How to use a ladder correctly?
Proper Use of Ladders
- Step Ladders. Be certain the spreader is locked before climbing on the ladder. ...
- Extension and Straight Ladders. Raise the extension ladder to the desired height and lock both sides. ...
- Proper Ladder Placement. ...
- Remember. ...
- Proper Use of Ladders Quiz
- True or False. ...
How far should you extend an extention ladder?
What should you do to safely secure extension ladders?
- Raise and lower ladders from the ground. ...
- For access to an elevated work surface, erect ladders so that a minimum of 1 m (3 ft) extends above a landing platform. ...
- Use care when getting on and or off the ladder at the top or bottom in order to avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to ...
What is the extension ladder used for?
The Extension Ladder is a non-self-supporting portable ladder that is adjustable in length. It consists of two or more sections that travel in guides or brackets so arranged so as to permit length adjustment. It is intended for use by one person.
What are extension ladders used for?
Extension ladders can help you reach extreme heights to tackle certain projects, such as cleaning gutters and trimming trees. To help you decide on the ladder that’s right for your needs, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best extension ladders on Amazon. Here are our top picks.
How far should an extension ladder extend?
Extension ladders range in length from 16 feet up to and exceeding 40 feet. All non-self supported ladders should extend a minimum distance of 3 feet past the edge they rest against but not more than 4 feet. As with any ladder, extension ladders should be at the proper height and angle for optimum safety and stability.
What is the rule for extension ladders?
Set the ladder at the proper angle. When a ladder is leaned against a wall, the bottom of the ladder should be one-quarter of the ladder's working length away from the wall. For access to an elevated work surface, extend the top of the ladder three feet above that surface or secure the ladder at its top.
What is the 4 to 1 ladder rule?
The base of the ladder should be placed so that it is one foot away from the building for every four feet of hight to where the ladder rests against the building. This is known as the 4 to 1 rule.
Do extending ladders need to overlap by at least 5 rungs?
DO make sure that longer extension ladders (over 18 rungs) have an overlap of at least three rungs. Shorter ones (up to 18 rungs) need a minimum overlap of two.
What is the OSHA standard for ladders?
The minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable ladders must be 11.5 inches (29 cm). edge of a landing area must be no less than 7 inches (18 cm) and no more than 12 inches (30 cm). A landing platform must be provided if the step-across distance exceeds 12 inches (30 cm).
What is the working length of a ladder?
The working length of a ladder is the distance between the foot and the top support.
What is the 3 point rule for ladder safety?
To use ladders safely, always maintain three points of contact. That means two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times. Moving quickly often results in only 2-point contact. You often have to make a conscious effort to maintain 3-point contact.
What is the 3 point of contact rule?
The three points of contact rule means that three out of the four limbs are in contact at all times with whatever vehicle, ladder or stable platform you are mounting or dismounting from. It should be used if you're going to utilize heavy equipment, ladders or other stable platforms that you're climbing on and off of.
What is the minimum overlap required for extension ladders taller than 48 feet?
Each section of an extension ladder should overlap the adjacent section by a minimum num- ber of feet, depending on overall length. For ex- tension ladders up to 36 feet long, overlap should be at least 3 feet; for ladder lengths between 36 and 48 feet, overlap should be at least 4 feet.
How many rungs should you leave at the top of a ladder?
three rungsDo not work off the top three rungs – this provides a handhold. and one hand). Do not leave ladders unattended. working on, or going up or down a ladder, (e.g. use tool belts or carriers).
How many rungs should a ladder extend past the working platform?
3 rungsThe ladder should extend 3' (3 rungs) past the upper landing, such as a roof, for access. Do not overreach. Move the ladder so that you can keep your belt buckle (navel) inside the rails and both feet on the same rung throughout the task. Always face the ladder.
How do you extend an extension ladder?
0:274:09Raising and Lowering the Rails on an Extension Ladder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we're gonna do here is I like to grab the rope pretty high in my left hand. Bring this backMoreSo what we're gonna do here is I like to grab the rope pretty high in my left hand. Bring this back from the wall.
How long is a 28 foot extension ladder not extended?
Extension Ladder ChartExtension Ladder HeightMaximum Reach of Extension LadderDistance of Base Placement from Wall20 foot19 feet5 feet24 foot23 feet6 feet28 foot27 feet7 feet32 foot31 feet8 feet3 more rows•Oct 16, 2017
What is the minimum overlap required for extension ladders taller than 48 feet?
Each section of an extension ladder should overlap the adjacent section by a minimum num- ber of feet, depending on overall length. For ex- tension ladders up to 36 feet long, overlap should be at least 3 feet; for ladder lengths between 36 and 48 feet, overlap should be at least 4 feet.
Which side of an extension ladder goes against the house?
0:000:59How to Use an Extension Ladder Safely - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo set the ladder up put the bottom against the wall.MoreTo set the ladder up put the bottom against the wall.
Can ladders be placed in front of closed doors?
Ladders shall not be placed in front of a door that opens towards them unless the door is blocked, locked, or guarded. Portable ladders used as temporary access shall extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface.
