SAFE WORK PRACTICES

LADDER INSPECTIONS & USE Page 1 of 2

*This information does not take precedence over OH&S. All employees should be familiar with the OH&S Act and Regulations*

INSPECT LADDERS FOR:

 Missing, loose, broken or defective steps, rungs, cords or other parts.

 Loose nails, screws, bolts or other metal parts.

 Cracked, split, worn or broken rails, braces, steps or rungs (or sharp edges).

 Rough or splintered surfaces, twisted or distorted rails.

 Damaged or worn nonslip feet.

 Missing identification label.

 Paint, corrosion, rust, oxidization and excessive wear, especially on treads.

 Adequate lubrication of moving parts.

DO:

 Inspect ladders before each use.

 Tag defective ladders and take out of service.

 Check fiberglass ladders regularly for cracks and exposed fiberglass.

 Check all nuts, bolts, spreaders and locks for tightness and good repair.

 Check wooden ladders for rot, decay or warped rails.

 Protect wooden ladders with a clear sealer or wood preservative – do not use paint.

 Check all ladders for distortion by sighting along the rails – a ladder that is twisted

or distorted is hazardous.

 Replace worn or frayed ropes on extension ladder, lubricated on extension ladders.

 Check the condition of ladders that have fallen or been dropped before using them

again.

DON’T:

 Make temporary or makeshift repairs.

 Try to straighten or attempt to use bent or bowed ladders.

 Use a portable ladder or stepladder which has been painted.

SAFE USE:

1. Rest top of ladder against solid surface that can withstand the load. A portable

ladder must extend at least one meter above any surface the ladder is used to

access.

BMC Construction LTD

SAFE WORK PRACTICES

LADDER INSPECTIONS & USE Page 2 of 2

2. Attach a ladder stay across the back of ladder where a surface cannot stand the

load. Extend the say across a window for firm support against the building walls or

window frame.

3. Guard or fence off the area around a ladder in use where persons have access.

4. Secure a portable ladder at the top to prevent it from slipping sideways or the foot

from slipping outwards. A portable ladder in use must slope at an angle of one

horizontal to four vertical.

5. If it is not possible to tie off the ladder, have someone hold the foot of the ladder

whenever possible. The person at the foot should face the ladder with a hand on

each side rail and one foot resting on the bottom rung. (This is effective only for

ladders up to 5m (16 ft) long.)

6. Attach hooks on top of ladder rails where the ladder is to be used at a constant

height.

7. Do not rest the ladder on any rung. Only the side rails are designed for this

purpose.

8. Secure the base of the ladder against accidental movement. Securing the ladder at

the foot does not prevent side slip at the top.

9. Use only ladders equipped with non-slip feet. Otherwise, nail

a cleat to the floor or anchor the feet or bottom of the side

rails.

10. Only one person is permitted to climb a section of a ladder at

one time.

11. Maintain 3-point contact by keeping two hands and one foot,

or two feet and one hand on ladder at all times.

12. Never use a ladder to support a working platform.

13. Never work from the top two rungs or steps of a ladder.

14. Avoid metal ladders where electrical contact is possible.

BMC Construction LTD