Ladder Safety - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Ladder Safety

Nipigon District Memorial Hospital Slide2

Types of Ladders

There are common causes for incidents involving ladders.

Ladders were not held, tied off or otherwise secured

Ladders had poor footing or were placed at improper angles

Ladders were poorly maintained, damaged or missing componentsThe wrong type of ladder was used near electrical linesThe person did not hold onto the ladder properly when climbingThe person did not work in a safe position (eg. leaning out too far)Slide3

Types of Ladders

Choose the Right Ladder

Ladders come in many styles, lengths and materials. Always choose the right type of ladder, ladder height and material for the job.

In Canada, ladders are rated by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and will be marked or labelled as CSA approved.

Choose the right grade and load rating.Slide4

The most common types of ladders are:

Step - used for general maintenance (indoors and outdoors)

Platform - used for general maintenance (indoors and outdoors), warehouses, retail stores

Articulated/Multi-purpose – used for general maintenance (indoors and outdoors)

Straight – one piece ladder, typically used outdoorsExtension – has two or three adjustable sections, is used outdoors, and has a higher reach than a single straight ladderFixed – permanently attached to a wall, tank, etcTypes of LaddersSlide5

Types of Ladders

Choosing the

Minimum Ladder Length

Working from any height can be dangerous. Ask yourself first -

Is there a safe alternative? Do I need to use a ladder for the job?Can the job be done from floor level?

If a ladder must be used to do the job, training in safe ladder use is essential.Slide6

Types of Ladders

Choosing the

Minimum Ladder Length for

STEP LADDERS

Measure the highest point you will need to reach. This height will determine your ladder length.Subtract your height from your working height.Add 60 cm or 2 feet.Slide7

Types of Ladders

Choosing the

Minimum Ladder Length for

EXTENSION LADDERS

Measure the highest point you will need to reach. This height will determine your ladder length.Add 20% of this length (to create the proper angle needed for stability)Add 1 meter or 3 feet to the highest point you will need to reach.Slide8

Make sure your Ladder is at a Safe Angle!

Once you have set up your

ladder, double check that your

ladder is at a safe angle:

At least 1 foot out from the support wall for every feet of ladder length At least 4 rungs should be extended above the point where the ladder makes contact with the wall at the top. This will help support your body.Types of Ladders

Lap Coverage is the length of overlap between the two sections of an extension ladder.Slide9

Types of Ladders

Types of Materials

Most ladders are manufactured from –

Wood

Aluminum Fibreglass

Each type of material is used in specific circumstances and has specific requirements and special safety tips.Slide10

Types of Ladders

WOODEN LADDERS

Inspect wooden ladders frequently for splits, shakes, or cracks

in side rails and rungs, warping or loosening of rungs, and

loosening of hardware. Never add metal supports or brackets.Many people mistakenly believe that wooden ladders are safeto use for electrical work. For many reasons, this is not thecase -Wooden ladders are often constructed with metal slides along the rails to help make them stiffer. These metal slides will conduct electricity.

New wooden ladders are often finished with shellac or varnish to protect from moisture. Once this starts to erode, wear and crack, the ladder will absorb moisture and therefore conduct electricity.

Many wooden ladder manufacturers require ladders to be treated with a preservative or linseed oil which maintains the wood and prevents splitting. This treatment now allows the ladder to conduct electricity.

NEVER paint a wood ladder. Paint can hide cracks and other signs of wear.Slide11

ALUMINUM LADDERS

Aluminum ladders are lighter than wooden ones, but can be damaged more readily.

Check side rails and rungs to inspect for missing slip-resistant feet, dents, bends and loose rungs.

When severely damaged, the ladder should be destroyed. Don’t try to straighten bent or warped ladders.

Aluminum ladders should not be stored or used in high temperature

environments.

NEVER use aluminum

ladders where

electrical contact

is possible

.

Slide12

Types of Ladders

FIBREGLASS LADDERS

Fibreglass ladders are more resistant to damage and corrosion than aluminum ladders and do not conduct electricity well when dry.

If damaged, have them repaired by a person who is qualified to do so. Destroy the ladder if it is severely damaged.

Inspect for chips, cracks, and “blooming” (pieces of exposed glass fibre where the mat has worn off). Fibreglass is heat sensitive.

Do not expose to temperatures

above 93 degrees Celsius

(200 degrees Fahrenheit).Slide13

ALWAYS inspect the ladder before

each

use.

Check non-skid feet for wear, embedded material, and proper pivotal action of swivel feet.

