No
matter what type of ladder you use or what you use it for,
it pays to take some extra precautions. Any fall can be
serious, and a fall from the height of even a low ladder
can mean a painful and incapacitating injury. The U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission estimates that in one year 65,000
individuals receive emergency room treatment because of
ladder accidents.
Taking
proper precautions with ladders begins with choosing the
ladder. Consider the type of work the ladder will be used
for, the weight the ladder must carry, and the condition
of the ladder.
Most
ladders sold for household use are Type III light-duty ladders.
These are rated for a maximum load of 200 pounds (user plus
materials). If the ladder needs to carry more weight than
this, select a Type II medium-duty ladder (225 pounds) or
a Type I heavy-duty ladder (250 pounds). Most ladders will
be labeled with their duty rating. Buy a ladder long enough
for any use you may have for it. You should not stand on
the top or top step of a stepladder, or the top three rungs
of a straight or extension ladder. Keep in mind that the
length of a ladder is different from its usable length.
The height these ladders can safely reach is reduced by
the angle at which the ladder must be set up.
When
purchasing a new ladder, there are certain defects and features
that are potentially dangerous. On metal ladders, check
for sharp edges, dents and bent steps, rungs or rails. Wooden
ladders should be free of splits, cracks, chips and all
but small, tight knots. No ladder should have loose rungs
or steps. Steps on wooden stepladders should be reinforced
with metal rods or angle braces securely attached to the
step and side rail. The bottom step of all stepladders should
have metal angle braces. The stability of an individual
stepladder can be checked by standing on the first step
from the bottom and twisting the ladder. If it feels unsteady,
choose another ladder. All metal ladders should have slip-resistant
rubber or plastic feet. Metal stepladders should have slip-resistant
steps. Some wooden stepladders also have this desirable
feature. When using a ladder near power lines, use a wooden
or fiberglass ladder since metal ladders conduct electricity.
Even
a rigidly constructed ladder can be involved in an accident
if proper precautions are not taken. Read and follow all
instructions accompanying the ladder, set up the ladder
properly, and use good sense while working on the ladder.
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Taking proper precautions with ladders is an important step
in preventing these accidents. To raise a ladder, brace the
lower end against a wall and then grasp the top rung with
both hands. Raise the top end and walk underneath the ladder,
moving down the rungs until the ladder is vertical. Figure
1 gives an illustration of a straight ladder and an extension
ladder.
When
using an extension ladder, raise it to the desired height,
being sure the locks engage properly on both sides of the
ladder. To position the ladder properly, place it against
the wall so the distance between the wall and the base of
the ladder is ¬ of the length along the ladder from the
base to its point of support (¬ of its working length).
Since the rungs on ladders are normally one foot apart,
the approximate distance is easy to compute. If the ladder
is to be used for getting onto a roof, there should be 3
feet of ladder (at least three rungs) extending beyond the
edge of the roof. The ground under the ladder should be
both level and firm. Large flat wooden boards placed under
the ladder can level a ladder on uneven ground or give a
ladder better footing on soft ground. If possible, secure
the ladder. One way to do this is to have someone hold the
bottom of the ladder.
Other
points to remember when raising and positioning a ladder
are:
- Never
use a ladder in a strong wind.
- The
point where the ladder rests against the wall should be
flat and firm.
- A
ladder should not be placed in front of a door that is
not locked, blocked or guarded.
- Before
positioning the ladder, check for insect or bird nests
under the eaves; the top of a ladder is no place to discover
a wasp nest.
Face
the ladder when climbing or descending and use both hands.
Mount the ladder from the center, not from the side. Tools
should be carried in the pockets, in a bag attached to a
belt, or raised and lowered by rope. Be sure that the soles
of your shoes are clean and dry. Work facing the ladder,
holding on with one hand. If it is ever necessary to work
with both hands, hook one leg over the rung. Don't lean
too far to the side while working. A good general guide
is to keep your body centered between the rails of the ladder.
Instead of leaning to the side, get down and move the ladder.
In case of sudden dizziness or a panicky feeling, bow your
head, drape both arms over the rung in front of you, close
your eyes, and wait until the feeling passes.
Do
not use a ladder as a scaffold or for any purpose except
what was intended. Be very careful when using a metal ladder
around electrical wires or equipment. Many fatalities occur
when a metal ladder brushes against power lines while being
moved. Use only double-insulated or properly grounded electrical
tools on a metal ladder. To be safer, use only a dry wooden
or non-conductive fiberglass ladder when working around
electrical wires or equipment.
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Many of the suggestions for using straight and extension ladders
also apply to stepladders. Figure 2 shows an illustration
of a stepladder. When using a stepladder:
- Erect
a stepladder only on a flat level surface. Do not place
it on a table or any similar platform for added height.
- Never
use a stepladder as a straight ladder.
- Before
climbing a stepladder, make sure that its legs are fully
extended and the spreader locked. The locking device on
some ladders may present a pinching hazard, so keep fingers
clear when setting up the ladder.
- Do
not step on the top platform or top step.
- Do
not step on the bucket shelf or attempt to climb or stand
on the rear section supports. They are not designed to
support the weight of a person.
- Finally,
no matter what kind of ladder you are using, never leave
a raised ladder unattended. It could fall unexpectedly
and injure someone.
To keep a ladder in good condition, proper storage and maintenance
is a necessity. Ladders should be stored in a sheltered area.
Wooden ladders affected by exposure to heat combined with
dampness and need a dry, well-ventilated storage area. A wooden
ladder used outdoors should be shellacked, varnished or given
two coats of linseed oil as a protective coating. Some new
ladders may already have protective coatings; this will vary
with the manufacturer. Never paint a wooden ladder; the paint
can hide defects. Straight and extension ladders should be
stored horizontally on racks or hooks with support points
at the top, middle, and bottom of the ladder to prevent sagging
and warping. Inspect a ladder before each use for wear and
damage. This is particularly important after a long period
of storage or after a ladder has been dropped. Have repair
work done only by a competent repair shop. If there is major
damage, discard the ladder. Do not attempt to straighten a
bent metal ladder. Never use a damaged ladder. Periodically
tighten the reinforcing rods under the steps of a stepladder,
the spreader hinges and other hardware.
- U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fact Sheet No. 56:
Ladders (March 1976).
Acknowledgments
to Michelle L. Wallingford for her contributions to this
publication.
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Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
document is
AEX-691
,
Ohio State University Extension, Columbus, Ohio 43210. Publication
date: June 1992. Funded in whole or in part from Grant Number
U05/CCU506070-02, "Cooperative Agreement Program for Agricultural
Health Promotion Systems," National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health.
Reviewed by Drs. Dennis Stombaugh and Mike Veenhuizen, Department
of Agricultural Engineering and Dr. Judy Wessel, Department
of Family Resource Management, Ohio Cooperative Extension
Service, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210.