Safety on Ladders: Reaching New Heights

Slipping and falling from ladders is a top cause of injury for NCHARRP members' employees. Falling from heights - even lower ones - can result in major injuries, surgeries, paralysis and even death. Below are quick reminders of how to properly use a ladder and prevent falls and life altering injuries.

• Use ladders only on dry, stable and level surfaces and secure to prevent accidental movement.
• Take time to look around you; are there power lines? cables Heavy objects above you or in your way?
• Do not move, shift, or extend ladders while on a ladder.
• Do not use single rail ladders.
• Never climb a ladder or step stool if you feel tired or dizzy or are prone to losing your balance.
• Do not use ladders in high winds or storms.
• Wear clean, slip-resistant shoes. Shoes with leather soles are not appropriate for climbing a ladder.
• Use ladders equipped with nonconductive side rails if near to energized electrical equipment or power lines.
• Always face the ladder when moving up or down.
• Never use the top or top step of a ladder as a step.
• Use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing - using two hands is best.
• Do not carry things that could cause loss of balance.
• Double-cleated ladders or two or more ladders must be provided when ladders are the only way to enter or exit a work area where 25 or more employees work (heavy traffic) or when a ladder serves simultaneous two-way traffic.
• Wood ladders must not be coated with any opaque covering except for identification or warning labels, which may be placed only on one face of a side rail.
• A straight ladder must be one foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of height because the angle between the ladder and the ground should be 75 degrees for stability and safety.

Ladder Safety Quiz
(answer key at bottom)

1. What type of ladder should be used near electrical equipment or if near to power lines?
   1. Any Commercial Grade Metal Ladder
   2. Wooden Ladders with nonslip toe grips
   3. Ladders with nonconductive side rails
2. True or False:
   If the ground is wet, it is much safer to place a ladder on top of a piece of cardboard to prevent slipping and to provide grounding.
   
   1. True
   2. False
3. Select all that apply:
   The following are common ladder incidents that lead to injury:
   
   1. Using the wrong size ladder
   2. Skipping the last bottom step
   3. Overreaching to the sides of the ladder
4. True of False:
   Once at the top of a ladder, it is much safer to slide down the side rails than to risk falling by walking down the ladder steps.
   
   1. True
   2. False
5. To be safe, a straight ladder must be one foot away
   from the wall for every _____ feet of height.
   
   1. 6
   2. 8
   3. 4
   4. 10

Ladder Safety Quiz Answer Key:
1. C; 2. B; 3. A, B and C; 4. B; 5. C