Ladder Safety Questions
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides a good list of safety tips for using a portable ladder. Portable ladders, as opposed to fixed ladders, can be moved from one place to another. They could be folding ladders or ladders that extend in the middle. Whatever the case may be, if you are using a portable ladder, ask yourself whether the ladder is damaged (See Reference 1). Damage might be in the form of loose rungs or missing brackets. If the ladder is damaged, do not use it. OSHA also suggests that you use the ladder only on a level surface. Therefore, look at where you are placing the ladder and ask yourself whether the surface is level. Find a level surface if the area is not level. In addition, OSHA suggests that you climb the ladder using a "three-point" contact system. This means that at all times when you are ascending or descending the ladder, at least three body parts (hands and feet) are in contact with the ladder (See Reference 1). Be aware of this as you climb the ladder and ask whether or not you are following this system.
- Fixed ladders remain bolted in place. According to laddersafety.org, your first order of business before using a fixed ladder is similar to the first question to ask when using a portable ladder: you need to make sure that the fixed ladder has been properly maintained. Check to see whether or not there are signs of rot (if the fixed ladder is wood) or corrosion (if the fixed ladder is metal). Do not use the ladder if it has not been properly maintained. In addition, inspect the rungs of the ladder as you climb. Check to see whether they are free of grease and grime; this could make the ladder slippery and unsafe for use (See Reference 2). Finally, laddersafety.org urges you to climb the ladders one at a time. Before climbing the ladder, look up and ask whether anyone else is climbing. Climb away if it is clear.