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. Sequential Easy First Hard First. Ladder repairs shall restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria, before the ladder is returned to use. Proper training on safe ladder use, such as inspecting the condition of the ladder before use, are important components of an effective ladder safety … 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). You can reduce the hazards by using the best practices in these resources. Ladders must be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. Only use ladders and appropriate accessories (ladder levelers, jacks or hooks) for their designed purposes. They are the step ladder, the straight ladder, the combination ladder, and the extension ladder (OSHA, n.d.b). 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 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. 9 Questions | By Rwatt000 | Last updated: Jun 23, 2020 | Total Attempts: 1125 . Under the new regulations, a ladder over 24’ foot high “will” require a person-al fall arrest system or ladder safety system. Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged. Wood job-made ladders with spliced side rails shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance is one-eighth the working length of the ladder. Ladders shall not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement. Rungs, cleats, and steps of portable ladders (except as provided below) and fixed ladders (including individual-rung/step ladders) shall be spaced not less than 10 inches (25 cm) apart, nor more than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps. A ladder placed in any location where it can be displaced by other work activities must be secured to prevent displacement or a barricade must be erected to keep traffic away from the ladder. Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement. Also, the rules can vary by ladder type (fixed versus portable). An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall. … If the ladder is damaged, it must be removed from service and tagged until repaired or discarded. Always check a ladder before using it. Play as. A portable ladder can be moved easily. •Always keep your belt buckle between the ladder rails. Do not stand on the three top rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder. Copy link. The minimum perpendicular clearance between the center line of fixed ladder rungs, cleats, and steps, and any obstruction on the climbing side of the ladder shall be 30 inches (76 cm), except as provided in paragraph (a)(15) of this section. Duration: 1 minute │ Watch now . 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. 2. Types of Ladders. Feedback. Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder. 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. Ladder components shall be surfaced so as to prevent injury to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing. 1926.1053(b)(2) – Ladders shall be maintained free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards. Ladder Safety System. The top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step. Mobile ladder stands with a top step height above 10 feet (3 m) have the top step protected on three sides by a handrail with a vertical height of at least 36 inches (91 cm); and top steps that are 20 inches (51 cm) or more, front to back, have a midrail and toeboard. Cross-bracing on the rear section of stepladders shall not be used for climbing unless the ladders are designed and provided with steps for climbing on both front and rear sections. Quiz Flashcard. These ladders are made of various materials—aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and steel—with their distinct strengths and weaknesses. Oregon OSHA. A metal spreader or locking device shall be provided on each stepladder to hold the front and back sections in an open position when the ladder is being used. Ladders shall not be moved, shifted, or extended while occupied. Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment. The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface (see diagram). 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). Never use a damaged ladder… The safe construction and use of ladders are vital to protect workers from fall hazards. 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. 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. Inspect wood ladders for cracks or splits. The area around the top and bottom of ladder must be kept clear. Obviously, falling off a ladder can injure you. More than 30,000 people are hurt each year falling off ladders. During the Quiz End of Quiz. Info. Difficulty. Each portable ladder that is not self-supporting: At least four times the maximum intended load, except that each extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders shall sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load. Falls happen for a number of reasons. OSHA Updates Ladder Safety Standard. If there is ever a chance you will use a ladder at work, you need to use it safely. 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. This aspect of ladder safety can be highly technical and not easily memorized, especially as updates are made. If your workers use any type of ladder for their work, the OSHA rules must be followed. 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). Ladders built in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A will be deemed to meet this requirement. Ladders must not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load for which they were built nor beyond their manufacturer’s rated capacity. The ability of a ladder to sustain the loads indicated in this paragraph shall be determined by applying or transmitting the requisite load to the ladder in a downward vertical direction when the ladder is placed at an angle of 75 1/2 degrees from the horizontal. Click here to download the ladder safety program Wells for fixed ladders shall conform to all of the following: They shall completely encircle the ladder; Their inside face on the climbing side of the ladder shall extend not less than 27 inches (68 cm) nor more than 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the step or rung; The inside clear width shall be at least 30 inches (76 cm); The bottom of the wall on the access side shall start 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. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. OSHA/VOSH has developed specific regulations to address ladder safety and to help prevent injuries. Avoid electrical hazards! Ladders shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. For through-fixed-ladder extensions, the steps or rungs shall be omitted from the extension and the extension of the side rails shall be flared to provide not less than 24 inches (61 cm) nor more than 30 inches (76 cm) clearance between side rails. A cage or well, and multiple ladder sections, each ladder section not to exceed 50 feet (15.2 m) in length. 