Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections, unless they are specifically designed for such use. Ladders built and tested in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A will be deemed to meet this requirement. Except when portable ladders are used to gain access to fixed ladders (such as those on utility towers, billboards, and other structures where the bottom of the fixed ladder is elevated to limit access), when two or more separate ladders are used to reach an elevated work area, the ladders shall be offset with a platform or landing between the ladders. 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. Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load for which they were built, nor beyond their manufacturer's rated capacity. 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(B) You can choose any PFAS provided it meets the OSHA requirements.1926.502(d) PLEASE NOTE: A ladder that is less than 24’ feet high does “not” require a fall arrest system of any sort. 9 Questions | By Rwatt000 | Last updated: Jun 23, 2020 | Total Attempts: 1125 . OSHA has specific rules about using ladders and working near ladders, as well as how ladders should be designed. 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. But did you know that falling just 4 feet (or 1 meter) can actually kill you? The General Industry Standard is 1910.24-27. 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. Ladder components shall be surfaced so as to prevent injury to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing. The Basics of Ladder Safety. 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. Keep Up With Ladder Safety. 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. Sequential Easy First Hard First. Do you know all the 3 points of contact on a ladder? 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. Through fixed ladders at their point of access/egress shall have a step-across distance of not less than 7 inches (18 cm) nor more than 12 inches (30 cm) as measured from the centerline of the steps or rungs to the nearest edge of the landing area. Ladder Types 1. Questions. Inspect metal and fiberglass ladders for bends and breaks. 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. Ladder Safety System. 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 of individual-rung/step ladders shall be shaped such that employees' feet cannot slide off the end of the rungs. Click here to download the ladder safety program Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height. For example, Rule 1926.1053(a)(3)(i-iii) explains that rungs, steps and cleats should be spaced between 10 and 14 inches apart, with few exceptions present. Be aware of the ladder’s load rating and of the weight it is supporting, including the weight of any tools or equipment. 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. Types of Ladders. When ascending or descending a ladder, the user shall face the ladder. Duration: 1 minute │ Watch now . Play as. 1926.1050 provides the Scope, Application and Definitions for the Subpart. Ladder safety begins with the selection of the proper ladder for the job and includes inspection, setup, proper climbing and standing, proper use, care, and storage. •Maintain 3-points of contact with the ladder. Let's take this quiz and find out now! If the ladder is damaged, it must be removed from service and tagged until repaired or discarded. – Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. (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.). Because of the complexity and exceptions to some rules, it’s important you make thi… Ladders are used in many jobs for cleaning, painting, changing light bulbs, accessing storage areas, reaching platforms, and more. Also, the rules can vary by ladder type (fixed versus portable). The focus of this article will be on the OSHA Construction Standards for Ladder Safety. Inspect wood ladders for cracks or splits. Rungs, cleats, and steps of step stools shall be not less than 8 inches (20 cm) apart, nor more than 12 inches (31 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps. This program covers the consequences of unsafe ladder use, the types of ladders and how to use each type, and ladder safety, inspection and storage. These ladders are made of various materials—aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and steel—with their distinct strengths and weaknesses. 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. 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. Statistics show that every year about 30,000 people will be incapacitated by ladder and ladder-replacement involved accidents. Always inspect the ladder prior to using it. 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. Ladders shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. Avoid electrical hazards! Ladders shall not be moved, shifted, or extended while occupied. 2. 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. 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. Difficulty. See osha.gov for ladder standards. Mountings for flexible carriers shall be attached at each end of the carrier. 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. During the Quiz End of Quiz. Start. Often, these injuries are so severe they require time away from work. Info. Oregon OSHA. Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder. 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). OSHA rules cover all step ladders, straight ladders and extension ladders whether they are wood, fiberglass or metal. A cage or well, and multiple ladder sections, each ladder section not to exceed 50 feet (15.2 m) in length. Ladders are so common that it’s easy to forget the risks involved in using them. Ladders shall not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections unless they are specifically designed for such use. Always check a ladder before using it. Ladders must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps or feet. Ladder rungs, cleats, and steps shall be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use. 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. 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). The rungs and steps of fixed metal ladders manufactured after March 15, 1991, shall be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping. From 2017-2019, Ladders were #6 on OSHA’s Top 10 Most Cited Violations List . OSHA’s regulations on ladder safety include a variety of restrictions on ladder height, angle, and spacing. 11, 2014], Occupational Safety & Health Administration. OSHA Quiz: Ladder Safety . OSHA Subpart X-Stairways and Ladders specifies the rules for ladders. If your workers use any type of ladder for their work, the OSHA rules must be followed. Avoid over reaching with this quick ladder safety tip. Stay safe by learning the five steps to ladder safety. For side-step fixed ladders, the side rails and the steps or rungs shall be continuous in the extension. U.S. Department of Labor  |  Occupational Safety & Health Administration  |  200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210. There are rules for installing and using them properly, as well as inspecting them. 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. 1926.1053(b)(2) – Ladders shall be maintained free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards. Do not stand on the three top rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder. The safe construction and use of ladders are vital to protect workers from fall hazards. Workers often use ladders to gain access to multiple levels and areas that are hard to reach. Quiz Flashcard. 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). Ladders built and tested in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A of this subpart 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. Many times workers are hasty in movement or they fail to pay attention to their surroundings. An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend at least 3 feet above the point of support (see diagram). 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. The design and installation of mountings and cable guides shall not reduce the design strength of the ladder. 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. 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. OSHA/VOSH has developed specific regulations to address ladder safety and to help prevent injuries. Ladders must be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. Falls from portable ladders (step, straight, combination and extension) are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. For a parapet ladder, the access level shall be the roof if the parapet is cut to permit passage through the parapet; if the parapet is continuous, the access level shall be the top of the parapet. Fixed ladders shall be provided with cages, wells, ladder safety devices, or self-retracting lifelines where the length of climb is less than 24 feet (7.3 m) but the top of the ladder is at a distance greater than 24 feet (7.3 m) above lower levels. 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. In this meeting we’ll review ladder safety basics so we can avoid easily preventable injuries. Under the new regulations, a ladder over 24’ foot high “will” require a person-al fall arrest system or ladder safety system. The area around the top and bottom of ladders shall be kept clear. The rungs and steps of portable metal ladders shall be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize slipping. OSHA’s safety regulations on ladders include a wide range of ladder height, angle and spacing restrictions. Each employee shall use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up and/or down the ladder. Safety Rules for Ladder Use •Always inspect the ladder for damages before use. 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. 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. 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