SAFETY RULES IN USING LADDERS OF ALL TYPES

Apply the following rules when using all types of ladders:

• Maintain ladders free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards.

• Do not load ladders beyond their maximum intended load nor beyond their manufacturers rated capacity.
Only use ladders for their designed purpose.

• Only use ladders on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental movement.

• Do not use ladders on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental movement.

• Secure ladders placed in areas such as passageways, doorways or driveways, or where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic to prevent accidental movement.

• Use a barricade to keep traffic or activity away from the ladder.

• Keep areas clear around the top and bottom of ladders.

• Do not move, shift or extend ladders while in use.

• Use ladders equipped with nonconductive side rails if the worker or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment.

• Face the ladder when moving up or down.

• Use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing.

• Do not carry objects or loads that could cause loss of balance and falling.

• Apply the additional general requirements to all ladders, including ladders built at the jobsite:

- Double-cleated ladders or two or more ladders must be provided when ladders are the only way to enter
or exit a work area where 25 or more employees work or when a ladder serves simultaneous two way traffic.

- Ladder rungs, cleats and steps must be parallel, level and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use.

- Rungs, cleats and steps of portable and fixed ladders (except as provided below) must not be spaced less than 25 cm apart, nor more than 36 cm apart, along the ladders side rails.

- Rungs, cleats and steps of step stools must not be less than 20 cm apart, nor more than 31 cm apart, between center lines of the rungs, cleats and steps.

- Rungs, cleats and steps at the base section of extension trestle ladders must not be less than 20 cm no  more than 46 cm apart, between center lines of the rungs, cleats and steps. The rung spacing on the extension section must not be less 15 cm nor more than 31 cm.

- Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to create longer sections unless they are specifically designed for such use.

- When splicing side rails, the resulting side rail must be equivalent in strength to a one-piece side rail
made of the same material.

- Two or more separate ladders used to reach an elevated work area must be offset with a platform or landing between the ladders, except when portable ladders are used to gain access to fixed ladders.

- Ladder components must be surfaced to prevent snagging of clothing and injury from punctures or lacerations.

- Wood ladders must not be coated with any opaque covering except for identification or warning labels, which may be placed only on one face of a side rail.