This document is intended to provide basic safety guidelines for the Physical Plant Department at Community College of Allegheny County. The information provided in this guide may vary by site. Version 1.0
Table of Contents I. Objective II. III. IV. Assignment of Responsibilities Selection of s Safety Rules V. Care and Maintenance VI. Training Appendix A Safety Rules Appendix B Inspection Training Sign-in Sheet 2
Community College of Allegheny County I. OBJECTIVE The objective of the Community College of Allegheny County Safety Program is to minimize employee injury during use. Our policy is to take a proactive approach in identifying work requiring ladder use, identifying associated hazards, selecting the proper ladder and providing necessary training for all affected employees. This program applies to all work operations where employees may be required to use a ladder. Every department and employee will participate in the Safety Program. Copies of the Safety Program are available in the Physical Plant Department for review by all employees. II. ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES The Physical Plant Supervisor will manage the Safety Program for each campus of the Community College of Allegheny County. The Physical Plant Department shall maintain all records pertaining to the plan. The Physical Plant Supervisor is responsible for reviewing and updating this plan as necessary, facilitating training and for: Ensuring that all ladders have duty rating stickers properly affixed Ensuring that ladders work properly Ensuring that all new hires are trained according to this policy Ensuring that all supervisors and employees abide by the program Conducting a safety investigation after any accident involving ladder use Having defective ladders repaired by the manufacturer (must be restored to their original design criteria) or having them destroyed and discarded Conduct Safety Training for all affected employees under their immediate supervision Removing defective ladders from service Working with employees in determining the appropriate ladder needed for the job Employees are responsible for: Abiding by this program Attending required training sessions Working with their supervisor in the selection of the proper ladder for the job Inspecting ladders for defects before each use using the Inspection (Appendix B) Tagging defective ladders as such and immediately reporting them to their supervisor Employing proper work practices III. SELECTION OF LADDERS To meet loading and strength requirements, all ladders should meet or exceed American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. All Type I, IA and IAA wood, aluminum and fiberglass ladders must meet or exceed ANSI standards for ladders used in the workplace. Only these three types of 3
Selection Of s, continued ladders will be allowed for use at Community College of Allegheny County. Other types of ladders may not meet these standards and therefore will not be allowed. Portable step ladders (A-frame) should be used for tasks that are lower to the ground. Portable straight (extension) ladders should be used for tasks that require access to high, tight areas or where it is only possible to get two ladder feet on solid, level ground. Consult with the manufacturer's guidelines on the possible and appropriate uses of the ladder. Make sure the ladder is of sufficient length. Never use a metal ladder on or around electrical elements. ALWAYS USE WOOD OR FIBERGLASS. (Even then, check the warning label to ensure that the ladder is not reinforced with steel or other conductive material.) IV. LADDER SAFETY RULES The safety of all employees is dependent upon using proper procedures and following safety rules. All Community College of Allegheny County employees must abide by the ladder safety rules (Appendix A) at all times when using ladders. If there is a question about the rules, employees should consult with their supervisor. Never attempt to use a ladder if you are concerned about any safety aspect. V. CARE AND MAINTENANCE Storing a ladder correctly is important in maintaining its integrity. s must be stored in designated locations out of direct sunlight, weather or any other hazardous condition that could compromise the integrity of the ladder. Nothing should be stored on ladders. Store ladders vertically whenever possible. If ladders must be stored horizontally, use only approved racks. Support them in several places to avoid the rails from sagging. Never store ladders somewhere they can cause others to trip over them. Secure ladders when transporting them to another location. VI. TRAINING All employees of the Community College of Allegheny County Physical Plant Department will be trained prior to ladder use to recognize hazards and procedures to minimize injury. They will be trained to: Recognize the possible hazards associated with ladder use, maintenance and safety precautions Properly use and place ladders Know the maximum intended load capacity of the ladders used Employees will be retrained as necessary to maintain their understanding and knowledge on the safe use of ladders. 4
APPENDIX A Safety Rules for All s 1. Always inspect the ladder for damage before use. 2. Maintain 3-point contact with the ladder. Have at least both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand in contact with the ladder at all times. 3. Keep your belt buckle between the ladder rails. This keeps your center of gravity in a safe zone. 4. Wear non-skid shoes when climbing the ladder. 5. Keep ladders free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards. 6. Never load a ladder beyond its maximum intended load or the manufacturer s rated capacity. 7. Use only for the designed purpose. Use ladders on a stable and level surface. 8. Never use ladders on a slippery surface unless secured to prevent accidental movement. 9. Always secure ladders when used in areas such as doorways, passageways, driveways or other areas where they could be displaced. Barricade the area to keep traffic or activity away from the ladder. 10. Only have one person on the ladder at a time. Have a second person hold the ladder while the other climbs. This will prevent the ladder from swaying out from underneath the climber. 11. Do not move, shift or extend ladders while in use. 12. Use extreme caution when working around energized electrical equipment. Make sure the ladder has non-conductive side rails. 13. Always face the ladder when moving up or down. 14. Use both hands when going up or down the ladder. 15. Do not carry objects or loads that could cause you to lose your balance and fall. 16. Don't climb a ladder if the weather is not conducive to climbing: high winds, rain or snow. Safety Rules for Stepladders 1. Do not use the top or top step as a step or seat. 2. Do not use the cross bracing on the back side of the ladder for climbing or any other purpose. 3. The paint tray should only be used for paint trays or cans. 4. Spreaders must be fully extended and locked before use. 5. Never use as a straight ladder. Safety Rules for Straight s 1. After raising the ladder to the desired height, lock side in place. 2. Side rails must extend at least three feet above the upper landing surface. 3. For every four feet in height from the ground to where the ladder is touching the support at the top, the bottom of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall. This is known as the 4-to-1 rule. 4. Never stand on the top three rungs. 5. Never place against movable objects. *Additional safety rules may apply to certain workplaces, tasks or situations. Consult with your supervisor for more information. 5
APPENDIX B Inspection Employees must answer the following questions before using any ladder. Defective ladders must be tagged Do Not Use and removed from service. Report any problems or defective ladders to your supervisor immediately. Are the rungs, cleats and steps intact and free of damage? Are the rails and steps free from cracks, bends, breaks or splits? Are the nuts, bolts, rivets and other ladder parts tight and in place? Are the ropes in good condition? Is the ladder free of sharp edges, cuts, splinters, etc.? Is the ladder free of corrosion? Have wooden ladders been covered with a clear preservative? Is the ladder properly stored? Are horizontally stored ladders fully supported? Is the duty rating sticker located on the side of the ladder? 6
Training: Safety Instructor: Date Name Department 7