Introduction Stairways and Ladders Welcome! This course will cover basic elements of stairway and ladder safety in construction. The training session should take about 35 minutes to complete. Click on the forward arrow to begin your training.
Introduction Objectives Upon completion, you should be familiar with: Stairway and ladder protection Relevant OSHA standards Why standards exist What is covered
Introduction New Learning Objectives Upon completion of this training session, the student will be able to: 1: Identify major stairway & ladder hazards 2: Describe types of stairway & ladder hazards 3: Protect him/herself from stairway & ladder hazards 4: Recognize employer requirements to protect workers from stairway & ladder hazards TIP: Disclaimer: This Compliance Assistance product is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. The Compliance Assistance product is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must comply with safety and health standards promulgated by OSHA or by a State with an OSHA-approved State Plan. In addition, pursuant to Section 5(a)(1), the General Duty Clause of the Act, employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Employers can be cited for violating the General Duty Clause if there is a recognized hazard and they do not take reasonable steps to prevent or to abate the hazard. However, failure to implement these recommendations is not, in itself, a violation of the General Duty Clause. Citations can only be based on standards, regulations, and the General Duty Clause.
Introduction Course Overview Objective: Program requirements for stairways and ladders Audience: Workers, supervisors, managers OSHA references: 1926.1050-1060, Subpart X (construction) 1910.27 (general industry)
Introduction Course Agenda This course will focus on: Terms and definitions Temporary stairs Ladder types Safe use Inspection Straight, step, and fixed ladders
Introduction Get Site-Specific training! This training course: Provides basic information Is NOT a substitute for: Provisions of OSHA act OSHA standards Specific, hands-on training
Introduction Ladder Accidents Falls from ladders are a leading cause of work place fatalities and injuries From 1984 to 1997, approximately: 3,000 fatalities 65,000 disabling injuries
Introduction OSHA Citations: Stairways & Ladders One recent year, OSHA cited these violations: No handrail 598 Ladder not 3 feet beyond landing 488 No stairway or ladder provided 253 Damaged ladder 137
Definitions Stairway & Ladder Definitions Cleats: Crosspieces between vertical side rails Single-cleat: Standard ladder configuration of cleats, rails
Definitions Definitions (2) Double-cleated ladder: 2 vertical side rails, 1 center rail Allows 2-way traffic Extended trestle (extension ladder): Self-supporting portable ladder Adjustable length / height
Definitions Definitions (3) Job-made ladders: Fabricated onsite (not commercially) Strict standards (ANSI A.14.4-1979) Portable Ladders: Readily moved
Definitions Definitions (4) Maximum intended load: Greatest weight ladder can safely support Factor all people, equipment, materials, etc.
Definitions Definitions (5) Fixed-Ladder: Permanent structure; not readily moved Stair rail system: Vertical barrier for fall protection Typically 36 inches above tread Tread depth: Front-to-back measurement of tread Safety tip: The tread is the top horizontal surface of a step.
Definitions Definitions (6) Unprotected sides and edges: No stair rail system or wall 36 high Side of edge of stairway landing, ladder platform without wall / guardrail 39 high; Except entrances at point of access
Definitions Definitions (7) Metal pan stairs and landings: Stair forms to later be filled with concrete Tripping hazard
Definitions Which of the following are true about unprotected sides and edges? Unprotected sides and edges are areas where there is no stair rail system or wall 36 inches or more in height. Unprotected sides and edges are any side of the edge of a stairway landing or ladder platform where there is no wall or guardrail system 39 inches or more in height. An exception to this last requirement is any entrance at point of access.
Temporary Stairs Tripping Hazards To prevent tripping hazards: Pan stairs required to be filled Treads non-slip material / coating Sweep stairs, keep clear
Temporary Stairs Basic Requirements For elevation break 19 inches: Stairs, ladder, or ramp When 4 risers: handrails Stairways not permanent part of building / where construction work being performed: Landing 30 inches in direction of travel 22 inches wide Landing 12 feet of every vertical rise
Temporary Stairs Basic Requirements (2) Temporary stairs: Between 30 and 50 Riser height, tread depth = uniform Variations not to exceed ¼ inch
Temporary Stairs Basic Requirements (3) Good housekeeping: Slippery conditions corrected immediately Electrical cords not strung across stairs Materials, tools not be left on stairs / landings Stairway free of projectiles, sharp edges, nails
Temporary Stairs Basic Requirements (4) Adequate lighting = critical: 5-foot candles illumination (minimum) Door directly onto stairway requires platform Clearance for access / egress 20 inches Safety Tip: A foot candle is a unit of illumination, equal to one lumen per square foot (10.764 lux), or the amount of light from a source of one candela directly thrown on a square foot of surface at a distance of one foot. As an example, a 100 watt incandescent bulb produces about 137 foot-candles.
Temporary Stairs Spiral Stairways Should be part of permanent structure Handrail to prevent walking where tread < 6 Safety Tip: See OSHA standards 1926(a)(1) and 1926.1052[c](2) for further reference.
