Introduction

• Stairways and Ladders • Welcome!

– This course will cover basic elements of stairway and ladder safety in construction.

– The training session should take about 35 minutes to complete.

– Click on the forward arrow to begin your training.

Introduction

• Objectives • Upon completion, you should be familiar

with: – Stairway and ladder protection

• Relevant OSHA standards • Why standards exist • What is covered

Introduction New

• Learning Objectives • Upon completion of this training session, the

student will be able to: – 1: Identify major stairway & ladder hazards – 2: Describe types of stairway & ladder hazards – 3: Protect him/herself from stairway & ladder hazards – 4: Recognize employer requirements to protect workers

from stairway & ladder hazards TIP: Disclaimer: This Compliance Assistance product is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. The Compliance Assistance product is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must comply with safety and health standards promulgated by OSHA or by a State with an OSHA-approved State Plan. In addition, pursuant to Section 5(a)(1), the General Duty Clause of the Act, employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Employers can be cited for violating the General Duty Clause if there is a recognized hazard and they do not take reasonable steps to prevent or to abate the hazard. However, failure to implement these recommendations is not, in itself, a violation of the General Duty Clause. Citations can only be based on standards, regulations, and the General Duty Clause.

Introduction

• Course Overview • Objective: Program requirements for

stairways and ladders • Audience: Workers, supervisors, managers • OSHA references:

– 1926.1050-1060, Subpart X (construction) – 1910.27 (general industry)

Introduction

• Course Agenda • This course will focus on:

– Terms and definitions – Temporary stairs – Ladder types – Safe use – Inspection – Straight, step, and fixed ladders

Introduction

• Get Site-Specific training! • This training course:

– Provides basic information – Is NOT a substitute for:

• Provisions of OSHA act • OSHA standards • Specific, hands-on training

Introduction

• Ladder Accidents • Falls from ladders are a leading cause of

work place fatalities and injuries – From 1984 to 1997, approximately:

• 3,000 fatalities • 65,000 disabling injuries

Introduction

• OSHA Citations: Stairways & Ladders • One recent year, OSHA cited these

violations: – No handrail — 598 – Ladder not 3 feet beyond landing — 488 – No stairway or ladder provided — 253 – Damaged ladder — 137

Definitions

• Stairway & Ladder Definitions • Cleats:

– Crosspieces between vertical side rails

• Single-cleat: – Standard ladder configuration of cleats, rails

Definitions

• Definitions (2) • Double-cleated ladder:

– 2 vertical side rails, 1 center rail – Allows 2-way traffic

• Extended trestle (extension ladder): – Self-supporting portable ladder – Adjustable length / height

Definitions

• Definitions (3) • Job-made ladders:

– Fabricated onsite (not commercially) – Strict standards (ANSI A.14.4-1979)

• Portable Ladders: – Readily moved

Definitions

• Definitions (4) • Maximum intended load:

– Greatest weight ladder can safely support – Factor all people, equipment, materials, etc.

Definitions

• Definitions (5) • Fixed-Ladder:

– Permanent structure; not readily moved • Stair rail system:

– Vertical barrier for fall protection – Typically 36 inches above tread

• Tread depth: – Front-to-back measurement of tread

Safety tip: The tread is the top horizontal surface of a step.

Definitions

• Definitions (6) • Unprotected sides and edges:

– No stair rail system or wall ≥ 36” high – Side of edge of stairway landing, ladder

platform without wall / guardrail ≥ 39” high; • Except entrances at point of access

Definitions

• Definitions (7) • Metal pan stairs and landings:

– Stair forms to later be filled with concrete – Tripping hazard

Definitions

• Which of the following are true about unprotected sides and edges? – Unprotected sides and edges are areas where

there is no stair rail system or wall 36 inches or more in height.

– Unprotected sides and edges are any side of the edge of a stairway landing or ladder platform where there is no wall or guardrail system 39 inches or more in height.

– An exception to this last requirement is any entrance at point of access.

