Safe Work Practices

The following safe work practices should be used when working with ladders. If you see anyone not complying with safe work practices, report it to your supervisor immediately. Unsafe practices can lead to injuries for the climber and bystanders.

Maintain Three-Points-of-Contact

Whenever you climb a ladder, you should adhere to the three-points-of-contact practice because it minimizes the chances of slipping and falling. The three-points-of-contact rule is simple: keep three of your four limbs in contact with the ladder cleats or side rails at all times. This may be two hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand. It is the safest way to go up or down a ladder. However, it means that you cannot carry any objects in your hands that may interfere with the grip on the ladder.

Always Face the Ladder

You should always face the ladder during ascent or descent. You are less likely to become unstable in this position. Also, center your body between the rails and keep your hips square to the rungs.

Never Overextend

Reaching and overextending while on a ladder can cause you to lose your center of balance, which significantly increases your risk of injury. Overreaching is one of the most common causes of falls from ladders. A good rule is to keep your belt buckle inside the ladder rails. Instead of overextending, move the ladder to a position where the work can be accomplished without overreaching to either side. Make sure that a ladder is never moved, shifted, or extended while someone is on the ladder, unless permitted by the manufacturer.

Avoid Lashing

Ladders are manufactured to be used at a specific length. It is not acceptable to tie or fasten multiple ladders together, known as lashing. This creates unsafe conditions. If you have to use multiple ladders to reach a work area or access point, you must have a platform between the two ladders. In addition, each ladder must extend at least 3 feet above the platform, and the ladder should be properly secured to the platform or support structure.

Additional safe work practices when using ladders include the following:

• Read and follow the manufacturer's labels and instructions.
• Wear non-slip shoes, and make sure they are free of mud, oil, grease, or other slippery materials.
• Attach light, compact tools and materials to yourself using a work belt.
• Raise and lower heavy or awkward loads with a hand line or hoist.
• Never use the top step or top cap of a stepladder as a step.
• Never skip steps or slide down a ladder.
• Never use a ladder when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication or when in ill health.
• Only use a ladder for its intended purposes. Never use a ladder as a scaffold or platform.
• If you feel dizzy, sick, or nervous while on a ladder, do not try to climb down in a hurry. Instead, drape your arms around the rungs and rest your head against the ladder until you feel better. Then, climb down slowly and carefully.
• Do not leave tools or materials on top of a ladder. If they fall, you or bystanders could be hurt.
• Never straddle the front and back of a stepladder.

To learn more about Ladder & Stairway Safety visit our Ladder & Stairway Safety Online Training web page.