Stay off the ladder's top rung, or, if you're using an extension ladder, the top three rungs. In fact, you should never climb so high that you can't grab the ladder's structure to steady yourself.
The ladder should extend 1m or 3 rungs beyond the work or access point. You need to use both hands when climbing or descending ladders and so you should always have a secure handhold available when using a ladder. This applies to both short-duration work from ladders, and ladders used for access (e.g. on a scaffold).
For stepladders, the highest safe rung is two rungs from the top. From this position, the worker's torso, and arms will extend beyond the top of the ladder, adding about four feet to a ladder's effective length.
The top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step. 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.
The distance between rungs, cleats, and steps shall not exceed 12 inches and shall be uniform throughout the length of the ladder. The minimum clear length of rungs or cleats shall be 16 inches.
Don't work off the top three rungs. 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.
The use of ladders with broken or missing rungs or steps, broken or split side rails, or other faulty or defective construction is prohibited. When ladders with such defects are discovered, they shall be immediately withdrawn from service.
By understanding and addressing the top three OSHA-cited ladder violations—improper usage, lack of inspections, and improper setup—employers can create a safer environment for workers. Regular ladder inspections, proper setup techniques, and worker training are all essential to ensure ladder safety.
Never stand on the top rung or step of the step ladder. This makes the ladder very unstable and prone to tip over!
Place the ladder in a good storage position. Either lay it down flat in a clutter-free area or lean it straight against a wall. Store the ladder where it can't be damaged by vehicles or heavy objects.
Likewise, when using an Extension Ladder, the top three rungs are not to be used for climbing. A Straight Ladder is too long, for example, if ceiling height prohibits the ladder from being set-up at the proper angle.
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.
A ladder safety standard, the 4-to-1 rule state that the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet the ladder rises. This allows for maximum stability. So, for instance, if the ladder touches the wall 8 feet off the ground, the base of the ladder should be 2 feet away from the wall.
For ladders of up to 5m there should be an overlap of at least 1.5 rungs; • For ladders of 5-6m then there should be an overlap of at least 2.5 rungs; • For ladders of 6m or greater, there should be an overlap of at least 3.5 rungs. Only one person at a time should be on the stepladder.
Ladder rungs are imaginary tools that sailors can use to judge the positions of boats on the race course and understand what happens when the wind shifts. This concept applies both upwind and downwind, whenever a boat's proper course is to maximize its performance in a direction toward or away from the wind.
Never tie or fasten ladders together to gain additional length/height. Avoid overhead electrical hazards. Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines.
On a ladder do not use the top three rungs, on a stepladder do not use the top two steps unless an appropriate handrail is fitted.
OSHA'S REQUIREMENTS FOR PORTABLE LADDERS
Portable stepladders longer than 20 feet shall not be used. Stepladders shall be equipped with a metal spreader or locking device of sufficient size and strength to securely hold the front and back sections in open position. Single ladders longer than 30 feet shall not be used.
As a general rule, you should not stand on the top three treads of any swingback step ladder. This rule is designed to ensure that there is always at least 1 metre of ladder above you while you are working. That way, you can easily grip the ladder and maintain the recommended three points of contact at all times.
This requirement ensures that all modifications align with current safety standards, offering improved protection for climbers. Furthermore, by November 18, 2036, all fixed ladders over 24 feet must be retrofitted with a PFAS or ladder safety system, regardless of whether the existing safety cage is removed.
Examples of OSHA standards include require- ments to provide fall protection, prevent trenching cave-ins, prevent exposure to some infectious diseases, ensure the safety of workers who enter confined spaces, prevent exposure to such harmful substances as asbestos and lead, put guards on machines, provide respirators or ...
Metal ladders should never be used when working with or near electricity. The most common types of portable ladders are stepladders and straight ladders (which includes extension ladders.) Stepladders can range in height from 3 to 20 feet.
Below are seven common unsafe behaviors including choosing the wrong type of ladder, using a defective ladder, setting up the ladder improperly, not inspecting the work area, leaning when using a ladder, not using three points of contact, and using the top step of the ladder.
Ladder rungs, cleats, or steps must be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use. Rungs must be spaced between 10 and 14 inches apart.