Temporary Stairs

• Tripping Hazards • To prevent tripping hazards:

– Pan stairs required to be filled – Treads non-slip material / coating – Sweep stairs, keep clear

Temporary Stairs

• Basic Requirements • For elevation break ≥ 19 inches:

– Stairs, ladder, or ramp – When ≥ 4 risers: handrails

• Stairways not permanent part of building / where construction work being performed: – Landing ≥ 30 inches in direction of travel – 22 inches wide – Landing ≤ 12 feet of every vertical rise

Temporary Stairs

• Basic Requirements (2) • Temporary stairs:

– Between 30° and 50° – Riser height, tread depth = uniform

• Variations not to exceed ¼ inch

Temporary Stairs

• Basic Requirements (3) • Good housekeeping:

– Slippery conditions corrected immediately – Electrical cords not strung across stairs – Materials, tools not be left on stairs / landings – Stairway free of projectiles, sharp edges, nails

Temporary Stairs

• Basic Requirements (4) • Adequate lighting = critical:

– 5-foot candles illumination (minimum) – Door directly onto stairway requires platform – Clearance for access / egress ≥ 20 inches

Safety Tip: A foot candle is a unit of illumination, equal to one lumen per square foot (10.764 lux), or the amount of light from a source of one candela directly thrown on a square foot of surface at a distance of one foot. As an example, a 100 watt incandescent bulb produces about 137 foot-candles.

Temporary Stairs

• Spiral Stairways • Should be part of permanent structure

– Handrail to prevent walking where tread < 6”

Safety Tip: See OSHA standards 1926(a)(1) and 1926.1052[c](2) for further reference.

Temporary Stairs

• Stairway Handrails • Handrail, stair rail system all unprotected

sides: – Stairway with ≥ 4 risers / 30 inches

• Whichever = less

• Handrail height = 30 to 37 inches (tread to top)

Temporary Stairs

• Stairway Handrails (2) • Installation of midrails:

– Midway between tread / handrail – May need mesh (if materials can be dropped) – Must withstand 200 lbs. of force – Toeboards around floor openings, stairwells

Types Of Ladders

• Types of Ladders • Four ladder types:

– Straight – Extension – Step – Fixed

Safety Tip: In most cases, fixed ladders are a permanent part of a structure and are not portable. Fixed ladders with a vertical climb of 24 feet or greater must be equipped with a cage, self-retracting life line, rest platform, or other safety features.

Types of Ladders

• Which of the following types of ladders are most commonly used in the construction industry? – Straight ladder – Extension ladder – Step ladder – Fixed ladder

Types Of Ladders

• Ladder Materials • Common ladder materials:

– Wood – Aluminum – Fiberglass

• Different limitations, advantages, disadvantages

• Choose based on job, conditions, hazards

Safety Tip: Never use an aluminum ladder where electrical wires or equipment or tools are present.

Types Of Ladders

• Duty Rating • Ensure ladder has sufficient load capacity

– Calculate total weight of load: • Worker • PPE • Tools / equipment

– Check rated load capacity (label)

Types of Ladders

• Duty Rating (2) • Ladders manufactured with 5

classifications: – Type IAA: heavy duty, industrial, 375 lbs. limit – Type IA: heavy duty, industrial, 300 lbs. limit – Type I: heavy duty, 250 lbs. limit – Type II: medium duty, 225 lbs. limit – Type III: light duty, 200 lbs. weight limit

Safety Tip: Type III ladders are commonly called a household ladders. These should not be used on a construction site.

Using Ladders Safely

• Using Ladders Safely • If possible, don’t use ladder at all

– Eliminate exposure / risk: • Falls • Contact with overhead utilities • Back, muscle strain

Safety Tip: With any activity, if you can eliminate the exposure to injury by finding another method or piece of equipment, this should be your first consideration.

Using Ladders Safely

• Protect Yourself from Injury • When you have to use a ladder:

– Work boots or shoes with heel, non-slip soles – Footwear = clean before climbing – Gloves = recommended – Be aware of jewelry that might catch

Using Ladders Safely

• Top Ten Rules • 1. Inspect the ladder.

