For access to an elevated work surface, extend the top of the ladder three feet above that surface or secure the ladder at its top. . Before starting work, survey the area for potential hazards, such as energized overhead power lines.
Try to make sure that the ladder extends at least 1 metre or three rungs above where you are working. Don't stand ladders on movable objects, such as pallets, bricks, lift trucks, tower scaffolds, excavator buckets, vans or mobile elevating work platforms. Avoid holding items when climbing (consider using a tool belt)
In the configurations in which they are used, portable platforms shall be capable of supporting without failure at least 2.5 times the maximum intended load. Maximum load. Portable ladders and platforms may not be loaded in excess of the working loads for which they are designed. Securing in place.
An extension or straight ladder must be long enough to extend at least 3 feet above the point of support. (OSHA portable extension ladder safety figure D-1 illustrated by Safesite .) Never climb an extension ladder while hand-carrying tools or material; climb first then hoist tools up using a rope or block and tackle.
A fixed or extension ladder must extend at least 1 metre above the surface you will step off the ladder on to. Set the ladder on a flat, stable surface and, where possible, utilise safety devices such as stabilisers. A portable ladder must be positioned to follow 4 to 1 rule.
For access to an elevated work surface, extend the top of the ladder three feet above that surface or secure the ladder at its top. . Before starting work, survey the area for potential hazards, such as energized overhead power lines.
Ladders used to access another level should be tied and extend at least 1 m above the landing point to provide a secure handhold. At ladder access points, a self-closing gate is recommended.
The final rule phases in the fixed ladder fall protection requirements for employers in outdoor advertising. The rule requires employers to protect workers from fall hazards along unprotected sides or edges that are at least 4 feet above a lower level.
Extension ladders range in length from 16 feet up to and exceeding 40 feet. All non-self supported ladders should extend a minimum distance of 3 feet past the edge they rest against but not more than 4 feet. As with any ladder, extension ladders should be at the proper height and angle for optimum safety and stability.
The base of the ladder should be placed so that it is one foot away from the building for every four feet of hight to where the ladder rests against the building. This is known as the 4 to 1 rule.
A landing platform at least 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide by at least 18 inches (45.7 cm) long shall be provided at each level. Each scaffold stairway shall be at least 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide between stairrails. Treads and landings shall have slip-resistant surfaces.
Platform Ladders are not to be used as Single Ladders or in the partially open position. In order to prevent tipping the ladder over sideways due to over-reaching, the user must climb or work with the body near the middle of the steps or platform. The ladder should be set-up close to the work.
Scaffolding is also designed to access heights that are unsafe for a single ladder. It follows that if the top platform of a scaffold tower doesn't quite let you reach your work site, you might want to place a freestanding ladder on that platform to help.
For access to an elevated work surface, erect ladders so that a minimum of 1 m (3 ft) extends above a landing platform. Tie the top at support points. Use care when getting on and or off the ladder at the top or bottom in order to avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to slide.
The platform height is the height of the platform on which you will be working, measured from the ground. Therefore, it you erect your platform at a height of 8.20 metres, then your platform height is 8.20 metres.
15 IN (38 CM) Min clearance to any permanent obstruction for ladder without cage or well. Second one is for Side Clearances for Side-step ladders. 15-20 IN (30-51 CM) Step-Across Distance to Platform edge. 42 IN (107 CM) Min. 15 IN (38 CM) Min. No mobile ladder stand or platform moves when an employee is on it.
For through-fixed-ladder extensions, the steps or rungs shall be omitted from the extension and the extension of the side rails shall be flared to provide not less than 24 inches (61 cm) nor more than 30 inches (76 cm) clearance between side rails.
For ex- tension ladders up to 36 feet long, overlap should be at least 3 feet; for ladder lengths between 36 and 48 feet, overlap should be at least 4 feet. In addition to overlap, the top of ladder should extend 3 feet above the greatest working height.
In accordance with 29 CFR § 1910.28(b)(13)(iii)(A), when work is performed 15 feet or more from the roof edge, each employee must be protected from falling by a guardrail system, a safety net system, a travel restraint system, personal fall arrest system, or a designated area.
3-foot rule – When using a ladder to reach a higher level (such as a roof) the top of the ladder must reach at least 3 feet past the edge of the level and be secured from slipping. Fall Protection – When the top of a fixed ladder is 24 feet or more from the lower level on a ladder the worker must use fall protection.
OSHA 1910.23(e)(1): Mobile ladder stands and platforms have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm). Steps are uniformly spaced and arranged, with a rise of not more than 10 inches (25 cm) and a depth of not less than 7 inches (18 cm).
Improper placement is one of the leading causes of ladder accidents. Placing a ladder on uneven or unstable ground increases the risk of it slipping or tipping over, causing you to fall. Neglecting to secure the base of the ladder further compounds this risk.
Ladders should be set up at an angle of 1 horizontal (out) to 4 vertical (up). Where a ladder is used to access a working platform, ensure it extends 1 metre above the working platform.