| Purpose |
To protect Workers from injuries associated with the improper selection, set up and use of portable ladders by outlining the requirements for inspecting, positioning and proper use. |
| Definition |
A ladder is a structure consisting of a series of rungs or steps between two upright lengths of metal, wood, or rope, used for ascending or descending to reach higher or lower levels.
Portable ladders can include Step Ladders, A-Frame Ladders, Extension Ladders, etc. |
| Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
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Physical:
- Slips/Trips
- Strain/Sprain
- Fall from Heights
- Hand/Foot Injury
- Weather Conditions
- Pinch points
- Electrical Shock
- Ladder Collapse
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| Controls |
Administrative:
- SJP – Ladders
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
- Manufacturers’ Specifications
- Hazard Assessment
- Reliable weather-monitoring tools (Environment Canada, AccuWeather, etc.)
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Basic PPE: Safety Footwear
- Task Specific PPE: Gloves
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| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Ensure the ladders used are in good working order.
- Ensure Workers are trained to identify hazards related to the use of ladders.
Do not
- Allow Workers to be standing on the top two rungs of a step ladder. On a step ladder, the cap is not considered a rung.
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| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Conduct a Hazard Assessment prior to starting work.
- Select the appropriate ladder for the task. (e.g., Step Ladder, A-Frame Ladder, Extension Ladder)
- Inspect the ladder prior to performing a task.
- Follow manufacturer specifications and ladder load ratings.
- Ensure ladder is placed on level ground and a solid base.
- Keep ladders and footwear clean of mud, grease, or other slippery materials such as snow or ice that could cause loss of footing.
- Extension Ladders must be set up so the base is out 1 metre/3feet for every 4 metres/12 feet up (4:1) to ensure the ladder is at the proper slope.
- Maintain 3-points of contact and face the ladder when ascending or descending.
- Review the SJP – Ladders.
- Report any damage or defects immediate and tag the ladder “out of service.”
Do not
- Use painted wooden ladders.
- Leave tools on the top of the ladder.
- Use defective ladders. Mark them as defective and tag the ladder “out of service.”
- Place ladders near doorways, roadways or equipment access routes, unless the door or access route is made temporarily inoperable and signs are posted.
- Use conductive metal ladders or wire reinforced wooden ladders in energized areas.
- Place or erect ladders against boxes, tables, scaffold platforms, man lift platforms or on vehicles.
- Stand on the top two rungs of any ladder. On a step ladder, the cap is not considered a rung.
- Carry heavy tools or materials in your hands when climbing a ladder.
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