Replace frayed or worn ropes on extension ladders with type and size equal to manufacturer’s original rope.Check dents and bends in side rails, steps and rungs, and any cracks, wear, splits and rot (if applicable).Inspection

Check for grease, oil, caulking, embedded stone and metal, and other materials that could make using a ladder unsafe.Slide14

Set-Up and Placement

Incorrect set-up is a major

cause of ladder accidents.

In this section, we will

review safe set-up andplacement procedures for -Straight and extension laddersStep and platform laddersFixed ladders

Setting Up LaddersSlide15

Straight and Extension Ladders

It is very important to place

the ladder at the correct

angle.

The distance from thebottom of the ladder to thesurface it is leaned againstshould be one quarter of theladder’s position height. For example, if a ladder is 4metres tall, it should be set1 metre out.

The set-up will make an

angle of 75 to 80 degrees.

Setting Up Ladders

If the angle is too low (the base is too far away from the wall), the load capacity of the ladder is reduced.

If the angle is too high (the base is too close to the wall), the ladder will be too steep and you increase your change of falling off.Slide16

More About Straight and Extension Ladders . . .

Raise the extension ladder to the right height and lock both sides.

Make sure the ladder is long enough so that you can work standing no higher than the fourth rung from the top.

Tie the top of the support points where possible, Having a person holding the bottom of the ladder is only effective for ladders up to 5 metres (15 feet).

When using the ladder to gain access to another surface, make sure the top of the ladder extends 12

metre (3 feet) beyond the landing. The ladder will provide hand support for stepping between the ladder and the surface

.

Setting Up LaddersSlide17

Make sure that the ladder has secure footing.

Use ladders with rubber or metal, “slip resistant” feet.

Clear ice, snow, mud, sand and debris from work and walking areas.

Set the ladder up on a firm, level area.

If not possible, nail a cleat to the floor or anchor the feet or bottom of the side rails carefully.Stand on the lower rung to test that the ladder footing is secure.Setting Up Ladders

Even More About Straight and Extension Ladders . . .

Kick out can happen without

warning. Always set up a ladder properly so that the feet cannot slide or move.Slide18

Step and Platform Ladders

With these types of ladders, make sure that the spreader arms are locked in the

open

position.

Make sure that the spreader arms (and the ladder itself) are not bent or damaged. Check the stability. Be sure all feet are on a firm, level and non-slipping surface.Use these ladders only in the open position. Always lock the spreader arms. NEVER use them as straight ladders propped or leaning against a structure.Avoid standing on the top 2 or 3 steps of a step ladder. By being below the top of the ladder you have something to hang on to, and can rest your knees against the ladder for balance.

If there is a paint or tool shelf, do not stand on it. It is unstable and can only hold small loads (check the ladder safety manual for the maximum shelf capacity).

Keep your body centred between the side rails. Do not overreach.

Setting Up LaddersSlide19

Setting Up Ladders Slide20

Articulating and Other Ladders

With trestle, extension and articulated ladders, be sure to set them up and use them

according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Setting Up LaddersSlide21

Platform Ladders

Platform ladders, as well as

towers, scaffold cradles and

other mobile elevated work

platforms provide ways towork at heights that also have -Flat, suitably-sized platforms on which to standBuilt-in barriers or railingsGood stability

Be sure that the ladder is the

right length for the job. Always

use the brakes or rubber caps

to stop movement.

Setting Up LaddersSlide22

Fixed Ladders

When using a fixed ladder,

check closely and carefully

for damage.

Look for -Loose, worn or damaged rungs or side railsCorroded, or broken, or loose anchors. Bolts can rust and deterioration of the building concrete will also weaken the anchor point.Fixed ladders should be

inspected on a regular,

scheduled basis by a competent

person. The inspector of the

fixed ladder must wear fall

protection that is properly

anchored to the building.

Setting Up LaddersSlide23

More About Fixed Ladders

In Ontario, safety

requirements for fixed

access ladders are found in

the health care sectorspecific safety regulations of the Occupational Health & Safety Act including –Ont. Reg 851 Industrial Establishments, Section 18

Ont.

Reg

67/93

Health Care and Residential Facilities, Section 41

Fall protection such as rope

grabs and cable systems is

highly recommended to

prevent falls from fixed access

ladders.

Fixed ladders must be installed

according to specific standards

or requirements. This includes

The Ministry of Labour

Engineering Data Sheet 2-04:

Fixed Access Ladders and Ont.

