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LADDER SAFETY POLICY
I. Policy & Scope
- This program establishes guidelines for
employees that use ladders to assist in proper selection,
inspection, use and storage
II. References
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.25, 1910.26, 1910.27
- OSHA voluntary compliance outreach program
- Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc.
III. Administration of the Program
- The administrator of this program shall be
the Director of Safety and Security who has full
responsibility for its development and coordination.
- Deans, Directors, Department Chairs,
Chemical Hygiene Officers and Supervisors are responsible
for ensuring employee compliance with this program and
they should conduct routine monitoring of their
subordinates.
- Disciplinary action will be administered
by supervisory personnel to those employees who fail to
comply with the provisions of this policy.
- The administrator of this program shall
maintain surveillance of university facilities and degree
of employee exposure.
IV. Hazards Include
- Ladders with missing or broken parts.
- Using a ladder with too low a weight
rating.
- Using a ladder that is too short for
purpose.
- Using metal ladders near electrical wires.
- Using ladders as a working platform.
- Objects falling from ladders.
V. Inspection
- Inspect ladders before each use.
- All rungs and steps are free of oil,
grease, dirt, etc.
- All fittings are tight.
- Spreaders or other locking devices are in
place.
- Non-skid safety feet are in place.
- No structural defects, all support braces
intact.
Do not use broken ladders. Most ladders
cannot be repaired to manufacturer specifications. Throw
away all broken ladders.
VI. Ladder Storage
- Store ladders on sturdy hooks in areas
where they cannot be damaged.
- Store to prevent warping or sagging. Do
not hang anything on ladders that are in a stored
condition.
VII. Ladder Ratings
Ladder Weight Ratings
- I-A 300 pounds (heavy duty)
- I 250 pounds (heavy duty)
- II 225 pounds (medium duty)
- III 200 pounds (light duty)
Limits On Ladder Length
- A stepladder should be no more than 20
feet high.
- A one-section ladder should be no more
than 30 feet.
- An extension ladder can go to 60 feet, but
the sections must overlap.
VIII. Ladder Setup
The following procedure must be followed to
prevent ladder accidents:
Place ladder on a clean slip free level
surface.
Extend the ladder to have about 4 feet
above the top support or work area.
Anchor the top and bottom of an extension
ladder.
Place the ladder base 1/4 the height, of
the ladder, from the wall when using an extension ladder.
Never allow more than one person on a
ladder.
Use carriers and tool belts to carry
objects up a ladder.
Do not lean out from the ladder in any
direction.
If you have a fear of heights - don't
climb a ladder.
Do not allow others to work under a ladder
in use.
IX. Ladder Maintenance
- Keep ladders clean.
- Never replace broken parts unless provided
by the original manufacturer.
- Do not attempt to repair broken side rails.
- Keep all threaded fasteners properly
adjusted.
- Replace worn steps with parts from
manufacturer.
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