Step Ladder Safety
Date Posted: 05/29/2024
According to the According to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-876-099 , “A self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, with flat steps and hinged at the top. The size is designated by the overall length of the ladder measured along the front edge of the side rails.” A stepladder is a handy, simple tool, but if you do not choose the right one for the job or it is not maintained properly, you have an increased risk of injury. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falls are among the top five causes of fatal occupational injuries. In 2020, there were 105 deaths from movable ladders and 5 deaths from fixed ladders. Additionally, a ladder was the primary source of 22,710 injuries that year.
Selecting the Right Step Ladder
A stepladder is a folding ladder with flat steps and a small platform. It’s the smallest ladder and is typically used in smaller projects that don't require much extra height. Stepladders are made of metal/aluminum, wood, and fiberglass. Choosing the right ladder for the job is very important. For example, because metal is a great conductor of electricity, it would be best to use a fiberglass ladder for electrical work.
Step Ladder Duty Ratings
Even though they may all look the same, each ladder has a different load limit. Therefore, you want to ensure that the ladder you use is designed to carry your weight and the weight of the equipment being carried up and down the ladder. Otherwise, the ladder may become unstable and cause injury.
Inspecting the Step Ladder
Workers should conduct inspections of step ladders by checking the following items:
Joints between the steps or rungs and the side rails are tight.
Rungs, cleats, or steps are not bent, broken, or missing.
Side rails are not bent, broken, or split.
All bolts and rivets are in place and secure. Hardware, fittings, and accessories are securely attached and working properly.
Ropes are not frayed or badly worn.
Moveable parts operate freely without binding or excessive play.
Safety feet and other auxiliary equipment are not excessively worn.
Metal components are not corroded.
There are no other faulty or defective components.
Remove any ladder from service that is found to be defective.
Tips for Safe Use of Step Ladders
Follow all requirements of the labels/markings found on the ladder.
Inspect the ladder before use. Ensure that a ladder is not moved, shifted, or adjusted while anyone is on it.
Only use the ladder for its intended and designed purpose.
Check the load rating that is marked on the stepladder. The rating should be sufficient for the worker's weight and the weight of the tools used.
Check the ladder for damage, including cracks, lost or corroded rivets, defective braces, or parts (including the slip-resistant feet) in poor condition.
Ensure the ladder is free of grease, oil, or other slippery substances.
Open the stepladder spreaders and shelf fully and lock the spreaders.
Never stand on the top two rungs.
Check step ladder stability. Ensure all ladder feet are on a firm, level, and non-slippery surface.
Keep the stepladder close to the work. Do not overextend.
Keep your body centered between side rails. The ladder can become unstable if the body or equipment you are holding moves beyond the side rails.
Work at an appropriate height for the ladder.
Maintain three points of contact on the ladder when ascending or descending. This means always placing either two hands and a foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder.
Keep both feet on the ladder. Do not stand simultaneously on a ladder and another object.
Avoid placing a ladder near electrical hazards.
Resources
F417-268-000 Ladder Safety Guide (wa.gov)
Ladder Safety Training Videos - American Ladder Institute
Falls in the Workplace: Ladder Safety Mobile App | NIOSH | CDC
