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Ladder Safety Procedure

Inspecting Fixed Ladders

Step Person Action
1 Owner

Ensures fixed ladders are inspected by CGS at least every three years. CGS and/or owners may take into consideration the ladder's location and exposure to the elements to determine whether a more frequent inspection period is necessary.

Note: contact CGS for assistance or questions concerning the inspection schedule.

2 CGS Tracks fixed ladders (using the Fixed Ladder Database) and performs scheduled ladder inspections. Attaches an inspection number identifier and acceptance sticker to the framework to signify regulatory compliance.
3 CGS

If during the inspection CGS identifies a non-compliant condition, notifies the ladder owner (or a designated representative) to determine if further actions are required.

If contact cannot be made with the owner during the time of inspection, rejects the ladder by attaching a reject tag, removing the previous "inspected" sticker, attaches a "do not use" sign, and notifies the owner of the action taken.
4 CGS and other SMEs Evaluates the noted non-conformance/deficiency of the ladder to determine the severity of the deficiency as either serious or de minimis and decides on the best resolution to the deficient conditions.
4.1 CGS and other SMEs

If the condition is determined to be serious, recommends corrections for the ladder's deficiency and instructs the owner to apply positive controls until the deficiencies are corrected. These controls may include:

  • Erecting a hazard identification sign (for example, red, black, and white "danger, defective ladder, do not use")
  • Chaining off the ladder rungs, or
  • Covering the rungs

Note: if the owner, designated representative, or other SME is immediately available, actions required by this step may be handled on the spot.

 
4.2 Owner If the condition is determined to be de minimis, corrects the ladder's deficiency or ensures a caution sign is posted as a means of positive control.
5 Owner Contacts CGS for reinspection once resolutions are completed.
6 CGS Reinspects ladder, confirms resolution actions, removes the reject tag and "do not use" sign, and attaches an inspection label.

 

 
 

 

Legend

CGS: Chemical and General Safety Department ladder safety program manager

SME: Subject matter expert

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