Scribd
Upload
95 views2 pages

Ladder Safety Guidelines

This document provides guidelines for ladder safety at Stanford University. It outlines criteria for selecting the proper ladder for the job, inspecting ladders for defects, storing ladders properly, and using ladders safely. Key points include choosing ladders based on duty rating and length, inspecting for damage before each use, storing out of weather, maintaining three points of contact, and following additional guidelines specific to step ladders versus straight/extension ladders. Personnel must be trained on these guidelines to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Uploaded by

neo_chemist
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
95 views2 pages

Ladder Safety Guidelines

This document provides guidelines for ladder safety at Stanford University. It outlines criteria for selecting the proper ladder for the job, inspecting ladders for defects, storing ladders properly, and using ladders safely. Key points include choosing ladders based on duty rating and length, inspecting for damage before each use, storing out of weather, maintaining three points of contact, and following additional guidelines specific to step ladders versus straight/extension ladders. Personnel must be trained on these guidelines to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Uploaded by

neo_chemist
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Occupational Health & Safety

Ladder Safety Guidelines


Personnel using ladders are to follow safe work practices for ensuring safety as well as Cal/OSHA
regulatory compliance (Title 8 CCR 3277-3280). General safe practices that employees are to be trained
on include (but are not limited to) proper ladder selection, inspection, and storage, and safe ladder use.

Criteria for Ladder Selection, Inspection, and Storage


A. Ladder Selection Criteria
NOTE: If elevated work involves moderate to heavy pushing, pulling, or lifting, use an aerial lift device (e.g.,
scissor lift or boom lift) instead. Where a ladder must be used for such tasks, fall protection may be
necessary. Contact EH&S at (650) 723-0448 for more information.

Proper Size Stepladders: Ladder must be long enough for the user to safely reach no higher
than 3-4 feet above the ladder top. Stepladders longer than 20 feet shall
not be used.
Single/Extension Ladders: Ladder must be long enough so that the highest
standing level is four rungs down from the top. Singles ladders longer than
30 feet and extension ladders longer than 60 feet shall not be used.

Ladders shall not be spliced together to create a longer ladder.


Duty Rating Each ladder is labeled with its ANSI Duty Rating and the rating indicates the
maximum safe load capacity of the ladder. A load includes the person climbing
the ladder and the tools/equipment this person uses/carries. Minimum duty
rating for ladders used at Stanford University is 250 pounds or
“Heavy Duty.”
Ladder Material Fiberglass: Electrically non-conductive and the preferred ladder material for
most uses.
Aluminum: Strong and lightweight but cannot be used near sources of
electricity.
Wood: Electrically non-conductive when dry but is more sensitive to extreme
weather (heat, cold, or moisture).

B. Ladder Inspection Criteria


Prior to each use, inspect the ladder to make sure it is in good condition:
 Steps/rungs are not damaged and are free of oil, grease, or other slippery material.
 Non-slip feet of ladders are not damaged or worn.
 Ladder does not have any loose nails, screws, bolts, or nuts.
 Spreaders/locks are not damaged.
 Rails are not damaged, rotten, decayed, or warped.
 All manufacturer’s labels are clearly legible.

Mark and remove from service any ladder that does not pass inspection.

C. Ladder Storage Criteria


 Store ladders in an area protected from direct sunlight and rain as well as extreme
temperatures.
 Store ladders in a horizontal position with supports to prevent sagging.

Questions? Please contact EH&S at (650) 723-0448. OHS #16-144


Occupational Health & Safety

Criteria for Safe Ladder Use

Location Step Ladders:


 Set up ladders away from where they can be accidentally struck or misplaced. E Always fully open stepladders
o Use barricades to create a highly visible work zone. and ensure spreader bars are
o Ladders shall not be placed in front of doors unless the door is locked, blocked, or guarded. locked in place.
Never use metal ladders around exposed electrical equipment and wiring.  Never climb the bracing on the
o Keep ladders and tools at least 10 feet away from overhead lines at all times. back of a step ladder.
o Contact Facilities Utilities Department at (650) 723-2281 for assistance if clearance is a concern. F Do not stand/sit/work on the
 Keep access to and from ladders clear of mud, materials, or debris. top cap or first step.

General Use Straight/Extension Ladders:


A Set up ladders on a flat and stable surface. B Do not stand/work on the top
o Large and flat wooden boards braced under the three rungs.
ladder can level a ladder on uneven ground and G Set ladder base 1 foot away
prevent better footing on soft ground. from the wall for every 4 feet of
o Ladders shall not be set up on boxes, barrels, or ladder length.
other unstable bases to gain height.
H Secure at its base to prevent it
 Maintain 3 points of contact at all times when on a from slipping outwards. For
ladder. ladders 16 feet or less, a person
B Face ladder and use both hands when climbing can brace the ladder at ground
up/down the ladder. level.
C If needed, use hand/hip/chest to brace against a wall or structure while both feet are firmly set on I When accessing a roof or other
ladder rung(s). elevated location, extend the
D Never hand carry tools. Use a tool belt, pulley system with bucket, or ask someone to hand you ladder 3 feet (or 3 rungs) above
your tools. the edge of the roof/elevated
 Ensure shoes are free of mud, grease, or other substances that could cause a slip or fall. location. Secure the ladder at
 Only one person at a time can be on a ladder. Work in teams of 2 or greater when possible. the top to prevent it from
 Team lift heavy/bulk ladders and identify the safest path to carry ladders prior to work. slipping sideways.
 Never adjust or move a ladder while on the ladder.
 When working outdoors, do not use ladders in the presence of high winds.

Questions? Please contact EH&S at (650) 723-0448. OHS #16-144

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy