HSE Insider : LADDER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AWARENESS TOOLBOX TALK IN THE WORKPLACE

LADDER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

AWARENESS TOOLBOX TALK

IN THE WORKPLACE

FREE : PART 2 - MONTHLY INTERNAL

HSE AUDIT CHECKLIST

LADDER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AWARENESS TOOLBOX TALK IN THE WORKPLACE

Choosing the Correct Ladder: Non-Conductive Ladder:

Employees are not allowed to use aluminum portable ladders especially working with electrical equipments

Fiberglass / FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) or composite rail ladders (non-conductive) are recommended to be used by employees

Wooden Ladder:

Wooden ladders are nowadays not used in industry.

Step Ladder:

Employees are never to stand on the top two rungs of a step ladder

As a best practice, the top two rungs may be colored red to alert employees

A step ladder must be used with the spreaders fully opened and secured

Straight or Extension Ladders:

If accessing an elevated surface, extend the ladder rungs above the leading edge and secure the top of the ladder to prevent slipping

Never fasten two straight ladders together unless both ladders are specifically designed to do so

Inspect the ladder before use:

Ensure rails and rungs/steps are not cracked, bent, loose or covered in oily debris

Ensure step ladders have two spreaders (hold the ladder open) that are not damaged and that open and close properly

Ensure the fly section of an extension ladder extends properly and securely locks into place

Discard and mark/label any damaged portable ladders

Damaged ladders must be removed from workplace immediately

HSE Officer has to certify the ladders after a detailed inspection

Proper setup of a ladder:

Secure or barricade the work site if in a high traffic area (doorways etc.)

Place the ladder on a firm level surface

Straight or extension ladders must be angled at a 4 to1 ratio

(For every 4ft of elevation the ladder must extend 1ft from the base)

Proper use of a portable ladder:

Maintain 3points of contact when working on the ladder

Always face the ladder when climbing up or down

Keep ladder free of oil/grease and other slipping hazards

Don’t over-reach while on the ladder

Don’t shift, move or extend a ladder while in use

Don’t load ladder beyond the maximum intended load (see manufacturer label)

LADDER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AWARENESS TOOLBOX TALK IN THE WORKPLACE