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Medina Ohio 44256

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Resources > HEALTH DEPT UPDATES

Ladder Safety

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Keeping Safe at Home and Work

Ladder Safety

Use care When Climbing Ladders

By Theresa Hengstenberger, Occupational Health Nurse,

Medina County Health Department

Ladders are handy, simple tools to use, but if they are not maintained properly, they can be unsafe. Ladder accidents send more than 222,000 people to the emergency room annually. Ladder accidents can occur if ladders are faulty, if they have been set up improperly, or if they are used improperly.

With the right ladder and proper use, working above ground level should be no problem. Make sure you have an appropriate ladder and use correct technique for placement and climbing.

Choose the Right Ladder

There are three basic portable ladder types:

Industrial: heavy-duty with a load capacity not more than 250 pounds.

Commercial: medium-duty with a load capacity not more than 225 pounds. (Suited for painting and similar tasks.)

Household: light-duty with a load capacity of 200 pounds.

There are many types of ladders available on the market. If the ladder is intended to be portable and used by a single person, it should fit into one of the three basic categories above. The most common type of ladder in the home is a stepladder.

Choose only those ladders with the UL seal from Underwriter’s Laboratory. UL operates under its own authority as an independent, not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization. Ladders commonly come in three materials: aluminum, wood, or fiberglass. Aluminum is the most durable, but will conduct electricity, making it dangerous for use around electricity. Wood may rot over time. Fiberglass is the best combination of durability and non-conductivity, but it is also the most expensive.

Using a Ladder

· Make sure the ladder is suited for the type of job you plan to do (see the types above).

· Place your ladder on a stable, even, flat surface. Never place a ladder on top of another object.

· Use the 1:4 ratio to ensure a stable working platform. Place the base of the ladder 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of height to the point where the ladder contacts the top of the wall.

· When using an A-frame stepladder, make sure the brace is locked in place.

· If climbing onto another surface, make sure the ladder extends at least three feet past the platform you’re climbing onto.

· Secure tall ladders by lashing or fastening the ladder to prevent movement.

· Always face the ladder when climbing or descending.

· Keep both feet on the ladder – never put one foot on a rung and the other foot on a different surface.

· Do not climb higher than the second rung on stepladders, or the third rung on straight or extension ladders.

· Never stand on the top of the paint shelf or a stepladder.

· Keep your pants belt (if you have one) positioned between the rungs so it doesn’t catch.

· Never leave ladders unattended .

· When working with electricity, use a ladder made of wood or fiberglass.

Maintaining Ladders

Inspect ladders regularly. Stepladders and extension ladders should be inspected for broken or frozen joints or latches. Aluminum ladders should be inspected for cracks and broken welds, and rough spots and burrs before first use. Wood ladders should be inspected for cracked wood, splinters, and rot. Look for broken or loose hardware. Protect wood ladders with linseed oil or clear sealant. Never paint a wooden ladder – the paint may hide imperfections such as rot or cracks. Fiberglass ladders are protected with a clear sealant. If the fiberglass is damaged through the sealant, sand lightly before applying another coat of lacquer.

The Medina County Health Department has protected the health of Medina County citizens since 1918. Services are partially funded by your local property tax health levy. For more information about an occupational health consultation or our other services, call us at 330-723-9688, toll-free at 1-888-723-9688, or visit us at www.medinahealth.org.