Reg

851

Industrial

Establishments, Section 18

Ont.

Reg

67/93

Health Care

and Residential Facilities,

Section 41.

Setting Up LaddersSlide24

REMEMBER . . .

ALWAYS check for defects before using. If any ladder is found to be defective, do not use it. Tag “out of service” and tell your supervisor immediately.

Before setting up, using or working from a ladder, ALWAYS check for overhead power lines and other electrical hazards.

NEVER use aluminum ladders near live electrical equipment or wires.

Setting Up LaddersSlide25

When setting up your ladder . . .

Set the ladder on a firm, level surface

Secure the base and top against movement

Make sure that the area around the base is clear of unstable material and debris

When the ladder will be used for a period of time, it is recommended that the immediate area be barricaded with high visibility or barrier tapeDo not leave ladders unattended where others can climb them.Note: Dust, sand or dirton the floor or workingsurface

can cause the

ladder feet to slide. Make

sure that the surface and

the ladder feet are clean.

Setting Up LaddersSlide26

Setting Up .. .

Make sure that rails on ladders extend at least 1 metre (3 feet) above the landing. The ladder allows for secure grip when stepping on and off the surface.

Set straight or extension ladders 30 centimetres (1 foot) out for every 120 centimetres (4 feet).

Do not place ladders on flexible or moveable surfaces.

Do not work on adders in windy or bad weather.REMEMBER: Fallprotection is required When working above 3

metres (10 feet).

Safe Ladder UseSlide27

Remember . . .

Never erect ladders on boxers, carts, tables, scaffold platforms, man lifts, vehicles or other unstable surfaces to extend reach. Use longer ladders.

NEVER use ladders horizontally as scaffold planks or runways, or for any other purpose for which they were not designed.

Do not set up ladders in doorways, passageways, driveways or any location where they can be struck or knocked over.

With long, awkward or heavy ladders, get help setting up in order to avoid injury from over-exertion.Raise and lower ladders from the ground.Make sure that locking hooks are secure before climbing.Keep the minimum overlap between sections of an extension ladder (as stated on the ladder label).

Safe Ladder UseSlide28

Climbing Up and Down

ALWAYS face the ladder when climbing up or down and while working.

Maintain 3-point contact when climbing up or down. Have two hands and one foot, OR two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times.

Safe Ladder UseSlide29

Working from a Ladder

Keep appropriate footwear

clean of mud, grease, or

Any loose or slippery material which could cause loss of footing.

Keep your centre of gravity between the side rails. As a guide to avoid overreaching, your belt buckle should never be outside of the side rails.Do not “walk”, “bounce”, “hop”, or “jump” a ladder. Climb down and reposition the ladder correctly.NEVER carry tools or materials in your hands when climbing. Use a hoist rope or tool belt instead.

Safe Ladder UseSlide30

Remember . . .

Stand no higher than the third or fourth rung from the top. Maintain knee contact for balance. ALWAYS maintain a minimum 3-point contact.

When working 3 metres (10 feet) or more above the ground or floor, you are required to wear a safety harness with the lanyard tied off to a suitable anchor point.

Hold onto the rungs when climbing a ladder, not the side rails. If you slip, holding onto the rungs is easier than grabbing the rails.

Safe Ladder Use

If you feel dizzy or panicky, drape your arms over a rung and rest your head on another rung or the side rail. Rest and then climb slowly.Slide31

Storage

Store ladders where they are protected from the

weather.

Hang portable ladders horizontally on racks. Place

support hooks every 2 metres (6 feet) to prevent sagging. Keep wooden ladders in a well ventilated space, away from dampness and excessive heat. Do not expose fibreglass ladders to excessive temperatures above 93 degrees Celsius (200 degrees Fahrenheit) or excessive sunlight. UV light and weather can degrade the plastic resin. Slide32

Transporting Ladders on a Vehicle

Put padding on the racks to reduce wear and road shocks.

Tie ladders to each support point to reduce damage.

Tie orange or red flags on ladders that are longer than the vehicle.

StorageSlide33

Responsibilities

Everyone has responsibilities for ensuring Workplace Safety under the Occupational Health & Safety Act . . .

Supervisors must ensure that –

Ladders are CSA approved

Damaged ladders are removed from service, repaired or disposed of Ladders used are adequate for the job All employees are trained to know what ladder to use when, and how to use ladders safelyThe employee must – Follow all established safe practices when using

ladders

Not use damaged or unsafe ladders

Report damaged or unsafe ladders immediately

Use the proper ladder for the job