osha ladder safety

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). 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. During the Quiz End of Quiz. Quick Overview We get so comfortable around ladders that it’s easy to forget what could happen if they are used incorrectly. Ladders must be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. Difficulty. Ladder components shall be surfaced so as to prevent injury to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing. 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). The area around the top and bottom of ladder must be kept clear. Ladders must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps or feet. Ladders shall not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement. Ladder Types 1. For side-step fixed ladders, the side rails and the steps or rungs shall be continuous in the extension. •Always keep your belt buckle between the ladder rails. Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load for which they were built, nor beyond their manufacturer's rated capacity. The design and installation of mountings and cable guides shall not reduce the design strength of the ladder. Feedback. Do not stand on the three top rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder. Statistics show that every year about 30,000 people will be incapacitated by ladder and ladder-replacement involved accidents. Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height. Ladders shall be maintained free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards. OSHA has specific rules about using ladders and working near ladders, as well as how ladders should be designed. 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. Ladder Safety Training Video. Under the new regulations, a ladder over 24’ foot high “will” require a person-al fall arrest system or ladder safety system. Ladders built in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A will be deemed to meet this requirement. Have at least both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand in contact with the ladder at all times. The General Industry Standard is 1910.24-27. 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. Do you know all the 3 points of contact on a ladder? Share. Watch later. OSHA Subpart X-Stairways and Ladders specifies the rules for ladders. 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). Ladder sections shall be offset from adjacent sections, and landing platforms shall be provided at maximum intervals of 50 feet (15.2 m). 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. Oregon OSHA. If your workers use any type of ladder for their work, the OSHA rules must be followed. •Maintain 3-points of contact with the ladder. OSHA/VOSH has developed specific regulations to address ladder safety and to help prevent injuries. Do not exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder. Additional Examples The minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable ladders shall be 11 1/2 inches (29 cm). 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. Also, the rules can vary by ladder type (fixed versus portable). 1926.1053(b)(15) – Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. The Basics of Ladder Safety. If there is ever a chance you will use a ladder at work, you need to use it safely. Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections, unless they are specifically designed for such use. If the ladder is damaged, it must be removed from service and tagged until repaired or discarded. Do not use a self-supporting ladder (e.g., step ladder) as a single ladder or in a partially closed position. 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. A cage or well, and multiple ladder sections, each ladder section not to exceed 50 feet (15.2 m) in length. 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. Ladder Safety. The area around the top and bottom of ladders shall be kept clear. 9 Questions | By Rwatt000 | Last updated: Jun 23, 2020 | Total Attempts: 1125 . Obviously, falling off a ladder can injure you. Inspect metal and fiberglass ladders for bends and breaks. 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. 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. Ladder Safety Training Video - YouTube. Removable gates or non-rigid members, such as chains, may be used instead of handrails in special-use applications; and 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. OSHA’s regulations on ladder safety include a variety of restrictions on ladder height, angle, and spacing. Ladder Safety. The safe construction and use of ladders are vital to protect workers from fall hazards. Ladders built and tested in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A of this subpart will be deemed to meet this requirement. Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement. 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. 1926.1050 provides the Scope, Application and Definitions for the Subpart. (2.1 m/sec.) Avoid electrical hazards! This aspect of ladder safety can be highly technical and not easily memorized, especially as updates are made. Ladder repairs shall restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria, before the ladder is returned to use. 11, 2014], Occupational Safety & Health Administration. 1926.1053(b)(2) – Ladders shall be maintained free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards. Only use ladders and appropriate accessories (ladder levelers, jacks or hooks) for their designed purposes. 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. 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. Never use a damaged ladder… Never use a ladder for any purpose other than the one for which it was designed. – Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. In this meeting we’ll review ladder safety basics so we can avoid easily preventable injuries. 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