Working Safely with Ladders – Climbing
Some common misuses of straight, extension and stepladders is not climbing or working on these ladders correctly. OSHA safety regulations, contractor safety programs, and ladder manufacturers alike do not require fall protection systems for portable ladders. This is primarily due to the fact that while ladder use is certainly involved in many accidents, it’s simply proper usage of the ladders that will provide a safe working environment.
Let’s talk about climbing up ladders. All ladders are to be climbed in the same manner. First check the area where the ladder will set, carefully looking around for items which could be a trip hazard, and clean it up – you’ll appreciate it on the way back down. Next, set the ladder carefully, positioning the ladder exactly where you want to work. This hopefully will eliminate any temptation to overreach when you’re working. Make sure stepladders are fully open with all feet on a firm, level surface. Make sure extension or straight ladders are set at the correct angle, resting on a secure surface, or tied off, and the top is either tied off, or someone will holds the ladder while you work.
Next make sure your hands are always free to climb. Put all tools in pouches and carry material in slings, hoist them up later, or have someone hand them up to you. Face the ladder square, approach and step up – don’t “swing up” from the side. Stepladders should be climbed holding on to the siderails as you climb. Extension or straight ladders may be climbed by holding onto the siderails, or holding onto the rungs, as desired. When climbing, always maintain three points of contact at all times – two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand.
When climbing down, take an extra measure of caution, many ladder accidents happen when descending in too big a hurry. Climb down in the same manner as you climbed; facing the ladder and using three points of contact. Also, take extra care on extension ladders when transitioning from the top or “fly” section to the bottom section. There are two set of rungs in the overlapped area, which will reduce to the inner rung only as you descend. This is a critical part where your foot could easily slip off the rung.
Finally, if your work is done, and you’ve untied an extension ladder at its top, make sure someone is holding the base of the ladder before descending. This is the point at which the ladder could slide sideways.
Remember; keep these tips in mind whenever climbing a ladder will help you to work safely on a ladder.