What is an extension ladder?
The Extension Ladder is a non-self-supporting portable ladder that is adjustable in length. It consists of two or more sections that travel in guides or brackets so arranged so as to permit length adjustment. It is intended for use by one person.
When an extension ladder has previously been used as a single ladder, care should be exercised in properly reassembling?
When an Extension Ladder has previously been used as a Single Ladder, care should be exercised in properly reassembling the sections to insure that the interlocking guides or brackets are properly engaged before further use.
How many sections are in an extension ladder?
Extension Ladders are built with either two or three adjustable telescopic sections. The maximum extended length is dependent upon the number of sections as well as the duty rating of the ladder as follows:
What angle should a ladder be set at?
In cases where the work site imposes a height restriction on the ladder length, the user may find that longer ladders are not capable of being set-up at the proper 75 1/2 degrees angle, even when fully retracted. To safeguard against the bottom of the ladder sliding out, select a shorter Extension or Single Ladder.
What type of shoes are needed for an extension ladder?
The base section of an Extension Ladder must be equipped with slip-resistant feet such as safety shoes, spurs, spikes, conformable shoes, and flat or radiused tread feet.
How to set up a ladder at the right angle?
A simple rule for setting-up the ladder at the proper angle is to place the base a distance from the wall or upper support equal to one-quarter of the extended length of the ladder side rails. When ascending or descending the ladder, always face the ladder and maintain a firm hand hold.
What happens if a ladder is discarded?
In the event a ladder is discarded, it must be destroyed in such a manner as to render it useless. Another person must not be afforded the opportunity to use a ladder that has been deemed unsafe. When transporting ladders on vehicles equipped with ladder racks, the ladders must be properly supported.
What is ladder extension?
There are products on the market called ladder extensions that allow the user to step through the top three feet of ladder rather than around. These products attach to the top of the ladder and are basically an extension of the side rails without the rungs.
How dangerous are extension ladders?
Extension ladders: who hasn’t used one to access the roof of their home, praying every moment that it won’t fall back, slip to the side, or just buckle under your weight? A tool so common can still be extremely dangerous and the facts are alarming: 1 The United States leads the world in ladder deaths. Each year more than 164,000 people are treated from ladder injuries in the emergency room and more than 300 die from falls from ladders. 2 Most ladder deaths are from falls of 10 feet or less. 3 The number of fatalities resulting from falls from ladders has tripled in the past few decades.
How to climb a ladder?
Don’t be distracted. Just grab the ladder with your hands and ascend it while facing it. You should maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times and your center of gravity should be between the side rails. In order to maintain three points of contact, you will need to keep both feet and a hand on the ladder as you reach up for the next rung or both hands and a foot on the ladder as you step up (don’t be nervous, this is most likely how you already climb a ladder). The key to this, though, is to make sure you are not carrying anything. If you need to bring tools with you, they should be on a tool belt, tool vest, or something similar.#N#Make sure the ladder is locked into place before ascending and always, whether going up or down, check the ladder’s stability before placing your weight on it. Don’t ever move or adjust a ladder while somebody is on it.#N#Too many people get hurt on ladders every year, don’t become one of them. Understand the tool and how it is properly used before you use it. Sometimes the things we take for granted are the most dangerous things.
How to make sure ladder is not slippery?
Make sure that there are no dents in the rungs or other damage. Make sure they side rails are not bent or damaged. Ensure the safety feet are in place, as well as the ladder’s lanyard. Make sure the locking mechanisms are in place and all labels are legible. Make sure there is no slippery material on the ladder.
How to set up a ladder?
Take the time to set it up the way it’s supposed to be set up. Start by leaning the ladder at a 4:1 ratio. This means that for every four feet of height between the base and where the ladder makes contact with the structure you’re leaning against, the base needs to be one foot away. Like this:
How to tell if ladder is set at right angle?
A quick and easy way to tell if you’ve set the ladder up at (approximately) the correct angle is to stand with the tips of your toes touching the base. If you extend your arm and your fingertips are touching a rung then it’s about where you need it to be.
Can you move a ladder while someone is on it?
Don’t ever move or adjust a ladder while somebody is on it. Too many people get hurt on ladders every year, don’t become one of them. Understand the tool and how it is properly used before you use it. Sometimes the things we take for granted are the most dangerous things. Safety Blog.
Why do ladders need to be surfaced?
Ladder components shall be surfaced so as to prevent injury to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.
When should ladder cleats be parallel?
Ladder rungs, cleats, and steps shall be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use.
How much load can a portable ladder sustain?
Each portable ladder that is not self-supporting: At least four times the maximum intended load, except that each extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders shall sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load. The ability of a ladder to sustain the loads indicated in this paragraph shall be determined by applying or transmitting the requisite load to the ladder in a downward vertical direction when the ladder is placed at an angle of 75 1/2 degrees from the horizontal. Ladders built and tested in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A will be deemed to meet this requirement.
How far apart should a trestle ladder be?
Rungs, cleats, and steps of the base section of extension trestle ladders shall not be less than 8 inches (20 cm) nor more than 18 inches (46 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps.
