Climb Safely! March is National Ladder Safety Month
Ladders are a ubiquitous tool used at home and work to perform a variety of tasks. Do you really know how to use a ladder properly?
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons over 500,000 people are treated for ladder related injuries, 300 of which are fatal. Falls from ladders accounted for over 22,000 workplace injuries and 161 workplace deaths in 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It is important to learn how to use them safely to prevent injury or death. Below are some Do’s and Don’ts of Ladder Use.
DO
Select the right ladder for the job. Not all ladders are suitable for all work tasks. For example, when accessing a roof or other upper level, an extension ladder tall enough to extend 36” above past the level is correct. Using an A-frame ladder is less secure and not as safe. Make sure the ladder is tall enough for you to reach the work level without having to step or stand on the top three rungs.
Inspect the ladder before each use. According to the BLS, over 50% of ladder injuries occur because the ladder broke during use. Inspect for broken rungs, cracks or splits in the side rails, damaged spreaders, and loose connections.
Be aware of the load rating. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established 5 “Types” of ladders based on their load limits. Use the ladder type that corresponds to the weight anticipate (your weight plus tool or material weight).
Type IAA ladders have a load capacity of 375 pounds.
Type IA ladders have a load capacity of 300 pounds.
Type I ladders have a load capacity of 250 pounds.
Type II ladders have a load capacity of 225 pounds.
Type III ladders have a load capacity of 200 pounds.
Set the ladder up properly. Be sure you have a stable base and that the ladder is set up correctly.
For A-frame ladders that means opening the ladder fully and locking the spreader bars.
For Extension ladders, that means:
making sure the ladder feet are set correctly,
the extension is locked in place,
the ladder extends at least 36” above the point of work or access,
the rungs are equally supported,
the ladder is set at the appropriate angle (4:1) and
the ladder is secured at the top or bottom (or both) to prevent kickout.
Use the ladder correctly.
Maintain three point contact (two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot) to access the ladder.
Keep your body within the rails of the ladder.
Stay below the top three rungs of the ladder.
When working near electrical lines or electrical sources, use a fiberglass ladder. Stay at least 10 feet away from live or downed lines.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions and cautions.
Don’t
Don’t fold up an A-frame ladder and try to use it like an extension ladder. The feet and structure are not designed for this orientation and the ladder may kick out at the base.
Don’t try to splice multiple ladders together.
Don’t use a ladder as a horizontal work platform (i.e. a bridge or a scaffold).
Don’t try to repair a ladder or use a damaged ladder.
Don’t climb the back of an A-Frame ladder, and don’t use the extension part of the extension ladder as a stand alone ladder.
Don’t stand on the top cap or top three steps of a ladder
Don’t try to “walk” a ladder or lean beyond the side rails
Don’t set up the ladder in an area with unstable ground or where the ladder could become easily displaced.
Don’t climb a ladder with your hands full - use a rope to haul up your tools, have someone hand them to you, or use a tool belt.
Don’t leave a ladder set up unattended - when you are done with the work, put the ladder away. Never allow children to play on or around a ladder.
There are some special ladders that allow flexibility in setup and can be used in a variety of settings. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, cautions and warnings.
Find out more about Ladder Safety at the American Ladder Institute’s National Ladder Safety Month website.