No.: WYN032.039 Page: 1 of 6 Preparer: Owner: Approver: EHS Specialist EHS Hub Manager Site Manager Revision History Revision Date Revision Number Nature of Change 5/01 1 Formerly W-39 10/12 2 Reformatted entire document and added pictures. Included corporate requirements the standard will no longer include only additional site requirements. 1. PURPOSE To set forth minimum site requirements for the construction, use and maintenance of portable ladders. 2. SCOPE All BASF employees, contract employees, and contractors at the Wyandotte site are expected to follow this procedure. 3. DEFINITIONS 3.1. Any ladder that is designed and intended to be moved from one location to another and is not permanently fixed in one spot. 3.2. Extension Ladders A non-self-supporting portable ladder that is adjustable in length. It consists of two or more sections traveling in guides or brackets so arranged as to permit length adjustment. 3.3. Step Ladder A self-supporting portable ladder that is non-adjustable in length that has flat steps and a hinged back. Step ladders are also known as A-frame ladders. 3.4. Single (Straight) Ladder A non-self-supporting ladder that is non-adjustable in length consisting of only one section.
No.: WYN032.039 Page: 2 of 6 4. PROCEDURE 4.1. Ladder and Rolling Stairs Inspection 4.1.1. Ladders and rolling stairs shall be visually inspected before each use. The user must look for obvious signs of damage or looseness in rungs, steps, rails, braces, hardware, handrails, and wheels. 4.1.2. Ladders and rolling stairs must be free from: o Broken or missing rungs or steps o Broken or split side rails o Broken or missing non-slip bases (feet) that are constructed in a faulty or defective manner 4.1.3. The rungs, steps, and shoes of ladders and rolling stairs shall be free from: o Mud o Oil o Grease o Other substances that could cause slipping 4.2. Defective Ladders 4.2.1. Any ladder found to be defective must be immediately removed from service and tagged or marked as Dangerous, Do Not Use or similar signage. 4.2.2. Any minor repairs (such as replacement of non-slip bases) made to portable ladders shall be to the original specification. If this is not possible, the ladder must be discarded. 4.3. Ladder Specifications 4.3.1. The load rating of the portable ladder shall be verified prior to its use by referencing the manufacturer s label on the side rail of the portable ladder. 4.3.2. All portable ladders purchased and used by employees must be rated for the intended total load of the person and material. 4.3.3. Step ladders shall not exceed 20 feet in length. A substantial spreader must be provided to hold the front and back sections in the open position. 4.3.4. A stepladder may not be used as a straight ladder. 4.3.5. Single (straight) ladders shall not exceed 30 feet in length. 4.3.6. Extension ladders shall not exceed 60 feet in length.
No.: WYN032.039 Page: 3 of 6 4.3.7. All single ladders and lower halves of extension ladders must be equipped with non-slip bases (feet). (Metal spikes or spurs may be used when needed.) 4.3.8. All straight and extension ladders shall be equipped with at least a 6-foot long rope with a 3/8 inch diameter to secure the top of the ladder. 4.3.9. On two-section (extension) ladders, the minimum overlap for the two sections in use shall be as follows: Size of Ladder (feet) Overlap (feet) Up to and including 36 3 > 36 up to and including 48 4 > 48 up to and including 60 5 4.3.10. All ladders will be of natural finish. Painting of ladders which could conceal cracks, chemical attack, wood or metal deterioration is prohibited. 4.3.11. Ladders of fiberglass other non-conductive material construction are required near potential electrical hazards. Metal ladders must not be used near potential electrical hazards. 4.3.12. Certain situations may require the use of special ladders, such as adjustable combination ladders, rope ladders, or narrow rigid ladders. A safety review which covers the specifications of the ladder, the use of the ladder, and the overall task will be required when using these ladders. 4.3.13. Customized or modified ladders for a specific use shall be certified by a registered professional engineer that the ladder, as modified, complies with all of the following requirements: o meets 3.3 to 1 strength to intended load ratio requirement o is used in accordance with the certification o complies with applicable ANSI standards
No.: WYN032.039 Page: 4 of 6 4.4. Positioning Requirements 4.4.1. When setting up a ladder for use, the following must be observed: o The ladder feet must be on a firm, level surface. Ladders must not be leaned against unstable surfaces. o The area around the top and bottom of the ladder must be kept clear of material that may pose a tripping hazard (including uneven surfaces). o Ladders will not be placed in passageways, doorways, driveways, crowded areas, or any location where they may be displaced by any other activity unless protected by barricades (such as barricade tape, door locks, guards, etc.). o When placing ladders in close proximity to sprinkler systems or other delicate or hazardous equipment where damage may be done, care should be exercised in the positioning of the ladder to avoid contact. o Step ladders must have the legs fully opened and the spreader locked. o Straight ladders should be angled out at a 4 to 1 ratio. The foot of the ladder should be kept one foot away from the wall for each four feet of vertical rise. o Extension ladders must be secured (tied off) as close to the support point as possible. o When this is not possible, a second person will be assigned to support the base (such as holding the ladder and / or a foot against the bottom). All single and two-section ladders should be equipped with at least a 6-foot long rope with a 3/8 inch diameter to secure the top of the ladder.
No.: WYN032.039 Page: 5 of 6 o The side rails on straight ladders must extend at least 3 feet above the point of support (structure, piping, roof edge, etc. that the ladder leans against) or the exit surface to provide a grasping point. 4.5. Ascending & Descending Ladders 4.5.1. Personnel will face the ladder and maintain 3 points of contact when ascending or descending a portable ladder. 4.5.2. Proper footwear that provides good traction with a defined heel capable of catching on a step / rung should be worn. Footwear should be free of mud, grease, or other substances that could result in slipping. 4.5.3. Use of tool bags (or other such items) where equipment or materials may become caught in the rungs or steps of the ladder will not be allowed. Alternative means (such as hand lines or material buckets) shall be used to transfer the materials to the work location. o If tool belts are used, ensure that materials are securely fastened and cannot contact or get caught on the ladder at any time. 4.5.4. Only one person at a time is permitted to use the ladder. 4.6. Working from Ladders 4.6.1. Work performed on portable ladders should take into consideration the task and ability to work within the side rails of the portable ladder. When this is not possible, other working surfaces (such as platform ladder, scaffold, etc.) should be considered to ensure workers are provided with a safe working surface. 4.6.2. Portable ladders must not be used in the horizontal position as platforms, runways, or scaffolds. 4.6.3. It is not permitted to stand higher than the second from the top step of a stepladder or the third rung from the top of a single or extension ladder. 4.6.4. Move the ladder as the work may require; never "walk" the ladder while on it or excessively lean when on the ladder. 4.6.5. It is always necessary to watch for people who may be below the ladder and for obstructions above the ladder. 4.7. Storage 4.7.1. When not in use, all portable ladders must be properly stored out of the way and in a secure manner that will keep them from falling.
No.: WYN032.039 Page: 6 of 6 4.8. Training 5. RESPONSIBILITIES 4.8.1. All users of portable ladders shall be trained on the requirements of this standard before using a ladder and periodically. 5.1. Site EHS Department EHS is responsible for the initiation, issuance, and interpretation for this procedure. 5.2. Site Units Each unit is responsible for the administration and implementation of this procedure. 6. RELATED DOCUMENTS BC032.003 - http://bc-app11-us.basf-corp.com/basfcorp/corpolcy.nsf/policies+and+s+by+function/b81ef4a0096036c88525672f 00643E3E/$file/BC032003.pdf OSHA 1910.25 Portable Wood Ladders - http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id =9717 OSHA 1910.26 Portable Metal Ladders - http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id =9718