Hints and tips for Step Ladder Safety
The UK Health and Safety Executive provides a compact list of the main hints for step ladders safety. It is contained in one of its pocket cards, that contains notes on good practice which are not compulsory but which you may find helpful in considering what you need to do, according to the HSE itself.
Preparation of usage
a. Daily pre-use check (feet included)
b. Ensure there is space to fully open
c. Use any locking devices
d. Ground should be firm and level
e. Floors should be clean, not slippery
Usage
a. Short duration work (maximum 30 minutes)
b. Light work (up to 10 kg)
c. Do not work off the top two steps (top three steps for swing-back/double-sided stepladders) unless you have a safe handhold on the steps
d. Avoid side-on working
e. Do not overreach
The CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety) gives specific rules related to step ladders safety. In addition to this, the CCOHS provides indications for inspection, handling and storage.
Safe use
1. Use a ladder that is about 1m shorter than the highest point you have to reach.
2. Fully open the spreaders and shelf.
3. Check stability before climbing.
4. Place the tool with either the front or back of the steps facing the work, at right angles to the work.
5. Keep the ladder close to the work.
6. Avoid pushing or pulling from the side.
7. Face the ladder when climbing up or down and keep your body centered between side rails.
8. Use both hands when climbing to maintain a firm grip.
Things to avoid
1. Don't overreach. In case of need, move the tool.
2. Don't "shift" or "walk" when standing on.
3. Don't stand, climb, or sit on the top or pail shelf.
4. Don't overload.
5. Don't use a step ladder as a brace or as a support for a work platform or plank.
6. Don't climb a step ladder that is leaning against a wall, when a straight one has to be used instead.
7. Don't use ladders on slippery surfaces.
8. Don't use them on soft ground where one leg may sink farther into the ground than others.
9. Don't place unstable bases to gain additional height.
10. Don't climb the back of a step ladder.
11. Don't push or pull the sideways.
12. Don't use these tools in passageways, doorways, driveways or other locations where a person or vehicle can hit it.
In the OSHA Standard there are general requirements that apply to any kind of ladder and provide useful suggestions on how to avoid danger in general, loads, angles, rungs and slipping.
Preparation of usage
a. Daily pre-use check (feet included)
b. Ensure there is space to fully open
c. Use any locking devices
d. Ground should be firm and level
e. Floors should be clean, not slippery
Usage
a. Short duration work (maximum 30 minutes)
b. Light work (up to 10 kg)
c. Do not work off the top two steps (top three steps for swing-back/double-sided stepladders) unless you have a safe handhold on the steps
d. Avoid side-on working
e. Do not overreach
The CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety) gives specific rules related to step ladders safety. In addition to this, the CCOHS provides indications for inspection, handling and storage.
Safe use
1. Use a ladder that is about 1m shorter than the highest point you have to reach.
2. Fully open the spreaders and shelf.
3. Check stability before climbing.
4. Place the tool with either the front or back of the steps facing the work, at right angles to the work.
5. Keep the ladder close to the work.
6. Avoid pushing or pulling from the side.
7. Face the ladder when climbing up or down and keep your body centered between side rails.
8. Use both hands when climbing to maintain a firm grip.
Things to avoid
1. Don't overreach. In case of need, move the tool.
2. Don't "shift" or "walk" when standing on.
3. Don't stand, climb, or sit on the top or pail shelf.
4. Don't overload.
5. Don't use a step ladder as a brace or as a support for a work platform or plank.
6. Don't climb a step ladder that is leaning against a wall, when a straight one has to be used instead.
7. Don't use ladders on slippery surfaces.
8. Don't use them on soft ground where one leg may sink farther into the ground than others.
9. Don't place unstable bases to gain additional height.
10. Don't climb the back of a step ladder.
11. Don't push or pull the sideways.
12. Don't use these tools in passageways, doorways, driveways or other locations where a person or vehicle can hit it.
In the OSHA Standard there are general requirements that apply to any kind of ladder and provide useful suggestions on how to avoid danger in general, loads, angles, rungs and slipping.
Source...