Ladder Safety Procedure

• Ensures that the ladder selected is appropriate (in terms of type, length, material) for the job. This includes the proper height, type, and design. Recommend fiberglass or composite ladders.
• Inspects ladders prior to use for any damage or defects

Follows these general safety rules for all ladders:

• Ladders are to be used by only one person at a time.
• Check the rating of the ladder and verify that you will not exceed its capacity (include body weight and tools)
• Ladders are to be used only for the purpose for which they were designed.
• Always face the ladder when ascending or descending.
• Do not place ladders on boxes or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.
• When used in doorways, barricade or guard the area around the ladder.
• Do not move, shift, or extend a ladder while occupied. Never "walk" a ladder.
• Do not overextend sideways. Use the belt buckle rule: keep your belt buckle positioned between the side rails.
• Hands are to be kept free while climbing. Carry objects in backpacks, on tool belts, etc.
• Do not carry any object that will cause you to lose balance and fall.
• If an object cannot be carried safely, then a rope can be used to raise or lower the object.
• Secure ladders when transporting by vehicle.
• Do not use metal ladders when there is potential risk of contacting energized conductors or circuits.
• Store ladders in a manner that prevents damage to the ladder.
• Do not paint wooden ladders. Limited marking or stenciling is permissible.
• Do not modify portable ladders.

Follows these additional safety rules for

Step Ladders

• Do not use the ladder top (cap) or the rung below it for standing or stepping.
• Do not stand on rear bracing.
• Never use a step ladder that is not fully opened. Be sure the metal spreaders are locked.

Ladder Stands

• Ensure safety feet or non-skid material are functional and in good condition.
• Ensure spring mechanisms and locking brakes are functional and in good condition.
• Ensure elevation provided by stand does not require over-reaching or standing on “tip-toes”.

Single and Extension Ladders

• Ensure all single and extension ladders shall have safety feet provided for extra stability. Remove ladders without safety feet from service.
• Do not use the top section of an extension ladder as a straight ladder. Do not tie or fasten ladders together unless specifically designed for such use.
• Stand at the base when making length adjustments. Do not make adjustments when a user is on the ladder.
• Position ladder for a 1:4 lean ratio, which means one foot out for every four feet of elevation.
• Tie off ladders whenever possible at or near the top for added stability. Tie off at the bottom if there is difficulty in maintaining stability. When tying off or untying the top, or if the ladder cannot be tied off, someone on the ground should hold the ladder stable.
• Extension ladders up to 36 feet in length require an overlap of the two sections of at least three feet.
• Place ladders with both side rails supported, unless equipped with a single support attachment.
• Extend the ladder a minimum of three feet above the landing area when accessing roofs, landings, or open floor levels.

Fixed Ladders

• Make sure the CGS inspection label is present
• Ladder safety devices (fall protection) may be used on ladders greater than 20 feet in unbroken length in lieu of cage protection.
• Ladder safety devices must be provided for all ladders greater than 30 feet in unbroken length.