Amherst College Portable Ladder Safety

Ladder Injuries and Fatalities

  • Falls from portable ladders are one of the leading causes of fatalities and injuries because of improper maintenance and use. Annually…
    • 90,000 people receive emergency room treatment for injuries related to falls from ladders
    • 700 people die from the fall
      • 9% from falls of less than 6'
      • 28% from falls from between 6 – 10'

Ladders Accident Types

1. Selection of the wrong ladder size or type

  • Is the weight capacity appropriate for person and tool(s)?
  • Is the height correct?

2. Broken or Damaged Ladders

  • Was an inspection performed prior to use?

3. Incorrect Use of Ladder

  • Follow the manufacturer’s requirements which are posted on the ladder – See Labels
  • Always maintain a 3-point contact with the ladder
  • Never allow your belt buckle to pass by the top step or side rail of a portable ladder
  • Never use a step ladder as a straight ladder. The spreaders must always be fully opened and locked
  • Only (1) person on a ladder at any time, using the correct side of the ladder
  • Never use a ladder if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or over-the-counter medication that impairs judgement.

4. Incorrect Placement of Ladders

  • Ladder must be placed on firm level ground.
    • Extension ladders have feet that can be adjusted for hard surfaces and soft ground
  • Ladders should never be placed in front of door unless appropriate safety measures are taken
    • Block, Guard or Lock the door to prevent knocking the person off the ladder
  • Consider the use of a spotter to support the base of the ladder to prevent it from moving or tipping

Ladder Priorities

1. Use the correct ladder for the job. Is it tall enough and will it support the intended weight

  • Is the ladder the most appropriate equipment for the job, or should a lift be used?

2. Inspect ladder for breaks, damage, missing parts and to make sure all the warning labels are in place and legible

  • Do not use a broken or damaged ladder
    • Remove the ladder from service. Label it… Do Not Use, or break the ladder to prevent future use

3. Never use a ladder within 10’ of a power line or exposed energized electrical equipment

4. Never place a ladder on boxes, bricks, concrete blocks or other unstable bases to gain extra height

5. Consider using a spotter to assist in stabilizing the ladder

6. When ascending or descending an extension or step ladder always maintain a 3-point contact

  • Always step on the outer edges of the rung or step by the beam or rail

7. If the ladder needs to be relocated, the user must get off the ladder prior to it being moved

Extension Ladder Use

  • Never stand on the top 3 rungs
  • Extend the ladder at least 3 (preferably 5) steps above the surface (i.e. roof) you want to gain access to.
    • 5 rungs are safer for getting on and off elevated surface, as it significantly reduces the risk of fall
  • Always use the 1:4 ratio when placing an extension ladder against a wall or similar
    • For every 4' in elevation, the base of the ladder must be 1’ away from the wall
      • Example—If ladder must be placed at a height of 20’, the base of the ladder must be 5’ from wall

Step Ladders

  • When using a step ladder… never step on the top two steps
  • Make sure that the spreaders are opened all of the way and locked. Never use a step ladder as a straight ladder.
Agreement
By clicking the 'I Agree' button you signify that you have read and understood the content in the portable ladder safety guidelines above and that you agree to abide by the guidelines. You cannot use portable ladders on campus unless you click this button.