Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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, dont 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.
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: 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