Concerning OSHA Requirements
OSHA sets minimum national requirements for the use of ladders in business and industry. In addition, many states have their own regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act that may be even more stringent. The state codes will supersede the national OSHA standards within their own state. Users should check with their own state OSHA representative for the appropriate requirements.
The adequacy of ladders and the work practices followed by employees using them are regulated by OSHA in four sections: Portable Wood (1919.25), Portable Metal (1910.26), Fixed Ladders (1910.27) and ladders used in Construction Industry (1926.1053). These sections specify the standards to which all portable ladders must be manufactured, care and placement of ladders in the workplace and the sate use of ladders on the job.
Concerning ANSI Requirements
Depending on the material and type of ladder, different ANSI safety codes apply. The ANSI codes are as follows:
- Wood Ladder – ANSI A14.1
- Metal Ladder – ANSI A14.2
- Fixed Ladder – ANSI A14.3
- Fiberglass Ladder – ANSI A14.5
ANSI codes also have an established Duty Rating. This rating identifies which portable Ladder is intended for the conditions under which the ladder can be safely used. The Duty Rating system is as follows:
| Type | Capable of Supporting | Rated Use |
| TYPE 1AA | 375 lbs. | Extra Heavy Duty |
| Industrial | ||
| TYPE 1A | 300 lbs. | Heavy Duty Industrial |
| TYPE 1 | 250 lbs. | Medium Duty |
| Commercial | ||
| TYPE II | 225 lbs. | Light Duty Industrial |
Extensive testing and design requirements determine the appropriate Duty Rating for each ladder model. The rated load capacity includes the combined weight of the user, clothing, tools and any materials on the ladder. The tests requirements have been specified with a safety factor of four to ensure the ability of the ladder to meet the Duty Rating. However, the ratings assume proper use of the ladder (especially relating to the placement angle) in order to support the specified load.
General Ladder Safety
A ladder is a tool like any other. If it is used properly and according to safety guidelines, it will give many years of trouble free service. However, if proper cautions are not taken, a ladder can be involved in an accident. Please read and follow all instructions and labels accompanying each ladder.
Two factors that deserve particular attention are proper ladder selection and electrical shock precautions:
Pay close attention to the Duty Rating of the ladder and the combined weight of the user and materials. Select a ladder with the proper capacity. Also, be sure to select a ladder of proper height to reach the work area without overextending.
Be aware of wires, electrical devices and live electrical circuits. Metal ladders conduct electricity and can create a danger of electrocution. Failure to read and follow instructions regarding electrical safety could result in serious personal injury or death.
Inspection Before Each Use
- Inspect upon receipt and before each use. Never climb a damaged, bent or broken ladder all working parts must be in good working order.
- Make sure all rivets and joints, nuts and bolts are tight; feet, steps and rungs are secure; spreaders and pail shelf function properly (on stepladders); and rung locks, rope and pulley are in good condition (on extension ladders).
- Keep ladder clean, free from grease, oil, mud, snow, wet paint and other slippery material. Keep your shoes clean. Leather soles should not be used.
- Never make temporary repairs of damaged or missing parts.
- Destroy ladder if damaged, worn or if exposed to fire or chemical corrosion.
General Precautions Before Each Use
- Read the instructions printed on the ladder and follow them. Ladders are designed for one person. Exceptions are Double Front Step Ladders, which may be used by two people, one on each side. Duty Ratings still apply for each side and should be carefully observed.
- Never leave a ladder set up and unattended. Special care should be taken to keep children away from all ladders.
- If you anticipate the use of chemicals or other possibly corrosive materials, the ladder manufacturer should be consulted before use.
- If you are in poor health, subject to fainting spells, have physical handicap that would impair your climbing ability, or if you are under the influence of any drugs or alcohol (including legal drugs that may cause drowsiness), you should not use a ladder.
- Do not use in high winds or during a storm.
- Stay focused on safety whenever you are on the ladder, and keep your body weight between the rails.
Proper Care & Storage of Ladders
- Store ladders in a safe, dry place.
- Hang ladders on racks, at intervals of 6 feet for support.
- Properly secure and support ladders while in transit.
- Keep ladders clean and free of foreign materials.
- Never store materials on ladders.
Step Ladders – Proper Setup
- DANGER! Metal Conducts Electricity! Do not let ladders of any material come in contact with live electrical wires.
- Make sure ladder is fully open, spreaders secure, and pail shelf in position.
- Place on firm level surface with a secure footing. Do not use on slippery surfaces. Do not place on boxes, unstable bases or scaffolds to gain additional height. Do not place in front of door opening towards ladder.
Proper Climbing & Use
- Face ladder when climbing up or down, keep body centered between side rails.
- Maintain a firm grip. Use both hands in climbing.
- Never climb a ladder from the side unless ladder is secure against side wise motion, or climb from one ladder to another.
- Do not over reach, move ladder when needed.
- Do not “walk” or “jog” ladder when standing on it.
- Do not stand, climb or sit on ladder top, pail shelf, braces, or back section.
- Do not overload; ladders are meant for one person. Do not use as a brace, platform or plank.
- Keep ladder close to work, avoid pushing or pulling off the side of ladders.
Extension Ladders – Proper Setup
- DANGER! Metal Conducts Electricity! Do not let ladders of any material come in contact with live electrical wires.
- Secure base when raising extension and never set up ladder when it is extended.
- Set single or extension ladder at proper 75-1/2 degree angle by bracing ladder base a distance of 1/4 total working length of ladder away from base of vertical support. If distance is less that 3 ft., place base of ladder a minimum of 3 ft. from vertical support.
- Set ladder on firm ground. Do not lean sideways. Do not use on ice, snow or any slippery surface without non-skid device or securing feet.
- Erect ladder with minimum 3 ft. extending above roof line or working surface, the top at support points.
- Extend top section only from ground, never by “bouncing” or from the roof.
- Do not overextend – maintain maximum required overlap of sections as follows:
-Ladder size up to and including 32′ – 3′ overlap
-Ladder size over 32′ up to and including 36′ – 4′ overlap
-Ladder size over 36′ up to and including 48′ – 5′ overlap
-Ladder size over 48′ – 6′ overlap - Place on a firm surface and secure footing. Do not use on slippery surfaces. Do not place on boxes, unstable bases or scaffolds to gain additional height.
- Do not place in front of door opening towards ladder.
- Where possible, use second person to hold ladder.
Proper Climbing and Use
- Securely engage ladder rung locks before climbing. Check that top and bottom ends of ladder rails are firmly supported.
- Face ladder when climbing up or down; keep body centered between rails.
- Maintain a firm grip. Use both hands in climbing.
- Never climb a ladder from the side unless ladder is secured against side wise motion, or climb from one ladder to another.
- Do not stand closer than 3 ft. from the top. Never climb above the top support.
- Do not use ladder in high winds.
- Never use ladder as a platform, plank or hoist. Never use ladder as a scaffold.
- Do not overload. Ladders are meant for one person.
- Keep ladder close to work; avoid pushing or pulling off to the side of ladders.
- Never drop or apply an impact load to ladder.