Temporary Stairs Stairway Handrails Handrail, stair rail system all unprotected sides: Stairway with 4 risers / 30 inches Whichever = less Handrail height = 30 to 37 inches (tread to top)
Temporary Stairs Stairway Handrails (2) Installation of midrails: Midway between tread / handrail May need mesh (if materials can be dropped) Must withstand 200 lbs. of force Toeboards around floor openings, stairwells
Types Of Ladders Types of Ladders Four ladder types: Straight Extension Step Fixed Safety Tip: In most cases, fixed ladders are a permanent part of a structure and are not portable. Fixed ladders with a vertical climb of 24 feet or greater must be equipped with a cage, self-retracting life line, rest platform, or other safety features.
Types of Ladders Which of the following types of ladders are most commonly used in the construction industry? Straight ladder Extension ladder Step ladder Fixed ladder
Types Of Ladders Ladder Materials Common ladder materials: Wood Aluminum Fiberglass Different limitations, advantages, disadvantages Choose based on job, conditions, hazards Safety Tip: Never use an aluminum ladder where electrical wires or equipment or tools are present.
Types Of Ladders Duty Rating Ensure ladder has sufficient load capacity Calculate total weight of load: Worker PPE Tools / equipment Check rated load capacity (label)
Types of Ladders Duty Rating (2) Ladders manufactured with 5 classifications: Type IAA: heavy duty, industrial, 375 lbs. limit Type IA: heavy duty, industrial, 300 lbs. limit Type I: heavy duty, 250 lbs. limit Type II: medium duty, 225 lbs. limit Type III: light duty, 200 lbs. weight limit Safety Tip: Type III ladders are commonly called a household ladders. These should not be used on a construction site.
Using Ladders Safely Using Ladders Safely If possible, don t use ladder at all Eliminate exposure / risk: Falls Contact with overhead utilities Back, muscle strain Safety Tip: With any activity, if you can eliminate the exposure to injury by finding another method or piece of equipment, this should be your first consideration.
Using Ladders Safely Protect Yourself from Injury When you have to use a ladder: Work boots or shoes with heel, non-slip soles Footwear = clean before climbing Gloves = recommended Be aware of jewelry that might catch
Using Ladders Safely Top Ten Rules 1. Inspect the ladder. Check for damage, defects Do NOT use damaged ladder Remove from work area Is it free of oil, grease, other slipping hazards? Are warning stickers clearly affixed? Safety Tip: Remember, most ladders are built with one purpose in mind climbing. Using a ladder for any other purpose can cause damage or weaken it, which may cause serious accidents and injuries.
Using Ladders Safely Top Ten Rules (2) 2. Inspect the location. Stable? Free of debris, liquids? Overhead utilities, obstructions? Equipment, traffic, tripping hazards? Safety Tip: Use a large solid board to level the surface and to keep the ladder from sinking into soft ground.
Using Ladders Safely Top Ten Rules (3) 3. Select the right ladder for the job: long/tall enough, non-conductive? Safety Tip: Use a grab device when 3 foot extension is not possible. Case Study: Fatality. An employee was installing gutters using an aluminum ladder. As he was setting up the ladder, he accidentally touched a power line with the aluminum ladder and was electrocuted upon contact with the uninsulated line. That s why non-conductive ladders are preferred.
Using Ladders Safely Top Ten Rules (4) 4. Position the ladder correctly. 4-to-1 rule for straight and extension ladders Four feet up and one foot out. A ladder contacting a wall 16 feet high should have its base 4 feet out from the wall. Safety Tip: Do not use a ladder as a make-shift scaffold or a ramp.
Using Ladders Safely Top Ten Rules (5) 5. Face the ladder and use both hands when ascending and descending. Use 3 point rule. Two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand.
Using Ladders Safely Top Ten Rules (6) 6. Secure the ladder to a rigid support. When securing a ladder, tie the ladder off as close to the upper support point as possible. This will maximize the stability. Case Study: An employee was climbing a 10 foot ladder to access a landing which was 9 feet above the adjacent floor. The ladder slid down, and the employee fell to the floor, sustaining fatal injuries. Although the ladder had slipresistant feet, it was not secured, and the railings did not extend 3 feet above the landing.
Using Ladders Safely Top Ten Rules (7) 7. Do not carry materials or tools while ascending and descending the ladders. Safety Tip: Use a tool belt or pouch or utilize a lift line to raise materials or tools to your work location.
Using Ladders Safely Top Ten Rules (8) 8. Do not extend your body beyond the rails. Safety Tip: If your belly button is outside the ladder rails you are in danger. Stay within the rails. If necessary, get off the ladder and move it.
Using Ladders Safely Top Ten Rules (9) 9. Never use a stepladder as a straight ladder or stand on the top 2 steps of a step ladder.
