52 Weeks of Safety Vol. 2 - WEEK 4 LADDERS

By Carl Potter CSP, CMC

Ladders come in all descriptions, sizes and designs - aluminum, fiberglass, wooden, step, extension, platform just to name a few. Each ladder is designed to meet the need of elevating people to a height of 12 inches to 40 feet. Some ladders stand solidly on their own while others must lean on another object to be functional. In every case, the humble ladder can be the greatest invention or the deadliest tool in the world.

In history the ladder most commonly used was constructed of two long wooden poles of the same length fastened horizontally in a parallel fashion with shorter horizontal poles (rungs) about a foot apart. This was a great invention of mankind that helps people ascend and descend to places they might otherwise be unable to reach. Archeologists have found ladders in Egypt and the deserts of the United States where they had been used by Egyptians and Indians respectively thousands of years ago. This tool became a way for some warriors to breach the walls of their enemies and later became the symbol of a couple eloping. Today the ladder is a way for us to be more productive unless it is improperly used.

Consider the ladders used by your work team this week. It may be time to inspect and repair them to prevent injuries. This week during your safety discussion talk about the ladders in your work and how they are to be properly used. Ask the team this question, “When can our ladders become a hazard to us?” You might be surprised at the discussion. Remind your team that the ladder is a tool that when used improperly can lead to serious injury. Do this so that we can hit the goal: “Nobody Gets Hurt.”

OSHA
1926.1053(a)(1)(ii)
Each portable ladder that is not self-supporting: At least four times the maximum intended load, except that each extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders shall sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load. The ability of a ladder to sustain the loads indicated in this paragraph shall be determined by applying or transmitting the requisite load to the ladder in a downward vertical direction when the ladder is placed at an angle of 75 1/2 degrees from the horizontal. Ladders built and tested in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A will be deemed to meet this requirement.
1926.1053(a)(2)
Ladder rungs, cleats, and steps shall be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use.
1926.1053(a)(3)(i)
Rungs, cleats, and steps of portable ladders (except as provided below) and fixed ladders (including individual-rung/step ladders) shall be spaced not less than 10 inches (25 cm) apart, nor more than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats and steps.
1926.1053(a)(3)(ii)
Rungs, cleats, and steps of step stools shall be not less than 8 inches (20 cm) apart, nor more than 12 inches (31 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps.
1926.1053(a)(3)(iii)
Rungs, cleats, and steps of the base section of extension trestle ladders shall be not less than 8 inches (20 cm) nor more than 18 inches (46 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps. The rung spacing on the extension section of the extension trestle ladder shall be not less than 6 inches (15 cm) nor more than 12 inches (31 cm), as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps.

-----------------------------------------QUESTION---------------------------------------------------

1. What is the maximum / minimum step distance between ladder steps of the extension portion of a trestle ladder?

a) 16 inches / 6 inches
b) 14 inches / 8 inches
c) 12 inches / 8 inches
d) 18 inches / 8 inches

2. How much load is a non-self supporting ladder supposed to carry (without excepts)?

a) 3.3 times intended load
b) 4 times intended load
c) Twice the intended load
d) More than 5 times anticipated load

----------------------------------------ANSWER-------------------------------------------------------
1. d)
2. b)