– Check for damage, defects • Do NOT use damaged ladder

– Remove from work area

– Is it free of oil, grease, other slipping hazards? – Are warning stickers clearly affixed?

Safety Tip: Remember, most ladders are built with one purpose in mind – climbing. Using a ladder for any other purpose can cause damage or weaken it, which may cause serious accidents and injuries.

Using Ladders Safely

• Top Ten Rules (2) • 2. Inspect the location.

– Stable? – Free of debris, liquids? – Overhead utilities, obstructions? – Equipment, traffic, tripping hazards?

Safety Tip: Use a large solid board to level the surface and to keep the ladder from

sinking into soft ground.

Using Ladders Safely

• Top Ten Rules (3) 3. Select the right ladder for the job:

– long/tall enough, non-conductive?

Case Study: Fatality. An employee was installing gutters using an aluminum ladder. As he was setting up the ladder, he accidentally touched a power line with the aluminum ladder and was electrocuted upon contact with the un-insulated line. That’s why non-conductive ladders are preferred.

Safety Tip: Use a grab device when 3 foot extension is not possible.

Using Ladders Safely

• Top Ten Rules (4) • 4. Position the ladder correctly.

– 4-to-1 rule for straight and extension ladders – Four feet up and one foot out. A ladder

contacting a wall 16 feet high should have its base 4 feet out from the wall.

Safety Tip: Do not use a ladder as a make-shift scaffold or a ramp.

Using Ladders Safely

• Top Ten Rules (5) • 5. Face the ladder and use both hands

when ascending and descending. – Use 3 point rule. Two hands and one foot or

two feet and one hand.

Using Ladders Safely

• Top Ten Rules (6) 6. Secure the ladder to a rigid support. • When securing a ladder, tie the ladder off

as close to the upper support point as possible. This will maximize the stability.

Case Study: An employee was climbing a 10 foot ladder to access a landing which was 9 feet above the adjacent floor. The ladder slid down, and the employee fell to the floor, sustaining fatal injuries. Although the ladder had slip-resistant feet, it was not secured, and the railings did not extend 3 feet above the landing.

Using Ladders Safely

• Top Ten Rules (7) • 7. Do not carry materials or tools while

ascending and descending the ladders.

Safety Tip: Use a tool belt or pouch or utilize a lift line to raise materials or tools to your work location.

Using Ladders Safely

• Top Ten Rules (8) • 8. Do not extend your body beyond the

rails.

Safety Tip: If your belly button is outside the ladder rails you are in danger. Stay within the rails. If necessary, get off the ladder and move it.

Using Ladders Safely

• Top Ten Rules (9) • 9. Never use a stepladder as a straight

ladder or stand on the top 2 steps of a step ladder.

Using Ladders Safely

• Top Ten Rules (10) • 10. When setting up a step ladder, all 4

legs: – Level – On firm surface

Using Ladders Safely

• Ladder Inspection • Ladders must be inspected:

– On a periodic basis – After any occurrence – By a competent person – Prior to use

Safety Tip: The type of materials the ladder is made from will partly determine the conditions you may find during your inspection.

Using Ladders Safely

• Ladder Inspection (2) • Wood ladders:

– Inspect for rot, cracked, split, loose – Should never be painted (can hide damage)

• Metal ladders: – Inspect for corrosion – Never use around electrical work

• Any defective ladders: remove from service!

Using Ladders Safely

• Ladder Inspection (3) • Fiberglass ladders:

– Inspect for damage by heat, corrosives – Check rung locks – Check label (correct ladder for job?) – If damaged:

• Tag “do not use” • Remove from service

Safety Tip: Only manufactured-approved materials may be used to repair a commercial ladder.

Using Ladders Safely

• Ladders must be inspected: – On a periodic basis – After any occurrence – By a competent person – Prior to use

Straight and Stepladders

• Straight Ladders: Requirements • Maximum intended load:

– Included on manufacturer’s label – Ladder should support 4 times as much; – However, do NOT exceed!

