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Ladders are a useful and
necessary tool, in daily use on- and off-the-job. Because
most of us are so familiar with ladders and use of ladders
is so commonplace, safety precautions are often taken for
granted or disregarded. Every day, one (1) person is fatally
injured in a fall from a ladder and approximately 175 persons
sustain ladder-related fall injuries severe enough to require
medical treatment. Studies have shown that most ladder-related
incidents result from failure to exercise proper care and
apply best practice ladder techniques. Proper education and
orientation in ladder set-up and use, as well as routine
inspections and maintenance, can reduce the exposure to ladder-related
injury.
The following practices are suggested for
safe ladder use:
- Inspect ladder prior to every use.
- Do not use ladders with structural defects.
Remove damaged ladders from service immediately. Prevent
use by destroying the ladder or by applying a warning tag.
- Carry ladders parallel to the ground.
- Tie ladders down securely when transporting.
- Maintain ladders free from oil, grease,
or other substances.
- Do not load the ladder beyond the maximum
intended load as indicated by manufacturer.
- Use only for the purpose for which the
ladder was specifically designed (refer to manufacturer’s
labeling and recommendations).
- Barricade traffic areas in the vicinity
of ladder use and lock, barricade, or guard doorways in
which a ladder is placed.
- Keep area around the top and bottom
of the ladder clear.
- Do not move, shift, or extend a ladder
while occupied. Never “walk” a ladder.
- Use only non-conductive side rails around
energized electrical equipment.
- Do not use top or top-step (rung) for
standing/stepping.
- Do not stand on cross-bracing.
- Always face the ladder when ascending
or descending.
- Always maintain three (3) points of
contact with the ladder (2 feet/1 hand or 1 foot/2 hands)
at all times.
- Carry tools and material in pouches
around your waist. Use a rope to raise and lower large
or bulky items such as toolboxes or materials.
- Do not overextend laterally. Use the “belt
buckle rule”. Keep your belt buckle (approximate
center of gravity) positioned between the side rails at
all times.
- Never allow more than one worker on
the ladder at a time.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
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