How much clearance is required between a ladder and a cleat?
The minimum perpendicular clearance between the center line of fixed ladder rungs, cleats, and steps, and any obstruction on the climbing side of the ladder shall be 30 inches (76 cm), except as provided in paragraph (a) (15) of this section.
How much weight is required for a ladder?
Each fixed ladder: At least two loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, concentrated between any two consecutive attachments (the number and position of additional concentrated loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, determined from anticipated usage of the ladder, shall also be included), plus anticipated loads caused by ice buildup, winds, rigging, and impact loads resulting from the use of ladder safety devices. Each step or rung shall be capable of supporting a single concentrated load of at least 250 pounds (114 kg) applied in the middle of the step or rung. Ladders built in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A will be deemed to meet this requirement.
What is the purpose of a metal spreader on a step ladder?
A metal spreader or locking device shall be provided on each stepladder to hold the front and back sections in an open position when the ladder is being used.
Why do people misuse extension ladders?
When you climb the ladder, the weight is actually moved closer to the end of the lever. People commonly misuse extension ladders. Because of their instability issues , there are certain precautions that must be taken. First, two people must be involved in the use of the ladder.
What is the fly section of an extension ladder?
The fly section is the portion of the extension ladder that will be extended upward. This is the portion that you will climb as you get closer to the top. Additionally, it should be noted that some extension ladders have a two-part fly (and three primary ladder components in total).
How high should a ladder be on a roof?
If working on or examining a roof, extend the ladder to about 3 feet (.914 m) above the working height.
How to raise a ladder with a pulley?
If your ladder uses a pulley, simply pull on the rope to extend the ladder. If not, push the fly up manually. Make sure that the base of the ladder is continuously footed (with at least one person holding both rails of the base continuously) during the raising process.
What is a safety shoe on a ladder?
The safety shoe or foot of the ladder consists of the pads that are designed to be in contact with the ground when the ladder is in use. These typically will swivel or rotate slightly in order to be make better contact with the surface the ladder is on.
How many points of contact does an extension ladder have?
Extension ladders typically only have two points of contact with the ground. Some varieties of smaller ladders fold out to create four separate points of contact with the ground. Extension ladders typically have nothing other than the "feet" or "shoes" on the two side rails. Consequently, they can be a bit unstable.
How many people were injured by ladders in 2012?
Silly as it may sound, ladder-related injuries are among the most common easily preventable accidents. Roughly 250,000 Americans were injured as a result of ladder accidents in 2012 alone. Most of these injuries (97%) occurred at home, not construction sites.
What is required for ladder way floor openings?
12. Ladder way floor openings must be protected with a standard railing system and toe boards on all exposed sides (except the entrance). The passage through the railing must be protected by:
How far across do you need to be to have a guardrail?
D. Guardrails are not required unless the opening is more than 5 feet across.
How tall is a standard railing?
7. A "standard railing" consists of top rail, mid rail, and posts, and should have a vertical height of 42 inches nominal from the upper surface of top rail to floor, platform, runway, or ramp level. Nominal height of mid rail is ______ inches.
How far should a ladder be from the wall?
The ladder should maintain a 75-degree angle from the wall. You may know this as the 4:1 ratio or 4 rules for ladder safety. What does this mean? If your ladder is going to be 12 feet high, the distance of the base from the wall should be three feet.
Why is it important to keep a ladder in a lockable garage?
It’s also essential to keep the ladder in a lockable garage as burglars can use it to access your house.
Why are step ladders dangerous?
The top rungs of the ladder can lead to accidents due to loss of balance. It’s also very risky to improvise using boxes and blocks of wood to create extra height on the ladder. These items can collapse and lead to falls. What we’ve found during our research is really scary, people try to overreach the heights using a tiny step ladder which is very much dangerous. So we motivate to follow step ladder safety tips while using one. But if you really need to get access of top corners of your home or workplace then you need proper ladder. We have also published a resourceful handy reviews of the 9 best indoor ladder for high places, don’t forget to check that out.
What is the biggest sin in ladders?
Overreaching has got to be the biggest sin in using ladders. Do not use the first three rungs of a ladder unless they are designed for use. It does not matter whether you are using an extension ladder, step ladder to a-frame. The top rungs of the ladder can lead to accidents due to loss of balance.
What to do before using a ladder?
1. Ensure ladder inspection requirements. The first thing to do before using a ladder is to inspect for any red flags. You need to check for cracks and splits, rust, corrosion, and bolts that are not in place. Also, check that the rungs are correctly secured to both sides of the ladder.
What does a weight rating on a ladder mean?
Every ladder comes with a weight rating that determines how much weight the ladder can withstand before collapsing. You need to ensure that your ladder can hold both your weight and load, if any. Using a ladder that cannot withstand your weight could cause the ladder to break and cause an accident.
How to measure ladder angle?
You can measure this by standing straight with your toes at the bottom of the ladder. When you stretch out your arms, they should rest on the rungs at your shoulder height without overreaching. We recommend to maintain ideal ladder angle.