• Rungs, cleats, steps: – Uniform spacing, 10 to 14 inches – Skid-resistant

Situational Analysis

• You are part of a four-person roofing crew that plans to use a 40-foot ladder to access your work area. You check the maximum intended load on the manufacturer’s label of the ladder in your truck. You determine the maximum load weight is just greater than the weight of the heaviest member of your crew. How do you proceed? – Consider getting a ladder with a maximum intended

load that is a bit greater. This is likely the best course of action. Because you need to factor all people, equipment, and materials that the ladder will need to support at one time, it still may be inadequate for this job. For instance, if that crew member is wearing PPE, he may suddenly be too heavy.

Straight and Stepladders

• Using Straight Ladders • Maximum length:

– Single section = 30 feet – Double section = 48 feet – Triple section = 60 feet

• Overlap of sections = minimum 3 to 5 feet • Do NOT use top section by itself

Straight and Stepladders

• Common Types of Stepladders • Three types of stepladders, rated by height:

– Type I: construction • 3 to 20 feet, heavy duty, industrial use

– Type II: commercial • 3 to 12 feet, medium duty, office use

– Type III: household • 3 to 6 feet, light duty, not for construction

Straight and Stepladders

• Using Stepladders • See ANSI A14.1, 14.3, 14.5 • Rungs, cleats, steps:

– Skid resistant – Spaced 8 to 12 inches, uniformly

• Spreader/locking device is required

Straight and Stepladders

• Using Stepladders (2) • Top 2 steps NOT to be stood / sat on:

– Ensure ladder = tall enough for job

Safety tip: In California the top 3 steps of a stepladder cannot be used unless a handhold is available or fall protection is used

Straight and Stepladders

• Using Stepladders (3) • Stepladders used only:

– Fully open position – Level ground – NOT as straight ladder – Has permanently affixed label:

• Limitations • Safety practices

Safety Tip: As with all ladders, the stepladder should be inspected periodically by a competent person and by the employee prior to use.

Situational Analysis

• You are a dry wall finisher working on a 15-foot mobile scaffold with rubber tires and locking casters. To reach higher, you bring a wooden stepladder atop the platform and lean it against the wall. You know the ladder will exert force on the scaffold when you begin to climb; what steps can help ensure it’s safe to proceed? – This is not a safe scenario under any circumstances.

This is the best answer because a step ladder should never be used as a straight ladder regardless of the safety measures in place.

Fixed Ladders

• Fixed Ladders • Fixed ladders:

– Often permanent part of structure – Not portable – Provide access to roofs, tanks, etc.

Fixed Ladders

• Fixed Ladders – Requirements • Standards for fixed ladders:

– ANSI A14.3, OSHA regulations – Distance between rungs ≤ 12 inches, uniform – Metal ladders = painted / treated to resist

corrosion, rusting

Fixed Ladders

• Clearances for Fixed Ladders • ANSI standards for clearances:

– Climbing side ≥ 30 inches from other objects • Some exceptions reduce to 24 inches

– ≥ 7 inches from back side to any other object

Fixed Ladders

• Clearances for Fixed Ladders (2) • For vertical climb < 24 but top > 24 feet up,

fixed ladders shall have landing platform every 20 feet or one of the following: – Cages – Wells – Ladder safety devices – Self–retracting life lines

Fixed Ladders

• Fixed Ladders • When length of > 24 feet:

– Ladders must have cage or well, multiple sections, each section ≤ 50 feet

• Sections offset from adjacent sections, landing platforms at intervals ≤ 50 feet

Fixed Ladders

• Fixed Ladders: More Requirements • Fixed ladders without cages / wells shall

have: – Clear width to the nearest permanent object of

at least 15 inches on each side of the centerline of the ladder

Fixed Ladders

• Towers, Water Tanks, & Chimneys • Ladder safety devices:

– Tower, water, tank, chimney ladders > 20 feet – No landing platform required

Fixed Ladders

• Which of the following are common safety devices for fixed ladders? – Cages – Wells – Self–retracting life lines – Landing platforms

Final Considerations

• Summary • This course covered OSHA standards

regarding: – Temporary stairs – Types of ladders (straight, step, fixed) – Rules for safe use – Key terminology

• It is up to you to apply this knowledge!