Ladders shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. The requirement to withdraw a defective ladder from service is satisfied if the ladder is either: Marked in a manner that readily identifies it as defective; Or blocked (such as with a plywood attachment that spans several rungs). Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the distance along the ladder between the foot and the top support). OSHA/VOSH has developed specific regulations to address ladder safety and to help prevent injuries. When splicing is required to obtain a given length of side rail, the resulting side rail must be at least equivalent in strength to a one-piece side rail made of the same material. Avoid electrical hazards! If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. OSHA ladder safety regulations. The minimum clear distance between the sides of individual-rung/step ladders and the minimum clear distance between the side rails of other fixed ladders shall be 16 inches (41 cm). This program covers the consequences of unsafe ladder use, the types of ladders and how to use each type, and ladder safety, inspection and storage. or less; The connection between the carrier or lifeline and the point of attachment to the body belt or harness shall not exceed 9 inches (23 cm) in length. These ladders are made of various materials—aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and steel—with their distinct strengths and weaknesses. (Figure 5.) A portable ladder can be moved easily. When unavoidable obstructions are encountered, the minimum perpendicular clearance between the centerline of fixed ladder rungs, cleats, and steps, and the obstruction on the climbing side of the ladder may be reduced to 24 inches (61 cm), provided that a deflection device is installed to guide employees around the obstruction. Ladders must be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. Ladder components shall be surfaced so as to prevent injury to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing. Never use a damaged ladder… Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it was designed for that purpose. (The requirements to have guardrail systems with toeboards for falling object and overhead protection on platforms and landings are set forth in subpart M of this part.). The rung spacing on the extension section of the extension trestle ladder shall be not less than 6 inches (15 cm) nor more than 12 inches (31 cm), as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps. During the Quiz End of Quiz. If the normal step-across distance exceeds 12 inches (30 cm), a landing platform shall be provided to reduce the distance to the specified limit. Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections, unless they are specifically designed for such use. Feedback. But falls can occur due to structural failure, poor placement and unsafe use. Have at least both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand in contact with the ladder at all times. Ladder Safety. Portable ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, corroded components, or other faulty or defective components, shall either be immediately marked in a manner that readily identifies them as defective, or be tagged with "Do Not Use" or similar language, and shall be withdrawn from service until repaired. The minimum perpendicular clearance between fixed ladder rungs, cleats, and steps, and any obstruction behind the ladder shall be 7 inches (18 cm), except in the case of an elevator pit ladder, for which a minimum perpendicular clearance of 4 1/2 inches (11 cm) is required. Each employee shall use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up and/or down the ladder. Ladder safety begins with the selection of the proper ladder for the job and includes inspection, setup, proper climbing and standing, proper use, care, and storage. In addition to the general safety rules for all ladders there are special rules for using stepladders and for single and extension ladders. For a parapet ladder, the access level shall be the roof if the parapet is cut to permit passage through the parapet; if the parapet is continuous, the access level shall be the top of the parapet. Federal OSHA Construction Ladder Safety. (2.1 m/sec.) OSHA Updates Ladder Safety Standard. 1926.1050 provides the Scope, Application and Definitions for the Subpart. Additional Examples Statistics show that every year about 30,000 people will be incapacitated by ladder and ladder-replacement involved accidents. When ascending or descending a ladder, the user shall face the ladder. •Maintain 3-points of contact with the ladder. Inspect wood ladders for cracks or splits. Ladder Types 1. Slip-resistant feet shall not be used as a substitute for care in placing, lashing, or holding a ladder that is used upon slippery surfaces including, but not limited to, flat metal or concrete surfaces that are constructed so they cannot be prevented from becoming slippery. Let's take this quiz and find out now! The rungs and steps of fixed metal ladders manufactured after March 15, 1991, shall be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping. OSHA estimates that, for general industry companies, falls from ladders — step, straight, combination, and extension — account for 20% of fatal and lost workday injuries. 11, 2014], Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Duration: 1 minute │ Watch now . Also, the rules can vary by ladder type (fixed versus portable). The safe construction and use of ladders are vital to protect workers from fall hazards. Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to prevent displacement. Safety Rules for Ladder Use •Always inspect the ladder for damages before use. Each fixed ladder: At least two loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, concentrated between any two consecutive attachments (the number and position of additional concentrated loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, determined from anticipated usage of the ladder, shall also be included), plus anticipated loads caused by ice buildup, winds, rigging, and impact loads resulting from the use of ladder safety devices. 9 Questions | By Rwatt000 | Last updated: Jun 23, 2020 | Total Attempts: 1125 . If there is ever a chance you will use a ladder at work, you need to use it safely. Fixed ladders shall be provided with cages, wells, ladder safety devices, or self-retracting lifelines where the length of climb is less than 24 feet (7.3 m) but the top of the ladder is at a distance greater than 24 feet (7.3 m) above lower levels. When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder's length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder. Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment. The rungs and steps of portable metal ladders shall be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping. Inspect metal and fiberglass ladders for bends and breaks. The focus of this article will be on the OSHA Construction Standards for Ladder Safety. Ladders shall have nonconductive siderails if they are used where the employee or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment, except as provided in §1926.955(b) and (c) of this part. Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged. Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height. Ladders shall be capable of supporting the following loads without failure: Each self-supporting portable ladder: At least four times the maximum intended load, except that each extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladder shall sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load. Watch later. Immediately tagged with "Do Not Use" or similar language, [55 FR 47689, Nov. 14, 1990; 56 FR 2585, Jan. 23, 1991; 56 FR 41794, Aug. 23, 1991; 79 FR 20743, Apr. Injuries and fatalities associated with working on and around portable and fixed ladders are a major workplace safety problem. OSHA ladder safety rules and regulations exist because statistics show that workers are more likely to abuse and misuse ladders rather than use them correctly in the workplace. Ladders shall not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement. Cages for fixed ladders shall conform to all of the following: Horizontal bands shall be fastened to the side rails of rail ladders, or directly to the structure, building, or equipment for individual-rung ladders; Vertical bars shall be on the inside of the horizontal bands and shall be fastened to them; Cages shall extend not less than 27 inches (68 cm), or more than 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the step or rung (excluding the flare at the bottom of the cage), and shall not be less than 27 inches (68 cm) in width; The inside of the cage shall be clear of projections; Horizontal bands shall be spaced not more than 4 feet (1.2 m) on center vertically; Vertical bars shall be spaced at intervals not more than 9 1/2 inches (24 cm) on center horizontally; The bottom of the cage shall be at a level not less than 7 feet (2.1 m) nor more than 8 feet (2.4 m) above the point of access to the bottom of the ladder. 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