This article describes essential ladder safety rules for preventing accidents and ensuring workplace or home safety. It is important to learn proper ladder usage, maintenance, and precautionary measures to protect yourself and others.
Ladders are essential tools found in most homes and workplaces. However, they may threaten an individual’s safety if not used correctly.
Safe Work Australia recommends using ladders for short, simple access jobs. Alternatively, scaffolding or an elevated work platform can be used instead of a ladder. When using a ladder, following safety tips and precautions is important. The following 10 ladder safety rules must be followed to avoid any untoward incident.
- Choose the right ladder
- Check for damages or issues before each use
- Ensure physical capability of using a ladder
- Set up the ladder on a flat and stable surface
- Set up in a safe place
- Never lean or reach away from the ladder
- Always maintain a three-point of contact
- Only take small items up or down a ladder.
- Apply the 1:4 rule
- Climb down cautiously
1. Choose the right ladder
Different types of ladders have different uses and load ratings. When selecting a ladder for a specific task, it is crucial to consider the combined weight of the person who will be climbing the ladder and the weight of any tools, materials, or equipment that will be carried. The ladders are divided into five categories with their respective duty rating and weight capacities.
| Ladder Type | Duty Rating | Working Load (pounds) |
|---|---|---|
| IAA | Special Duty | 375 |
| IA | Extra Heavy Duty | 300 |
| I | Heavy Duty | 250 |
| II | Medium duty | 225 |
| III | Light Duty | 200 |
2. Check for damages or issues before each use
Over time, a ladder can develop various issues that could make it unreliable. It is crucial to assign a competent person to visually inspect ladders for defects on a regular basis. Here are some potential defects that you should keep an eye out for.
- The following are signs of structural damage to a ladder: split or bent side rails, broken or loose rungs, steps, rails, or braces. Apart from that, please check for any loose screws, bolts, hinges, or other hardware parts.”
- Grease, dirt, and other contaminants can cause slips and falls.
- Please note that paint or stickers used to conceal defects should not be applied. This warning does not include safety or caution labels.
If a ladder is identified as defective, it should be repaired or replaced.
3. Ensure physical capability of using a ladder
A person using a ladder should be physically able to carry out the task. Physical capability can be assessed through grip strength, walking speed, chair rising, and standing balance times. Employers need to provide ladder safety training to their workers in order to help them identify and avoid potential hazards and reduce the risk of accidents.
4. Set up the ladder on a flat and stable surface
For safety purposes, it is crucial to place ladders on a surface that is both firm and level. This will help ensure the ladder remains stable and does not tip over. The surface should support the ladder and its user. Use leg levelers, anti-slip gutter guards, wide boards, or stabilizers if the ground is soft.
5. Set up in a safe place
When setting up a ladder, it is crucial to be aware of the surroundings. The surrounding space should be clear of any objects or obstacles. If a ladder needs to be placed in a driveway or passageway, there should be barriers, signage, or a person to assist.
6. Never lean or reach away from the ladder
Leaning and reaching while on a ladder makes the ladder unstable and increases the risk of falling. To avoid accidents, descend the ladder before moving it to another location. This will help prevent falls and ensure your safety.
7. Always maintain a three-point of contact
Maintaining three points of contact with the ladder while ascending or descending for a secure grip is important. The three points of contact are two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.
8. Only take small items up or down a ladder
It is essential to always take into account the load limits of the ladder that is being used. Carrying items heavier or larger than the ladder’s capacity will cause instability. The person standing on the ladder cannot maintain three points of contact, potentially resulting in a fall and injury.
9. Apply the 1:4 rule
Extension ladders should be positioned at a 1:4 angled ratio. The ladder should be placed 1 meter away from the structure for every 4 meters of height. 4.
10. Climb down cautiously
When descending the ladder, maintain three points of contact and face the ladder. Please proceed slowly and avoid making any sudden movements.