
extension ladders.
A ladder is “non-self supporting” type when
it must be leaned against a solid structure
for support and can’t stand alone.
In the photo, this extension ladder will be
supported by the building structure.
Leaning extension ladder against building
for support

9. EXAMPLE OF NON SUPPORTING LADDER
Extension ladderStraight ladder

10. EXTENSION LADDER- PARTS

11. MULTI PURPOSE LADDER
These ladders can be used in a variety of configurations

12. LADDER- LOAD CAPACITY
Each ladder type has a “duty rating” that is specific to the maximum safe load
capacity of the ladder.
A person's fully clothed weight plus the weight of the persons tool belt must be
less than this duty rating.
Workers should select a ladder based on load capacity and the type of work to
be done.
Exceeding the load capacity may cause the ladder to collapse.
Ladders will be labeled as shown above.

13. KEEP LADDER IN GOOD CONDITION
Ensure the following:
•Side rails aren't bent, broken, or split
•Rungs, cleats, or steps aren't bent, broken, or missing
•All bolts and rivets are in place and securely tighten
•Joint between the side rails and the individual rungs/steps is tight
•Safety feet are not excessively worn
•Hardware and fittings are securely attached and working properly
•Ropes aren't frayed or badly worn
•Moveable parts operate freely without binding or excessive play.
•Metal components aren't corroded.
•No other faulty or defective components exist.
•Any auxiliary equipment is securely attached, not excessively worn and
functions properly.

14. INSPECT LADDER BEFORE USE
Look for cracks, splits, dents, bends, corrosion, and missing hardware.
All of these ladders are
unsafe and could fail if
used by employees

15. MUD, OIL AND GREASE
Keep shoes/boots free of slippery
substances.
Inspect ladder rungs for any oil,
grease, mud or other slippery
substances which could affect
traction.

16. NEVER USE THE TOP OF A STEP LADDER
Warning labels on stepladders clearly state that the top step and top cap are not
to be used as a step. The higher you are on a step ladder, the less stable it
becomes.

17. SETTING UP EXTENSION LADDER
Position the ladder on solid ground
or shoring to ensure stability.
An unstable base

18. CLIMBING OR DESCENDING A LADDER
When climbing a ladder, you must have both hands free and face the ladder.
This allows for THREE POINTS OF CONTACT with the ladder at all times and
reduces the chances of falling. The three point contact is two hands and one
foot or one hand and two feet.

19. CLIMBING AND DESCENDING
GOOD BAD

20. OVER REACHING

21. TYING EXTENSION LADDER
Don’t tie or fasten ladder sections together to make a longer ladder,
unless the manufacturer specifically endorses this modification using
hardware fittings designed for that purpose.

22. STRAIGHT LADDER MIS-USE
A ladder must be used only for
purposes specifically
recommended by the
manufacturer.
The ladder in this photo is
being as a ramp to enter the
house interior.

23. STEP LADDER MIS-USE

24. STEP LADDER MIS-USE
This step ladder is not fully opened
with spreader bar locked.
the step ladder side rails are
straddling a scaffold plank being
set up in a position not intended by
the manufacturer.

25. HAZARDOUS LADDER USE
A 3-legged step-ladder leaned against a
2x4 nailed across the window.
A repair patch on the left front side rail of
ladder.
No fall protection in use while working at
height.

26. HAZARDOUS LADDER USE
Unsecured, folded step-ladder set on an
angled shed roof so that only the tips of the
side rails lay on roof.
Extension ladder not extended at least 3-
feet above roof, set up at an angle greater
than a 4:1, and it’s not secured top and
bottom to prevent movement.
No fall protection being used while on this
walking/working surface.

27. LADDER OR SCAFFOLD???

28. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LADDER
Before stepping onto a ladder, think about these things:
•Duty rating of the ladder—what capacity can it hold?
•Height of the ladder—too short or too tall?
•Condition of the ladder and instructions unique to the ladder selected.

29. PROPER DUTY RATING
Select a ladder with the proper duty rating for your weight and the materials
you are handling.

30. PROPER HEIGHT OF LADDER
When using an extension ladder for access
to another level.
the ladder must extend at least 1 meter
above the landing to provide a hand hold
for getting on and off the ladder.

31. BEFORE USING A LADDER
• Inspect the ladder for visible defects.
• Never use a ladder that is broken or otherwise damaged.
• Remove damaged ladders from service and tag them as damaged
• Review the safety labels on the ladder.
• Always comply with the warnings and instructions.

32. LADDER LABEL
What type of information can be found on
ladder labels?
•Warnings
•Capacity
•Set-up

33. CORRECT PITCH???

34. STEP LADDER PRINCIPLE
Stepladders are designed for use in an
opened-and-locked position.
Do not use a stepladder that is folded or in
a leaning position

35. HIGHER CEILING NEED A TALLER LADDER

36. SECURING A LADDER
• Extension or straight ladders should be secured at the top and bottom to
prevent movement.
• The base of an extension ladder must be secured in place by using the
safety feet on the ladder or other effective means.
• Straight ladder above 3 meter length should be supported by three support
on top middle and below
• Ladder angle should be 4:1 or 750
angle
Slippery Surfaces;
•Never use a ladder on a slippery surface, unless it is secured to prevent
movement.
•Wet or slippery surfaces may require a cleat.
•Ladder feet should dig into the ground, and the ladder should be
secured at the bottom to prevent movement/slipping.

37. SECURING A LADDER

38. FOUNDATION
loose soil firm based

39. UNSTABLE BASE

40. SUMMARY
• Face the ladder when ascending or descending and maintain three points
of contact at all times.
• Keep your body centered on the ladder.
• Never let your belt buckle pass either ladder side rail.
• Do not overreach when working from the ladder.
• Do not stand on the top two rungs of a stepladder.
• Do not allow another person on a ladder at any given time, unless you are
using a double-cleated ladder that is intended for two-way traffic.