Ladder safety is important when choosing the right ladder for a job. The ladder must be tall enough to safely reach the work area and follow the 4-to-1 rule for setup angle. It also must be strong enough to support a person's weight plus tools. Consider the ladder's load rating, duty rating, and whether a conductive or non-conductive material is needed before choosing. Always follow manufacturer instructions and safety standards.
Ladder safety is important when choosing the right ladder for a job. The ladder must be tall enough to safely reach the work area and follow the 4-to-1 rule for setup angle. It also must be strong enough to support a person's weight plus tools. Consider the ladder's load rating, duty rating, and whether a conductive or non-conductive material is needed before choosing. Always follow manufacturer instructions and safety standards.
Ladder safety is important when choosing the right ladder for a job. The ladder must be tall enough to safely reach the work area and follow the 4-to-1 rule for setup angle. It also must be strong enough to support a person's weight plus tools. Consider the ladder's load rating, duty rating, and whether a conductive or non-conductive material is needed before choosing. Always follow manufacturer instructions and safety standards.
Ladder safety is important when choosing the right ladder for a job. The ladder must be tall enough to safely reach the work area and follow the 4-to-1 rule for setup angle. It also must be strong enough to support a person's weight plus tools. Consider the ladder's load rating, duty rating, and whether a conductive or non-conductive material is needed before choosing. Always follow manufacturer instructions and safety standards.
Make sure you choose a ladder that is tall enough for you to safely access your work area or reach your task. The ladder must also be strong enough to hold you and your tools, and suitable for your work environment. Here are some things you need to think about when choosing a ladder.
Is the ladder tall enough?
In addition to the ladders height, you must consider the following factors: The highest rung or step you are allowed to step or stand on Always follow the instructions on the manufacturers label. Your height If you cant comfortably reach your task while standing on the highest rung or step specified by the ladders manufacturer, you need a taller ladder. Set-up requirements Straight or extension ladders Make sure you can set up your ladder at the required angle, using the 4-to-1 Rule: For every 4 feet (1.2 metres) up, place the base of your ladder 1 foot (0.3 metres) from the wall or upper support that it rests against. If you will be getting off the top of your ladder to access your work area, make sure your ladders side rails extend at least 1 metre (3 feet) above the level or upper landing you are accessing. When choosing a straight or Stepladders extension ladder, make sure Make sure you can reach your task when your stepladders that its length allows you to spreader bars are fully open and locked. set it up at the required angle, using the 4-to-1 Rule. Is the ladder suitable for your task? Check the load and duty ratings on the manufacturers label. Make sure your ladder can handle the combined weight of you and your tools. Use a ladder made of non-conductive materials, such as fibreglass, when doing electrical work.
All ladders must meet a standard acceptable to WorkSafeBC, such as
CSA or ANSI. Check the manufacturers label for this information.
For more information, see WorkSafeBCs Ladder Safety Series on WorkSafeBC.com.
Page 1 of 1 Workers Compensation Board of B.C. LS 2012-03
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