Walking Tall: And climbing the ladder of success

Nonself-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-fourth of the working length of the ladder (the distance along the ladder between the foot and top support).

When ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder siderails shall extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible, the ladder shall be secured at the top and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder.

Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent their accidental displacement. Nonself-supporting ladders shall not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement.

Ladders with structural or other defects shall be immediately tagged with a danger tag reading "Out of Service," "Do Not Use," or similar wording and shall be withdrawn from service until repaired.

All ladder repairs shall be made by a qualified person trained and familiar with the design and the proper procedures for repairing defective components.

Ladders shall be inspected for defects prior to use during each work-shift, and after any occurrence which could affect their safe use.

The top of a nonself-supporting ladder shall be placed with the two rails supported unless it is equipped with a single support attachment.

The top of a stepladder shall not be used as a step.

Working loads, etc.
The working loads corresponding to the duty ratings of portable ladders shall be as follows: Extra heavy duty, heavy duty, medium duty, and light duty.

The combined weight of the employee and any tools and supplies carried by the employee shall not exceed the maximum intended load of the ladder.

Ladder rungs and steps shall be uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use.

Wood ladders shall not be coated with any opaque covering, except for identification or warning labels which may be placed on one face only of a siderail.

Metal ladders shall be protected against corrosion.

Ladder surfaces shall be free of puncture or laceration hazards.

Fixed individual rung ladders shall be constructed to prevent the employee's feet from sliding off the end.

A ladder that might contact uninsulated energized electrical equipment shall have nonconductive siderails.

A metal spreader or locking device shall be provided on each stepladder or combination ladder when used in the stepladder mode to hold the front and back sections securely in an open position. All treads shall be identical.

Employee training shall consist of instructions in the proper placement and securing of the ramps and bridging devices, securing of vehicles, and the proper use of material-handling equipment.

Fall protection
Employers shall provide a guardrail system as the primary fall protection system. When the use of a guardrail system isn't feasible, the employer shall provide an appropriate alternative such as personal fall protection systems, hole covers, safety nets, etc., which complies with the requirements.

Scaffolds shall be inspected for visible defects prior to each day's use and after any occurrence which could affect a scaffold's structural integrity. Deficiencies shall be corrected before use.

Safety platforms include floors, ramps, roofs, and similar walking and working surfaces.

Employees exposed to unprotected sides or edges of surfaces that present a falling hazard of 4 feet or more to a lower level or floor holes shall be protected by a fall protection system.

Each employee shall be protected from falling by body belts or harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines, separate from the chair support system. Boatswains' chair tackle shall be correctly sized for the rope being used and the rope shall be "eye" spliced.

All units shall be given a visual inspection prior to use for defects that could cause employee injury. The employer shall ensure that the manufacturers' specifications for inspection and maintenance are met where applicable.