SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Hazard Identification
All workers must wear the basic PPE and specialized PPE as required by site and task
| Task/activity steps |
Potential Hazards present |
Controls (PPE, Equipment, Training, Documents, etc.) |
- Set up and use of portable ladders
- Build, set up and use of Job-Built ladders
|
- Falling off ladder
- Slipping or falling
- Unsecure ladders
- Improper ladder for the job.
- Broken ladders
- Misused ladders
|
- Follow SWP
- Follow manufacturer instructions
- WCB Standard LDR 1-2004
- Fall Protection system as required by WorkSafeBC Regulation 11.2
- Fall Protection Training if working above 10' or hazards below can cause serious injuries
|
2. Preliminary Activities
Where multiple trade activity is scheduled, the general contractor is to review in advance the priority of work and schedule the appropriate time frame to allow each trade to complete their scope of work.
Prior to any work commencing supervisors must conduct a hazard assessment of all applicable work areas. Any hazards that are found during the hazard assessment must be addressed prior to any work commencing.
3. General Guideline For Working Safely
DOs:
- Comply with OH&S Regulations.
- Wear and use the required PPE and ensure that any equipment to be used is in proper working conditions.
- Ensure the general public is protected by closing off / barricading areas which pose a hazard.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions on proper use, handling, inspection, maintenance and storage of ladders.
- Maintain 3 points of contact; two hands & one foot or one hand & two feet when climbing up, down or working off a ladder. Keep both feet on the ladder when standing/working (don't stand with one foot on another surface).
- Take one step at a time, always face the ladder.
- Keep belt buckle within the ladder when reaching sideways (between rails), avoid leaning backwards; keep your body as close to the ladder as possible.
- Avoid sudden, jerky or forceful movements when on a ladder.
- Keep hands above knee level at all times.
- Wear clean slip-resistant shoes.
- Use towlines, a tool belt or an assistant to convey materials to keep your hands free when climbing.
- Avoid dropping, hammering or subjecting ladders to strong impact.
- Climb only the intended surface of a ladder.
- Look up for obstacles, sprinklers, workers above, power lines, and other overhead hazards before placing a ladder.
DON'Ts:
- Don't use ladders if you feel tired or dizzy.
- Don't use ladders in high winds or storms.
- Don't use ladders in slippery environments.
- Don't leave ladders set up and unattended.
- Don't store materials on ladders.
- Don't paint any ladder except for small identification marks if needed.
- Never climb on the step ladder's top shelf/cap
- Don't climb on or above the first step from the top of step ladders.
- Don't climb on or above the third rung from the top of straight ladders.
- Don't use step ladder as single ladder by leaning it against a wall.
- Don't move or reposition the ladder while you're on it.
- Don't rise up on toes when reaching for something.
- Don't use the upper half of an extension ladder as a single ladder.
- Don't use ladders as scaffold planks.
4. Safe Work Practices
This program outlines the proper procedures to be taken when inspecting, maintaining, storing and using portable aluminum, fiberglass, metal, and wood ladders on the job. Always follow safe work practices and be aware of the hazards when using ladders.
Portable ladders should only be used when there are no permanent or temporary stairways or work platforms available for task.
- Working off a portable ladder is only acceptable for light duty tasks, which are short duration tasks not exceeding 15 minutes such as changing light bulbs, taking measurements or performing inspections.
- The ladders used must be of Grade 1, 1A or 1AA.
- Job-built ladders must follow WCB Standard LDR 1-2004.
- Ladders selected must be of correct material for task, for example, aluminum ladders must not be used with or near electrical work.
- Have another worker assist with carrying and placing the ladder in position or use ropes to bring up the materials.
- Evaluate the upper contact point of the ladder to ensure it is solid and structurally sound.
- Ensure that there is proper section overlap of at least 1.5 m for extension ladders.
- Secure the ladder at the top and extend the ladder at least 1 meter above the landing, if using the ladder for access from one level to another.
