This training is for employees who use both portable and fixed ladders, as well as scaffolding. The complete list of OSHA regulations covering ladders and scaffolding can be read here. If you'd like more information, or to schedule formal classroom training, please contact ES
The chief hazard when using a ladder is falling. A poorly designed, maintained, or improperly used ladder may collapse under the load placed upon it and cause the employee to fall.
A ladder is an appliance consisting of two side rails joined at regular intervals by crosspieces on which a person may step to ascend or descend.
The various types of portable ladders include:
OSHA's requirements for portable ladders include:
Proper use of ladders is essential in preventing accidents. Even a good ladder can be a serious safety hazard when used by workers in a dangerous way.
OSHA standards require the following safety precautions for ladder use:
A fixed ladder is a ladder permanently attached to a structure, building or equipment.
A point to remember is that fixed ladders, with a length of more than 20 feet to a maximum unbroken length of 30 feet shall be equipped with cages or a ladder safety device.
A "cage" is a guard that is fastened to the side rails of the fixed ladder or to the structure to encircle the climbing space of the ladder for the safety of the person who must climb the ladder.
Cages shall extend a minimum of 42 inches above the top of a landing, unless other acceptable protection is provided.
Cages shall extend down the ladder to a point not less than 7 feet nor more than 8 feet above the base of the ladder.
A ladder safety device is any device, other than a cage or well, designed to eliminate or reduce the possibility of accidental falls and may incorporate such features as life belts, friction brakes, and sliding attachments.
Another feature of fixed ladders is the landing platform which provides a means of interrupting a free fall and serves as a resting place during long climbs.
When fixed ladders are used to ascend to heights exceeding 20 feet (except on chimneys), landing platforms shall be provided for each 30 feet of height or fraction thereof, when cages are used, except that, where no cage, well, or ladder safety device is provided, landing platforms shall be provided for each 20 feet of height or fraction thereof.
Ladder safety devices may be used on tower, water tank, and chimney ladders over 20 feet in unbroken length in lieu of cage protection. No landing platform is required in these cases.
The preferred pitch of fixed ladders shall be considered to come in the range of 75 degrees and 90 degrees with the horizontal. Fixed ladders shall be considered to be substandard if they are installed within the pitch range of 60 and 75 degrees with the horizontal. Substandard fixed ladders are permitted only where it is found necessary to meet conditions of installation. This substandard pitch range shall be considered as a critical range to be avoided, if possible.
Ladders having a pitch in excess of 90 degrees with the horizontal are prohibited.
As with all ladders, fixed ladders shall be maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly.
This section discusses the safety requirements for the construction, operation, maintenance, and use of scaffolds used in the maintenance of buildings and structures.
There are a number of different types of scaffolds available. No attempt will be made here to deal with every unit individually.
It is important, however, to note some of the general requirements which apply to all scaffolds, namely:
This portion of the OSHA Standard contains requirements for the design, construction, and use of mobile work platforms (including ladder stands but not including aerial ladders) and rolling (mobile) scaffolds (towers). As in the previous section, there is a wide variety of materials and design possibilities involved. The following is only very general information.
General requirements include: