Safety Article #5

Ladder Safety Tips

Larry Casey
Industrial Relations Center
Labor Education Service
University of Minnesota

Choices…choices…choices. Wood, aluminum or fiberglass? Wood ladders are economical and non-conductive when clean and dry. Aluminum ladders are strong, lightweight but do conduct electricity well. Fiberglass ladders are a great option for the professional construction worker. They are strong and will not conduct electricity. Overall they may be the best value.

Read the instruction labels on the side of very ladder.

Type Load Capacity in Pounds Use

III 200/light duty Household
II 225/medium duty Light commercial
I 250/heavy duty General contracting
IA 300/professional Industrial and construction

Ladder Inspection - Look over your ladder carefully when delivered to the jobsite and each time before climbing. Look for missing, damaged or loose parts. Tighten all nuts and bolts snuggly. Make sure the working parts and hinges move properly and that all connections are secure. Carefully check spreaders, extension ladder locks, flippers and safety shoes.

Care and Maintenance - Clean spills or drips and keep the ladder free from oil, grease, paint and other slippery materials. Lightly lubricate all moving parts.

Before You Climb - Use wood or fiberglass even if there is only a slight chance you’ll be working around electricity. Fully open the stepladder and firmly lock both spreaders while positioning the ladder so you can face your work without leaning sideways. Be sure that all four feet are on firm, level ground. Avoid slippery surfaces or loose materials underneath the feet. In the case of extension ladders be sure that both arms are in contact with the wall.

Safe Climbing Habits “Dos”

· Be sure your ladder has been properly set up and is used in accordance with safety instructions and warnings. These are usually printed on the label of each ladder.

· Wear good leather shoes with non-slip soles.

· Keep your body centered on the ladder. If practical, hold the ladder with one hand while working with the other.

· Move materials with extreme caution while being careful about pushing or pulling anything while on the ladder.

· Get help with a ladder that is too heavy to handle alone. If possible, have another person hold the ladder when you are working on it. This is especially important with 10-14 foot stepladders and extension ladders.

· Climb facing the ladder and center your body between the rails. Maintain a firm grip.

· Always move one step at a time, firmly setting one foot before moving the other.

Safe Climbing Habits “DON’Ts”

· Don’t stand above the highest safe standing level. This should be printed on the final safe step.

· Don’t stand above the second step from the top of a stepladder and the fourth rung from the top of an extension ladder.

· Don’t climb a closed stepladder. It may slip out from under you.

· Don’t climb on the back rails of a stepladder. It is not designed to hold a person.

· Don’t stand or sit on a stepladder top. They are not designed to carry your weight.

· Don’t exceed the Duty Rating, which is the maximum load capacity of the ladder. Keep in mind your tool and materials when thinking about load capacity.

· Don’t over-reach, lean to one side, or try to move a ladder while on it. Climb down and then reposition the ladder closes to your work.

(Much of this information was supplied by WERNER Corp., Greenville, PA.)

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