- Ladders must be placed on a firm, flat and level surface, never on top of another object.
- Ladders must be leaning at an angle of 75° (1 meter out from the wall for every 4 meters of height).
- Only one person at a time is permitted on a ladder unless stated otherwise by manufacturer.
- Ladders must not be placed in front of closed doors that can open toward the ladder. The door must be blocked open, locked, or guarded.
- Use fall restraint system if working on a ladder where the height of the guardrail is no longer an effective means of restraint.
- When using extension ladders, always consider the overlap and the 3' safety factor when choosing the ladder's length.
- Consider the use of optional attachments and accessories to help stabilize the ladder and use it safely, examples of such accessories: Ladder leveler, ladder extension system, ladder cinch, pole strap, etc.
- Standard ladders shall not exceed the following limits:
- Stepladders - 20 feet.
- Single ladders - 30 feet.
- Extension ladders (two sections) - 48 feet.
- Extension ladders (more than two sections) - 66 feet.
5. Inspection Prior to Use
Ensure that the ladder conforms to CSA and/or ANSI standards and that the manufacturer's labels and CSA labels are presented, intact, and legible. Ladders must be inspected prior to each use, and regularly at least annually.
| Inspect for |
Portable Ladder |
Wooden Job Built Ladder |
| Labels, Identification, CSA/ANSI logos and warnings | ✓ | |
| Complies to WCB Standard LDR 1-2004. | | ✓ |
| Loose, damaged or rusted rungs, steps, rails or braces | ✓ | |
| Any slippery material on rungs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loose fasteners and hinges | ✓ | |
| Faulty or broken stop on hinge spreaders | ✓ | |
| Ensure that spreaders are sturdy, tight and can be properly locked in place | ✓ | |
| Check locking mechanisms are secure | ✓ | |
| Check pulleys and ropes on extension ladders for good condition and proper lubrication | ✓ | |
| Missing or damaged extension locks | ✓ | |
| Check for damaged or excessive wear on the non-slip feet | ✓ | |
| Check ladders for twisted or distorted rails. | ✓ | ✓ |
| In wooden ladders (job-built ladders), check for rot, decay, cracks, broken | | ✓ |
| Material cracks or decay (especially for wood) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exposed fiberglass fibers (fiberglass ladders) | ✓ | |
| Exposed nails/splinters or sharp edges | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ladder wobble | ✓ | ✓ |
6. Portable Ladder Set Up
- Place the stepladder on a stable, firm, flat and level base.
- Never place a ladder on top of another object that is not an approved attachment.
- Open stepladder spreaders fully and lock in place.
- If setting up a step ladder near a fall hazard, place the ladder with the back support towards the edge, and you facing it. This will minimize the risk of falling off the edge. Do not position the ladder with your back to the edge.
- Follow the Do's and Don'ts as well as the safe work practices above.
7. Straight And Extension Ladder Set-Up
- Set up ladder on firm, flat and level base, ensure 4:1 ratio with 3ft above landing surface.
- For extension ladder:
- Extend ladder to the required height.
- Secure the rung lock or safety feature.
- Secure the ladder at top and bottom.
- Face the ladder when climbing up or down and keep the center of your body within the side rails.
- Keep three points of contact when on a ladder.
- Follow the Do's and Don'ts as well as the safe work practices above.
8. Job-Built Ladder Set-Up
- Set up ladder on a 4:1 ratio, 3 ft above landing surface and secured.
- Secure the ladder at top and bottom.
- Face the ladder when climbing up or down and keep the center of your body within the side rails.
- Keep three points of contact when on a ladder.
- Follow the Do's and Don'ts as well as the safe work practices above.
9. Clean Up And Storage
- Ladders should be kept clean and free of dirt and other debris.
- Wooden ladders shall not be painted. If protective coatings are used, they shall be transparent.
- Ladders shall be stored in proper dry storage areas following use.
