Ladders Ladders Company Harlan McPhee North McPhee South Powerhawke Ravex Richards Company Using the Form Job Name * Job Name and/or Number Date * Ladders Ladders are a common tool in the electrical trade. They provide us with a means of reaching locations too high to reach otherwise. They allow us to go down into trenches and excavations easily, and ladders help us gain access to the upper floors and roofs of buildings. There are several different types of ladders. There are Fixed, Extension and Step Ladders. These ladders can be made of wood, metal, plastic or fiberglass. NOTE: Portable Aluminum ladders are not to be used on Phalcon project sites. Fixed Ladders are attached to a structure and are not adjustable in length. Prior to climbing on any ladder, inspect it for damages. If damaged, immediately tag it (Danger Do Not Use) and remove it from the work area. When you need an extension ladder, inspect it for defects and missing or illegible labels before using it, and be sure to look for overhead hazards (Wires) that may interfere with the set-up. Overhead electrical lines and ladders don't mix! Extend the ladder to the required height and engage the extension hooks. Remember the 1 to 4 rule - the base of the ladder should be 1' away from the wall or support for every 4' of vertical extension. When using the ladder to access an upper level, be sure the ladder extends 3' above the landing level. Secure the ladder by tying it off to prevent shifting. Extension ladders should never be used for a scaffold platform. Ladders may only be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. When using a stepladder inspect the ladder for defects like missing hardware, broken rails, bent steps, missing or illegible labels and ensure that the spreader locks work properly. Special attention should be made to inspecting the attachment point of the spreaders to the side rails on fiberglass ladders. This is a common area for issues. Place the ladder on solid ground and secure the spreader locks. We saw a significant injury a couple years ago where the employee had set a stepladder up on ice. The ladder slipped while he was on it and the employee fell to the ground. Fully extend and expand A-frame legs unless it is designed for use with the legs folded and secured. Never stand on the top two steps; if you need to reach higher, get a larger ladder. Some other things to keep in mind when using a ladder; • Always face and maintain 3-points of contact when climbing and descending a ladder. • Keep the area around the base of the ladder clear of debris. We have had a number of ankle injuries from stepping off the ladder onto soda cans, PVC glue containers, pipe or other debris. • Don’t over reach; keep your belt buckle between the rails of the ladder and always face the ladder when climbing or working. If you need to reach out further, reposition the ladder. • Some projects and tasks will require fall protection while performing work on a ladder. In general, if you cannot maintain 3-points of contact with the ladder or it is strenuous work, fall protection and tying off will be required. • When selecting the proper ladder, you should consider the capacity of the ladder, its height and footing requirements. On project sites that require 100% fall protection when working at heights greater than 6 feet, personal fall protection will be required. Use a Self-Retracting Lanyard (SRL) and ensure that the SRL anchorage point is overhead within 15 degrees of the ladders position to avoid swing fall issues. Also, remember to discuss, rescue, should a fall occur. Although ladders are a useful tool, we see many injuries associated with their use. If it is possible to conduct the work with alternative methods, these access methods should be considered first. Other options could include the use of a scissor lifts, articulating boom aerial lifts, Liftpods, scaffolding, etc. Additional Comments Foreman Name * Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Picture Upload Drop a file here or click to upload Choose File Maximum upload size: 52.43MB reCAPTCHA Submit Δ
