Ladders

Accidents involving ladders cost the Ontario construction industry more than 800 lost-time injuries. Following are major causes of ladder accidents:

• ladders are not held, tied off or otherwise secured

• slippery surfaces and unfavorable weather conditions cause workers to lose footing on rungs or steps

• workers fail to grip ladders adequately when climbing up or down

• workers take unsafe position on ladders (such as leaning out to far)

• placement on poor footing or at improper angles causes ladders to slide

• ladders are defective

• ladders are toppled by high winds

• ladders are carelessly handled or improperly positioned near electrical lines

Preventing ladder accidents on the job site

• check ladder for defects before use

• clear scrap and material away from the base and top of the ladder since getting on or off the ladder is relatively hazardous

• secure the base against accidental movement. Secure the top also

• set the ladder on a firm, level surface. On soft, non-compacted, or rough soil, use a mudsill

• single-width job-built ladders are only meant for one worker at a time. A double-width ladder can be used by two workers, providing they are on opposite sides

• make sure that rails on ladders extend at least 3 feet above the landing. This allows for secure grip while stepping on or off

• set straight or extension ladders one foot out for every 3 or 4 feet up, depending on length of ladder

• before setting up ladders, always check for overhead power lines

• do not position ladders against flexible or moveable surfaces

• always face the ladder when climbing up or down and while working from it

• maintain 3-point contact when climbing up or down. That means two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times

• keep your centre of gravity between the side rails. Your belt buckle should never be outside the side rails

• when climbing up or down, do not carry tools or material in your hands. Use a hoist rope instead

• keep boots clean of mud, grease or any slippery materials which could cause loss of footing

• when working 3 metres (10 feet) or more above the ground or floor, wear a safety belt or safety harness with the lanyard tied off to the structure

• never straddle the space between a ladder and another object

• never erect ladders on boxes, carts, tables, or other unstable surfaces

• use fall-arrest equipment such as ladder climbing devices or lifelines when working from long ladders or when climbing vertical fixed ladders

• never use ladders horizontally as scaffold planks, runways, or any other service they have not been designed for

• stand no higher than the third or fourth rung from the top. Maintain knee contact for balance

• do not splice short ladders together to make a long ladder—the side rails will not be strong enough for the extra loads

• do not use ladders for bracing—they are not designed for this type of loading

• do not set up ladders in doorways, passageways, driveways, or any other location where they can be struck or knocked over

• never rest a ladder on its rungs. Ladders must rest on their side rails

• to erect long, awkward, or heavy ladders, get help to avoid injury from overexertion

• before erecting, using, or working from ladders, always check for electrical hazards. Never use aluminum ladders near live electrical equipment or wires

Inspection and Maintenance

• defective ladders should be taken out of service and either tagged for repair or scrapped. Personnel that are competent in this type of work should repair ladders.

• inspect ladders for structural rigidity

• inspect non-skid feet for wear, imbedded material and proper pivot action on swivel feet

• replace frayed or worn ropes on extension ladders with type and size equal to manufacturer’s original rope

• check aluminum ladder for dents and bends in side rails, steps, and rungs. Do not use metal pipe to replace a rung

• check wooden ladders for cracks, splits and rot

• check all ladders for grease, oil, caulking, imbedded stone and metal or other materials that could make them unsafe

Power Tools

• read the manual carefully to learn your power tool’s applications, limitations and any potential hazards

• ground your tool unless it is double insulated

• do not use power tool in rain, damp or wet locations or in the presence of explosive atmospheres (gaseous fumes, dust or flammable materials). Remove materials or debris that may be ignited by sparks

• keep work area clean and well lit

• do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Wear a protective hair covering to contain long hair, which may be caught in moving parts. Wear rubber gloves and insulated non-skid footwear outdoors. Keep hands and gloves away from moving parts

• wear safety goggles or glasses with side shields that comply with current safety standards. Hearing protection is a must during extended use of a power tool. Wear a dust mask for dusty operations. Wear other personal protective equipment as required. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

• all bystanders must be kept at a safe distance from the work area to protect themselves and the operator

• provide barriers or shields as necessary to protect others in the work area from sparks and debris

• secure work with a clamp, vise or other practical means of holding work secure. Use both hands to control tool

• do not use a tool or attachment to do a job for which it is not recommended. Do not alter a tool

• non-recommended accessories may be hazardous and shall not be used. Install and maintain accessories as per tool instructions. Do not defeat a guard or other safety device when installing an accessory or attachment

• inspect guards and other parts before use. Check for misalignment, binding of moving parts, improper mounting, broken parts and any other condition that may affect operation. If abnormal noise or vibration occurs the tool must be turned off immediately and the problem corrected before further use of the tool. Check that all adjusting keys and wrenches are removed from the tool before the power is turned on

• prevent body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. When making blind or plunge cuts, always check the work area for hidden wires or pipes. Hold your tool by insulated non-metal grasping surfaces. Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interceptor to reduce shock hazards

• do not force tool to perform at a rate other than what it was designed for. Excessive force causes operator fatigue, increased wear and reduced control

• keep hands away from all cutting edges and moving parts

• never carry tool by its cord or unplug it by yanking cord from the outlet. Pull plug rather than cord to reduce the risk of damage. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, sharp objects, cutting edges and moving parts

• do not overreach. Maintain proper footing and balance at all times. Use extra care when using tool on ladders, roofs, scaffolds

• watch what you are doing and use common sense. Do not use a tool when you are tired, distracted or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any medication which decreases control

• unplug tool when it is not in use, before changing accessories or performing recommended maintenance

• maintain tools. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Keep cutting edges sharp and clean. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Periodically inspect too cords and extension cords for damage

• when power tools are not in use, store them in the proper storage cases. If equipment does not have a proper storage case, store in an on-site job box with lock, or return to storage crib at the shop

• report any damaged tools immediately so a replacement or repair can take place. Tag the damaged tools with “DO NOT USE”

• maintain labels and nameplates

Health and Safety

Company Policy Statement, Roles and Responsibilities ● Injury Prevention ● Common Job-site Hazards, Housekeeping ● Emergency Procedures, First Aid Treatment ● WHMIS ● Assessing the Degree of Hazard, Working with Hazardous Gases ● Common Health Hazards in the Mechanical Trade, Workplace Specific Information ● Worker Statement, Sub-contractor Statement