Stepladders are a common tool that many employees take for granted. Although they are easy to use, they are often misused, causing serious injuries or deaths. Follow these rules to avoid injury.
- Never use a metal ladder when working around electricity.
- Inspect the ladder before each use. Check all parts to make sure they are in good working order free from corrosion, rust, rot, cracks, and other defects. Look for missing, damaged or loose components.
- Make sure all rungs are free of slippery substances such as oil.
- Be sure that all ladder feet are on firm, level ground. Don’t place on slippery surfaces.
- Stepladders should be fully open and spreaders firmly locked.
- If possible, have another person hold the ladder when you are working on it.
- Climb facing the ladder. Maintain a three-point contact when climbing a ladder. That means two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand are in contact with the ladder at all times.
- Stay centered while working, never lean to the side. Your belt buckle should remain between the two side rails at all times.
- To maintain stability while on the ladder, don’t pull, lean stretch, or make sudden moves that could cause you to lose your balance.
- Get off the ladder to move it.
- Keep tools in a belt, or hoist objects up after you. Do not carry items in your hands.
- Shoe soles should be clean and made of non-skid material.
- Don’t stand above the second step from the top of a stepladder and never sit on the top step.
- Don’t climb a closed stepladder or the back of a stepladder.
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