LADDER SAFETY

 

·         Always use ladders that are in good condition, clean, dry, and free of cracked or broken side rails.

·         Use unpainted ladders.  Paint may cover defects in material and construction. 

·         Always Inspect the ladder for splits or cracks before you start climbing.

·         Do not use a wet, oily, or dirty ladder, or one with broken, patched, or cracked side rails or rungs. Never use a ladder with missing rungs. 

·         Always maintain three-point contact while climbing up and down from the ladder.

·         Carry tools in the tool bag, not in hand.

·         Do not climb a ladder when your shoes or hands are greasy or slippery, or when wearing cuffed trousers.

·         Do place ladders at an angle to prevent them from falling backward, or slipping at the bottom with approximately one-quarter ladder-length distance from the wall. 

·         Use the ladder of adequate length.  Use non-slip feet at all times and have the ladder held or tied as there is a chance that the non-slip feet won’t hold. Don’t place a ladder in front of the unguarded door opening.

·         Never place a ladder on a box, truck, or another movable object, nor leave the bottom of the ladder without adequate protection.  And never lean a ladder against an unstable object.

·         Do face the ladder, and hold it both hands when ascending or descending.  See that the ladder is placed so that work is accessible without excessive reaching.

·         Don’t ever slide down a ladder, nor attempt to ascend with your back to the ladder.

·         Keep tools and other materials being used while on a ladder in a safe type holder, secured to person or ladder.  Use a hand line to convey tools or materials to the top of the ladder, or have someone hand them to you.

·         Don’t place tools or other materials on a ladder where they will drop off and injure someone below. Do not carry things in your hands up or down the ladder keep your hands free for holding onto the ladder.

·         To arrange to have only one man on a ladder at a time.

·         Don’t permit others to mount a ladder while you are on it.  Do not lean so far from either side of a ladder that you will lose your balance and fall / move the ladder.

·         Keep ladders in the proper place – avoid injury.