Using Ladders Safely Top Ten Rules (10) 10. When setting up a step ladder, all 4 legs: Level On firm surface
Using Ladders Safely Ladder Inspection Ladders must be inspected: On a periodic basis After any occurrence By a competent person Prior to use Safety Tip: The type of materials the ladder is made from will partly determine the conditions you may find during your inspection.
Using Ladders Safely Ladder Inspection (2) Wood ladders: Inspect for rot, cracked, split, loose Should never be painted (can hide damage) Metal ladders: Inspect for corrosion Never use around electrical work Any defective ladders: remove from service!
Using Ladders Safely Ladder Inspection (3) Fiberglass ladders: Inspect for damage by heat, corrosives Check rung locks Check label (correct ladder for job?) If damaged: Tag do not use Remove from service Safety Tip: Only manufactured-approved materials may be used to repair a commercial ladder.
Using Ladders Safely Ladders must be inspected: On a periodic basis After any occurrence By a competent person Prior to use
Straight and Stepladders Straight Ladders: Requirements Maximum intended load: Included on manufacturer s label Ladder should support 4 times as much; However, do NOT exceed! Rungs, cleats, steps: Uniform spacing, 10 to 14 inches Skid-resistant
Situational Analysis You are part of a four-person roofing crew that plans to use a 40-foot ladder to access your work area. You check the maximum intended load on the manufacturer s label of the ladder in your truck. You determine the maximum load weight is just greater than the weight of the heaviest member of your crew. How do you proceed? Consider getting a ladder with a maximum intended load that is a bit greater. This is likely the best course of action. Because you need to factor all people, equipment, and materials that the ladder will need to support at one time, it still may be inadequate for this job. For instance, if that crew member is wearing PPE, he may suddenly be too heavy.
Straight and Stepladders Using Straight Ladders Maximum length: Single section = 30 feet Double section = 48 feet Triple section = 60 feet Overlap of sections = minimum 3 to 5 feet Do NOT use top section by itself
Straight and Stepladders Common Types of Stepladders Three types of stepladders, rated by height: Type I: construction 3 to 20 feet, heavy duty, industrial use Type II: commercial 3 to 12 feet, medium duty, office use Type III: household 3 to 6 feet, light duty, not for construction
Straight and Stepladders Using Stepladders See ANSI A14.1, 14.3, 14.5 Rungs, cleats, steps: Skid resistant Spaced 8 to 12 inches, uniformly Spreader/locking device is required
Straight and Stepladders Using Stepladders (2) Top 2 steps NOT to be stood / sat on: Ensure ladder = tall enough for job Safety tip: In California the top 3 steps of a stepladder cannot be used unless a handhold is available or fall protection is used
Straight and Stepladders Using Stepladders (3) Stepladders used only: Fully open position Level ground NOT as straight ladder Has permanently affixed label: Limitations Safety practices Safety Tip: As with all ladders, the stepladder should be inspected periodically by a competent person and by the employee prior to use.
Situational Analysis You are a dry wall finisher working on a 15-foot mobile scaffold with rubber tires and locking casters. To reach higher, you bring a wooden stepladder atop the platform and lean it against the wall. You know the ladder will exert force on the scaffold when you begin to climb; what steps can help ensure it s safe to proceed? This is not a safe scenario under any circumstances. This is the best answer because a step ladder should never be used as a straight ladder regardless of the safety measures in place.
Fixed Ladders Fixed Ladders Fixed ladders: Often permanent part of structure Not portable Provide access to roofs, tanks, etc.
Fixed Ladders Fixed Ladders Requirements Standards for fixed ladders: ANSI A14.3, OSHA regulations Distance between rungs 12 inches, uniform Metal ladders = painted / treated to resist corrosion, rusting
Fixed Ladders Clearances for Fixed Ladders ANSI standards for clearances: Climbing side 30 inches from other objects Some exceptions reduce to 24 inches 7 inches from back side to any other object
Fixed Ladders Clearances for Fixed Ladders (2) For vertical climb < 24 but top > 24 feet up, fixed ladders shall have landing platform every 20 feet or one of the following: Cages Wells Ladder safety devices Self retracting life lines
Fixed Ladders Fixed Ladders When length of > 24 feet: Ladders must have cage or well, multiple sections, each section 50 feet Sections offset from adjacent sections, landing platforms at intervals 50 feet
Fixed Ladders Fixed Ladders: More Requirements Fixed ladders without cages / wells shall have: Clear width to the nearest permanent object of at least 15 inches on each side of the centerline of the ladder
Fixed Ladders Towers, Water Tanks, & Chimneys Ladder safety devices: Tower, water, tank, chimney ladders > 20 feet No landing platform required
Fixed Ladders Which of the following are common safety devices for fixed ladders? Cages Wells Self retracting life lines Landing platforms
Final Considerations Summary This course covered OSHA standards regarding: Temporary stairs Types of ladders (straight, step, fixed) Rules for safe use Key terminology It is up to you to apply this knowledge!