LADDER SAFETY PROGRAM

Transcription

1 LADDER SAFETY PROGRAM 1.0 PURPOSE This program applies to employees, visitors and contractors (persons/persons) for the purpose of providing requirements necessary to prevent equipment misuse and fall injuries from the use of ladders. 2.0 REGULATORY AND NATIONAL CONSENSUS STANDARD REFERENCES This program complies with OSHA Ladders ; ANSI A14.2 (Portable Metal Ladders); ANSI A14.3 (Fixed Ladders). 3.0 DEFINITIONS Ladder - A device typically used to gain access to a different elevation consisting of two or more structural members crossed by rungs, steps, or cleats. Ladder varieties that may be used by employees include: o Articulated Ladder - A portable ladder with one or more pairs of locking hinges which allow the ladder to be set up in several configurations such as a single or extension ladder. o Combination Ladder - A portable ladder capable of being used as Stepladder, or as a Single or Extension Ladder. o Extension Ladder - A non-self-supporting portable ladder that is adjustable in length. o Fixed Ladder - A non-self-supporting ladder that is non-adjustable in length and permanently attached to a structure at a Pitch ranging from 60 degrees to 90 degrees from the horizontal. 1 P a g e

2 o Mobile Ladder - A movable, fixed height, self-supporting ladder consisting of wide flat treads in the form of steps which give access to a top step. o Single Ladder - A non-self-supporting portable ladder that is non-adjustable in length, consisting of one section. o Step Stool Ladder - A self-supporting, foldable, portable ladder that is nonadjustable in length, 32-inches or less in overall size, with flat steps and without a pail shelf. o Step Ladder - A self-supporting portable ladder that is non-adjustable in length, with flat steps and a hinged design for ease of storage. OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Program Administrator - The individual responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating. The role of the administrator covers both leadership and management functions. 4.0 REQUIREMENTS DECISION POINT Customize All Text in Red 4.1 RESPONSIBILITIES A. Program Administrator. Enter Position Title is the program administrator and has the authority and responsibility for implementing the provisions of this program. B. Managers and Supervisors are to ensure industrial ladders are properly maintained and are safe for employees and outside contractor use. C. Employees are to comply with the provisions of this program and any equipment manufacturer s safety instructions and warnings. 2 P a g e

3 4.2 PORTABLE LADDER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Persons utilizing portable ladders are to utilize the proper height ladder for the task to be performed. A. Single and Extension Ladder Safety Rules are to be followed 1. A simple rule that are to be followed for setting up these type ladders at the proper angle is to place the base a distance from the vertical wall equal to one-fourth (1/4) the working length of the ladder. Use a 4:1 Ratio 2. Use of Extension Ladders The following overlaps are to all apply: Three (3) foot overlaps for 32 foot ladder. Four (4) foot overlaps for 32 to 36 foot ladder. Five (5) foot overlaps for 36 to 48 foot ladder. Six (6) foot overlaps for 48 foot ladder. 3 P a g e

4 B. Extension Ladder Safety Rules are to be followed 1. Understand the various parts of the extension ladder to ensure functionality; 2. Make certain that both automatic locks of the extension ladder are in proper position before ascending the ladder; 3. Straight ladders and stepladders that exceed 10 feet are to be held by another person for steadying; 4. The area around the top and bottom of the ladder are to be kept clear; and 5. Hard hats are to be worn within an area beneath elevated work where objects could fall from a height and strike a worker below. 4 P a g e

5 4.3 FIXED LADDER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS 1. Fixed ladders are to be designed to withstand a single concentrated load of at least 200 lbs.; 2. Rungs of metal ladders are to have minimal diameter of three quarters (3/4) inch. Rungs are to be at least 16 inches wide and be spaced 12 inches apart; 3. The preferred pitch for a safe descent is 75 to 90 degrees. Ladders with 90 degree pitch are to have two and one half feet of clearance on the climbing side. There are to be a three (3) foot clearance on ladders with a 75 degree pitch; 4. There are to be at least a seven (7) inch clearance in back of the ladder to provide adequate toe space; 5. There are to be a clear width of 15 inches on each side of the center line of the ladder, unless the ladder is equipped with a cage or well; 6. Fixed ladders are to have cages if they are longer than 20 feet. Landing platforms are to be provided on ladders greater than 20 feet long. A platform is required every 30 feet for caged ladders and every 20 feet for unprotected ladders; and 7. Side rails are to extend at least 42 inches above the landing. 4.4 INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS Prior to utilization, persons are to: 1. Carefully examine the ladder for broken or missing rungs or cleats, broken side rails, and other damaged parts; 2. Ensure all cleats, rungs, and side rails are to be free of grease, oil, paint, or other slippery substances; 3. Ensure the ladder are to is equipped with feet that are secured in place; 4. Check step to side rail connections, hardware connections and rivets; and 5. Inspect the ladder for damage if it tips over before continuing work. 5 P a g e

6 4.5 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS Damaged ladders are to be withdrawn from service and either repaired or destroyed. When a defect or unsafe condition is found, employees are to tag or mark the ladder Out of Service so that it will not be used until repaired or discarded. Defective or unsafe conditions are to be reported to the supervisor. Field repairs and the fabrication of materials for ladders are prohibited. 4.6 STORAGE REQUIREMENTS Ladders are to be stored where they can be inspected easily and can be reached without causing an incident. 4.7 WORKER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS To prevent falls and injury while using ladders, persons are to: Select the right type and size ladder for the intended job; Inspect the ladder to confirm it is in good working condition; Tag unsafe ladders Do Not Use and report it to your supervisor; Wear slip-resistant shoes with heavy soles to prevent foot fatigue; Clean the soles of shoes to maximize traction; Use towlines, a tool belt or an assistant to convey materials so that the climbers hands are free when climbing; Use three (3) Point-of-Contact to minimize chances of slipping or falling from the ladder; Ascend/descend slowly, deliberately while facing the ladder and avoid sudden movements; Never attempt to move a ladder while standing on it; Keep the center of your belt buckle (stomach) between the ladder side rails when climbing and while working. Do not overreach or lean while working so that you don't fall off the ladder sideways or pull the ladder over sideways while standing on it. 6 P a g e

7 5.0 PROGRAM SAFETY FORM Employee Safety Training Record 6.0 RELATED SAFETY PROGRAMS None 7.0 PROGRAM REVISION RECORD Date Revision # Change Made Author (s) 0 Major Rewrite 7 P a g e