Do’s & Don’ts While using Ladder | OSHA rules for using A-type ladder

Inspection, Use and Maintenance of Ladders | Basic Ladder Safety

Day-in and day-out fall from ladders remain a major source of injuries at work in construction environments and step ladders are a significant contributor to these statistics. The use of ladders and step ladders is a high-hazard area, that requires extra attention by anyone that uses such work equipment. Although step ladders appear simple, there are rules to follow when using them.

 

 

Do’s & Don’ts While using Ladder | A-type ladder - OSHA rules

• Use ladders only for short-duration jobs and Impractical to provide an alternative such as a mobile tower

• Use the right ladder for the job, ensure enough height, and strength.

• The step ladder is individually identified with an identification tag.

• Inspect a step ladder for obvious defects prior to using it.

• Check treads, stiles, hinges, spreader locks and restraining rope.

• Always check ladders before and after use, and report any defects immediately.

• The step ladders are clearly marked as conforming to BIS requirements

• Set ladders on a solid even surface. The ladder is set at the correct angle and firmly secured.

• Ensure steps are fully extended prior to use.

• Always face the ladder when climbing. Carry tools in a tool belt or a bucket that you can raise and lower with a rope from the ladder

• Work no further than two-thirds up step ladders (hand holds required). The person's mid-thigh should not pass the top tread.

• Maintain 3-point contact. Use both hands when climbing or descending

• Aluminium step ladders are not used in live switch rooms, or in any location where live electrical facilities are present. Shockproof ladder to be used.

• Only one person works from the step ladder at a time

• The working height does not exceed 3 meters

• Store step ladders properly after use.

• One person on a step ladder at a time.

• If in doubt contact your Engineer/supervisor.

• Don’t use a damaged step ladder. Take it out of use and report the fact to your Engineer/supervisor.

• Don’t use a metal ladder when working with live electric supplies.

• Don’t carry loads to such a height that you cannot see where you are going.

• Don’t part erect stepladders.

• Don’t put ladders on barrels, boxes, concrete blocks or other unstable bases

• Don’t climb a step ladder with slippery shoes.

• Don’t climb higher than the second step from the top of a stepladder or the third from the top of a straight ladder

• Don’t reach too far (overreach) to the sides or behind you when using a ladder. Always move it

• Don’t use toolboxes, tables and chairs as ladders.

• Don’t distract people when they are using a step ladder.

• Don’t use a step ladder as an improvised ramp.

• Don’t sit on a step ladder.

• Don’t use adjacent to floor edges, voids in floors, service risers or lift shafts.

 

 

• Don’t use on scaffolds to gain extra height

The maximum working loads for different types of ladders are

LADDER INSPECTION CHECKLIST

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