10/3/2007

In 2005 (the last year with available data), falls from portable ladders caused 12 fatalities in California workplaces. To help prevent injuries and deaths resulting from falls from ladders, federal OSHA offers these safety tips for portable ladders:

• Read and follow all labels and markings on the ladder. Do not exceed the maximum load rating listed.
• Be careful of electrical hazards. Look for power lines overhead before handling the ladder. Do not use a metal ladder near power lines or exposed electrical equipment.
• Always inspect the ladder before use. If it's damaged, don't use it. Damaged ladders are to be removed from service and tagged until repaired or discarded.
• Always maintain three-point contact (two hands and a foot or two feet and a hand) with the ladder. Keep your body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder when climbing.
• Only use appropriate accessories with ladders (ladder levels, jacks, or hooks) and only use them for their intended purposes.
• Before ascending, make sure that the ladder is free of slippery material on the rungs, steps, or feet.
• Do not use a stepladder as a single ladder, and do not use it in a partially closed position.
• Do not use the top step or rung of a stepladder or the top three rungs of a straight, single, or extension ladder.
• Only use a ladder on a stable and level surface unless it has been secured on the top or bottom to prevent displacement. Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.
• Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder.
• An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface should extend at least three feet above the point of support.
• The appropriate angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of the ladder's length from the wall or other vertical surface. For example, if the ladder is accessing a platform 12 feet up and is resting against the edge of the platform, then the bottom of the ladder needs to be three feet out from the edge of the platform.
• If a ladder could be displaced by other work activities, secure the ladder to prevent displacement or erect a barricade to keep traffic away from the ladder.
• Be sure to properly engage all locks on an extension ladder.

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