Ladder safety

Key points

1. 1Inspect the ladder before you use it. Check for cracked or bent rails, loose or missing rungs, broken feet, and oil or mud on the steps. If it's damaged, tag it 'Do Not Use' and get it off the site.
2. 2Set extension ladders at the right angle: one foot out at the base for every four feet of height to where it rests. Put it on firm, level ground and secure it so it can't slide or kick out.
3. 3When you climb onto a roof or deck, the ladder must extend at least 3 feet above the landing. That gives you something to hold when you step on and off.
4. 4Keep three points of contact: two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand. Face the ladder, and carry tools on your belt or raise them with a rope, not in your hands.
5. 5Open step ladders all the way and lock the spreaders. Never stand on the top step or top cap, and never use a folded step ladder leaned against a wall.
6. 6Keep your belt buckle between the rails. If you have to lean to reach, climb down and move the ladder.
7. 7Keep metal ladders away from power lines and live electrical work. Use a fiberglass ladder near electricity, and look up before you raise any ladder.

Talk it over

• Where on this site is it hard to find solid, level ground for a ladder, and how can we fix that?
• Are we using any ladder right now that is too short for the job, so people stand too high on it?
• Have you seen a ladder slip, tip, or break? What happened, and what would have stopped it?

Also in the other language: Seguridad con escaleras

Official sources

• 29 CFR 1926.1053 — Ladders

More toolbox talks

• PPE: the last line of defense
• Electrical safety basics
• Housekeeping keeps people safe