Hazards
- Broken or missing parts
- Used around energized electrical equipment
- Too short for work height
- Weight limit rating too low
- Not the correct equipment for the job
Loads
- Self-supporting (foldout) and non self-supporting (leaning) portable ladders able to support at least four time the maximum intended load
- Extra-heavy-duty metal or plastic ladders able to sustain 3.3 times the maximum intended load
Angle
- Non-self-supporting ladders positioned with a horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is about 1/4 the working length of the ladder
- Job-made wooden ladders positioned with an angle equal to about 1/8 the working length
Rung
- Rungs, cleats, or steps must be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced and must be spaced between 10 and 14 inches apart
- For extension trestle ladders, the spacing must be 8-18 inches for the base and 6-12 inches on the extension section, shaped so that an employee's foot cannot slide off and is skid-resistant
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Storage
- Store where ladders cannot be damaged
- Prevent warping or sagging
- Secure doing transport
Inspection
- Check to ensure shoes and ladder are free of oil, greese, wet paint, and other slipping hazards
- Warning labels are legible
- Spreader device can be locked in place
- Ensure area around the top and bottom of ladder is cleared of material
Safe Practices
- Face ladder and hold on with both hands when climbing
- Carry tools on belt or use hand line
- Hold on with one hand when performing work
- Never reach too far to either side or rear
- Do not climb higher than second step from top on a stepladder or third from the top on a straight ladder
- Never attempt to move, shift, extend ladder while in use
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