Fall Prevention: Using Ladders Safety

Fall Prevention: Using Ladders

Choose the right type and size ladder for the job and keep these points in mind:

  • Be sure straight ladders are long enough so that the side rails extend above the top support by at least 36 inches
  • Don’t set up ladders in areas such as doorways or walkways where others may run into them, unless they are protected by barriers
  • Keep the area around the top and base of the ladder clear
  • Don’t run hoses, extension cords or leads on a ladder and create an obstruction
  • Don’t try to increase the height of a ladder by standing it on boxes, barrels or other material. Don’t try to splice two ladders together
  • Do not apply personal or job stickers/decal on a ladder
  • Set the ladder on a solid footing and support
  • Don’t try to use a stepladder as a straight ladder
  • Place the base of straight ladders out away from the wall or edge of the upper level about 1 foot for every 4 feet of vertical height
  • Don’t use ladders as a platform, runway or scaffold