Training Room 2: Page 3 | MoodleHUB 🎓

1. Training Room 2

1.9. Page 3

HCS3010: Workplace Safety Practices

Training Room 2: Workplace Safety in Action

Ladder Inspection

After choosing the right type of ladder for the job, your next step is to inspect the ladder. A ladder must be in proper working condition to be safe for use. Checklists are often used on the job site to make sure that a ladder is fit for use. Review this sample Checklist for Inspecting Ladder Before Use.

You will need to include a ladder inspection checklist as part of your Ladder Safety Reference Sheet.

Find a ladder inspection checklist on the Internet using the search words “ladder inspection checklist.” Compare the checklist you find to Checklist for Inspecting Ladder Before Use. Does the checklist you found have similar points? Is the checklist you found from a reliable source?

Save your checklist in a file called “Ladder Safety Reference Sheet” in your Pocket Guide to Workplace Safety sub-folder.

Ladder Set-up

This diagram shows that you should always maintain three-point contact with the ladder and that for every 1 metre high, the ladder base should be out zero point two five metres.

Hemera/Thinkstock

A ladder must be set up correctly to be safe. You will need to demonstrate safe ladder set-up to your teacher or to a qualified workplace safety instructor. Follow these procedures for ladder set-up:

Ladders should be placed so that each side rail is on level and firm footing and the ladder is rigid, stable, and secure.
Boxes, loose bricks, or other loose packing should not support the side rails.
No ladder should be placed in front of a door opening towards the ladder.
The correct angle for a freestanding ladder is 4 to 1. For every four lengths up, the ladder should stand one length away from the supporting structure.
Ladders should rise to a height of at least three feet above any landing place for people using the ladder.
Ladders should be securely fixed at the top and base so that they cannot move from either point of rest. If this is not possible, a person should stand at the base of the ladder and secure the ladder manually.

Ladder Use

Like any tool, safety depends on the user. How you use a ladder will be key to your safety and the safety of others around you.

Safe ladder use means following these rules:

Carry tools and supplies in belts or pouches around the waist, never in your hands.
Do not use the top step of the ladder for standing or stepping.
If you have a fear of heights, stop. Don't climb the ladder; let someone else do it.
Read and follow the manufacturer’s warning stickers attached to the ladder.
Only one person at a time may work from a single ladder.
Always face the ladder when ascending or descending.
Don’t use a ladder if it is missing or has a weakened, broken, or otherwise defective rung or tread.
No metal ladder or ladder reinforced with wire should be used in the vicinity of any electrical conductor or any electrical equipment.
Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder (two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot should be in contact with the ladder at all times).
A ladder should not be used for any use other than its correct use as a ladder. For example, do not use a ladder in place of scaffolding.

Source: “Tips on Ladder Safety,” Alberta Construction Safety Association

Watch “Ladder Safety” to see the correct set-up, use, and storage of ladders.

View Introduction: Ladder Safety to review the safe operation of various types of ladders and scaffolds.

Check your knowledge of safe ladder set-up and use by playing the “The Ladder Challenge.” Compare your score with the scores of your classmates and your teacher!