Bates College has developed Ladder Safety Guidelines to safeguard employees that perform work with portable ladders.  These guidelines are intended to prevent ladder-related accidents and to promote compliance with the 29 CFR 1910.25 and 1910.26.  The Portable Ladder Safety Guidelines establish training and standard procedures for all Bates College employees who use portable ladders at work.  These guidelines pertain to the use of the following: step-ladders, straight ladders, extension ladders, and other variations of portable utility ladders.  These guidelines do not apply to step stools less than three feet in height.

These guidelines apply to four primary portable ladder types: step-ladders, straight ladders, extension ladders, A-frame ladders, and extension trestle ladders.  A step-ladder is a self-supporting ladder, non-adjustable in length, having flat steps and a hinged back.  A single straight ladder in non-adjustable in length, consisting of one section, while an extension ladder is a portable ladder adjustable in length, consisting of multiple sections.

Ship Stairs or Ship Ladders, although not portable, have a safe climbing angle between 50 and 70 degrees and have safety rails on both sides.  OSHA is officially recognizing their use with standard 1910.259(d).  Bates College has several ships ladders located across campus.  Ladder climbing and standing guidelines should be applied when using these ladders.

The rails on a ladder are generally composed of wood, metal, or fiberglass.  The following information outlines important details regarding the different properties of these materials as they apply to ladders.

• Wood Ladders: Wood ladders are electrically non-conductive and are the best natural insulator against heat.  However, they can be electrically conductive if wet.  Wood ladders are heavier than metal and susceptible to rotting and splitting in the absence of a protective finish.

• Metal Ladders: Metal ladders are relatively strong and lightweight, but they are prone to dent, bend, and conduct heat.  They must not be used when working on or near electrical wires or when working around energy sources.  Metal ladders must be labeled with a “DANGER” sticker indicating an electrocution hazard.

• Fiberglass Ladders: Fiberglass ladders are strong and electrically non-conductive, but they are generally heavier than metal ladders.  Fiberglass may chip or crack upon impact, and when overloaded, fiberglass may crack to the point of failure.

When selecting a ladder, ensure that the ladder has an adequate proper duty rating to support the combined weight of the user and the material.  Materials include weight of clothing, protective equipment, and supplies being carried or stored on the ladder.  The ladder duty ratings are as follows:

• Type IAA (Extra Heavy Special Duty Industrial): for heavy duty, such as utilities, contractors, and industrial use.  Load capacity not to exceed 375 pounds.
• Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty Industrial): for heavy duty, such as utilities, contractors, and industrial use.  Load capacity not to exceed 300 pounds.
• Type I (Industrial): for heavy duty, such as utilities, contractors, and industrial use.  Load capacity not to exceed 250 pounds.
• Type II (Commercial): for medium duty, such as painters, offices, and light industrial use.  Load capacity not to exceed 225 pounds.
• Type III (Household): for light duty, such as light household use.  Load capacity not to exceed 200 pounds.

Each user should inspect the ladder prior to use.  The user performing the inspection shall visually inspect and confirm that applicable criteria are met.  A user shall re-inspect the ladder immediately after events that could impact the integrity of the ladder (i.e. dropping the ladder).  Ladders that do not meet the requirements of the Portable Ladder Inspection Checklist should be tagged as “Dangerous, DO NOT USE” and removed from service immediately.  Improvised repairs shall not be made to ladders.  In addition, wood ladders shall not be painted with an opaque finish to coated with any material that may hide defects.

As a best practice, ladders should be stored in a location out of direct sunlight and away from chemicals or materials that may cause decay or damage.  Materials should never be stored on a ladder or hung from a ladder in storage.  All ladders should be secured during transport to prevent damage.

Employees shall ensure that the following “proper use” criteria are met prior to setup:

• Ladders shall be set-up on a flat, level surface;
• Ladders shall not be placed in front of a door opening unless the door is blocked open, locked, or guarded;
• Ladders shall not be used horizontally as a platform, runway, or scaffold;
• Ladders shall not be placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height;
• The area around a ladder must remain clear from debris, equipment, etc;
• Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load for which they were built, nor beyond their manufacturer’s rated capacity;
• Ladders shall not be setup or used outdoors during wind speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour;
• Ladders shall not be setup or used on slippery surfaces such as snow, ice, or oily deposits;
• Ladders shall not be used by more than one employee at a time;
• The maximum length of a step-ladder shall not exceed 20 feet, a single straight ladder shall not exceed 30 feet, and an extension ladder shall not exceed 36 feet.  Aerial lifts or other means should be used for heights exceeding 36 feet;
• Shorter ladders shall not be spliced together to create longer sections; and
• Standing ladder shall not be left unattended.

Employees shall setup the ladder according to the following chronological steps depending on the type of ladder:

When climbing or standing on a ladder, the following safety precautions shall be followed:

• The top two steps of a stepladder and the top two rungs of a straight or extension ladder shall not be used for standing;
• Shoes and rungs shall be free of mud, soil, paint, ice, or other slippery materials;
• When ascending or descending, the user must face the ladder;
• At least one had must be free to grasp the ladder at all times.  Maintain at least three points of contact with the ladder (two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot) when climbing the ladder;
• The top rest for portable rung and cleat ladders shall be rigid and have strength to support the load;
• Do not stand on the pail shelf of a step-ladder,
• Do not stand on the back bracing of a step-ladder,
• Do not straddle the front and back of a step-ladder,
• Supplies or equipment shall not be hand carried by the worker on the ladder; instead, a rope, block, tool belt, or pulley system shall be used to carry tools or equipment;
• When working to the side of a ladder, the centerline of the body must be maintained between the side rails.  Do not overreach or lean too far to one side;
• Do not move, shift, or extend ladders while in use;
• Never climb onto the back side of a ladder, slide down the rails of a ladder, or sit on ladder rails;
• If one feels sick or dizzy while climbing or standing on a ladder, do not try to climb down in a hurry.  Drape your arms around the rungs and rest your head against the ladder until you feel better. Then climb down slowly and carefully.

Safe work practices shall be maintained to prevent electrical shock or other injuries caused by contact with energized electrical equipment or circuits.  These work practices shall be consistent with university programs and policies including but not limited to the “Electrical Safety Program” and the Lock-Out Tag-Out Energy Control Program” based upon nature and extent of the hazards.  Under no circumstances shall metal ladders be used where contact could occur with energized electrical equipment or circuits.      

If conditions change, such as wind speed and direction, while working, work shall be abandoned on the ladder until conditions improve.