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Ladders

Legislation

73. a. A portable ladder shall,
b. be free from broken or loose members or other faults;
c. have non-slip feet;
d. be placed on a firm footing;
e. where it,
  i. exceeds six metres in length and is not securely fastened, or
  ii. is likely to be endangered by traffic,
             be held in place by one or more workers while being used; and
e. when not securely fastened, be inclined so that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is not less than 1/4 and not more than 1/3 of the length of the ladder. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851, s. 73.
 

Step Ladders

Selection

  1. Use a stepladder that is about 1 m (3 ft) shorter than the highest point you have to reach. This gives a wider, more stable base and places shelf at a convenient working height.
  2. Select the type of ladder appropriate to the work (i.e. Non conducting for working around live electrical wires)

Setup

  1. Open the stepladder spreaders and shelf fully.
  2. Check stability. Ensure that all ladder feet are on a firm, level and non-slippery surface.
    • Avoid soft ground where one leg may sink farther into the ground than others.
    • Do not place stepladders on boxes, unstable bases or on scaffolds to gain additional height.
  3. Place a stepladder at right angles to the work, with either the front or back of the steps facing the work.
  4. Keep the stepladder close to the work.

Ladder Parts

Spreader
   

Use

  1. Do not overreach. Move a stepladder when needed.
  2. Do not stand, climb, or sit on the stepladder top or pail shelf.
  3. Do not overload. Stepladders are meant for one person.
  4. Do not use a stepladder as a brace or as a support for a work platform or plank.
  5. Do not use ladders in passageways, doorways, driveways or other locations where a person or vehicle can hit it. If you must set up suitable barriers.
  6. Do not climb a stepladder that is leaning against a wall. Use a straight ladder instead. Use both hands when climbing.
  7. Do not climb the back of a stepladder.
  8. Carry the step ladder to a new position. Avoid pushing or pulling stepladders from the side. Repeated sideways movement can make ladders wobbly since they are weaker or less stable in those directions. Do not "shift" or "walk" a stepladder when standing on it.
  9. Face the stepladder when climbing up or down. Keep your body centred between side rails. You have climbed too high if your knees are above top of the stepladder or if you cannot maintain a handhold on the ladder. Maintain a firm grip.

Extension Ladders

Selection

  1. Select the type of ladder appropriate to the work (i.e. Non conducting for working around live electrical wires)

Setup

  1. Set the ladder one foot out for every three or four feet up.
  2. Secure the top and bottom of the ladder.

Use

  1. Clean off your boot soles before climbing.
  2. Maintain 3-point contact while climbing or working-- two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand at all times.
    If your work requires you to use both hands, a rolling stair, power lift or scaffold is to be used.

    3 Point Contact
  3. Face the ladder.
  4. Keep your body between the side rails.
  5. Keep ladders away from powerlines.
  6. Don't lean out beyond the side rails.
  7. Don't carry tools or equipment in your hands while climbing.
  8. On an extension ladder, stand no higher than the fourth rung from the top. 
  9. Never straddle the space between a ladder and another point.
  10. When using a ladder to access another level, it must extend at leas 3 ft above the landing or floor.