Portable Ladders
This month EH&S highlights how to select and safely use portable ladders.
Choosing the correct ladder:
- Non-Conductive Ladder:
- Harvard employees are not allowed to use aluminum portable ladders
- Fiberglass or composite rail ladders (non-conductive) are recommended to be used by Harvard employees
- Wooden Ladder:
- Wooden ladders may be used by Harvard employees if they are in good condition
- Replace damaged/old wooden ladders with non-conductive ladders
- Step Ladder:
- Employees are never to stand on the top two rungs of a step ladder
- A step ladder must be used with the spreaders opened and secured
- Straight or Extension Ladders:
- If accessing an elevated surface, extend the ladder 3 rungs above the leading edge and secure the top of the ladder to prevent slipping
- Never fasten two straight ladders together unless both ladders a specifically designed to do so
Inspect the ladder before use:
- Ensure rails and rungs/steps are not cracked, bent, loose or covered in oily debris
- Ensure step ladders have two spreaders (hold the ladder open) that are not damaged and close properly
- Ensure the fly section extends properly and securely locks into place
- Discard and mark any damaged portable ladders
Proper set up of a ladder:
- Secure or barricade the work site if in a high traffic area (doorways, active passageways, etc)
- Place the ladder on a firm level surface
- Straight or extension ladders must be angled at a 4 to 1 ratio (For every 4 ft of elevation the ladder must extend 1 ft from the base)
Proper use of a portable ladder:
- Maintain 3 points of contact when working on the ladder
- Face the ladder when climbing up or down
- Keep ladder free of oils/grease and other slipping hazards
- Don’t over-reach while on the ladder
- Don’t shift, move or extend a ladder while in use
- Don’t load ladder beyond the maximum intended load (see manufacturer label)