11, 2014], Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Where ladder safety devices are provided, the maximum clearance between side rails of the extensions shall not exceed 36 inches (91 cm). The area around the top and bottom of ladder must be kept clear. Ladders placed in any location where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic, such as in passageways, doorways, or driveways, shall be secured to prevent accidental displacement, or a barricade shall be used to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder. Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it was designed for that purpose. Questions. OSHA’s regulations on ladder safety include a variety of restrictions on ladder height, angle, and spacing. OSHA requires that all of the manufacturer's requirements be followed when using a ladder, and these ladders must also be properly inspected before use. Individual-rung/step ladders, except those used where their access openings are covered with manhole covers or hatches, shall extend at least 42 inches (1.1 m) above an access level or landing platform either by the continuation of the rung spacings as horizontal grab bars or by providing vertical grab bars that shall have the same lateral spacing as the vertical legs of the rungs. Ladder safety devices, and related support systems, for fixed ladders shall conform to all of the following: They shall be capable of withstanding without failure a drop test consisting of an 18-inch (41 cm) drop of a 500-pound (226 kg) weight; They shall permit the employee using the device to ascend or descend without continually having to hold, push or pull any part of the device, leaving both hands free for climbing; They shall be activated within 2 feet (.61 m) after a fall occurs, and limit the descending velocity of an employee to 7 feet/sec. It includes details like the weight loads, the allowable space between rungs and when cages are required. Falls from portable ladders (step, straight, combination and extension) are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. For example, rule 1926.1053(a)(3)(i – iii) states that rungs, steps, and cleats should be spaced between 10 and 14 inches apart, but there are few exceptions. Rungs, cleats, and steps of the base section of extension trestle ladders shall not be less than 8 inches (20 cm) nor more than 18 inches (46 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps. Shopping. Each step or rung shall be capable of supporting a single concentrated load of at least 250 pounds (114 kg) applied in the middle of the step or rung. The OSHA standard for ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053) describes the safety requirements for working with and maintaining different kinds of fixed and portable ladders. Always inspect the ladder prior to using it. Let's take this quiz and find out now! OSHA estimates that, for general industry companies, falls from ladders — step, straight, combination, and extension — account for 20% of fatal and lost workday injuries. In addition to the general safety rules for all ladders there are special rules for using stepladders and for single and extension ladders. Ladder Types 1. OSHA rules cover all step ladders, straight ladders and extension ladders whether they are wood, fiberglass or metal. 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. The rungs and steps of portable metal ladders shall be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping. For side-step fixed ladders, the side rails and the steps or rungs shall be continuous in the extension. Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections, unless they are specifically designed for such use. The Basics of Ladder Safety. The ability of a ladder to sustain the loads indicated in this paragraph shall be determined by applying or transmitting the requisite load to the ladder in a downward vertical direction. 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. Each employee shall use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up and/or down the ladder. But did you know that falling just 4 feet (or 1 meter) can actually kill you? Often, these injuries are so severe they require time away from work. Fixed ladders shall be used at a pitch no greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal, as measured to the back side of the ladder. The minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable ladders shall be 11 1/2 inches (29 cm). Share. Ladders are used in many jobs for cleaning, painting, changing light bulbs, accessing storage areas, reaching platforms, and more. Where the total length of a climb equals or exceeds 24 feet (7.3 m), fixed ladders shall be equipped with one of the following: Self-retracting lifelines, and rest platforms at intervals not to exceed 150 feet (45.7 m); or. Fixed ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, or corroded components, shall be withdrawn from service until repaired. Settings. OSHA’s safety regulations on ladders include a wide range of ladder height, angle and spacing restrictions. Also, the rules may vary depending on the type of ladder (fixed or portable). The rungs of individual-rung/step ladders shall be shaped such that employees' feet cannot slide off the end of the rungs. Watch later. 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. (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.). Ladder Safety Ladders are the "go-to" tool for any job that involves working from height—whether you're changing a light bulb, retrieving items from a high shelf, or painting a building. There are three specific standards within the subpart that address ladder safety. An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend at least 3 feet above the point of support (see diagram). Ladders are so common that it’s easy to forget the risks involved in using them. Ladder Safety Training Video. Ladder Safety. Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load for which they were built, nor beyond their manufacturer's rated capacity. The bottom of the cage shall be flared not less than 4 inches (10 cm) all around within the distance between the bottom horizontal band and the next higher band; The top of the cage shall be a minimum of 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top of the platform, or the point of access at the top of the ladder, with provision for access to the platform or other point of access. Do you know all the 3 points of contact on a ladder? Workers often use ladders to gain access to multiple levels and areas that are hard to reach. The side rails of through or side-step fixed ladders shall extend 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top of the access level or landing platform served by the ladder. 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