Ladder Safety Training
Summary
The OSHA Standard for portable ladders contains specific requirements designed to ensure worker safety:
Loads
Self-supporting (foldout) and non-self-supporting (leaning) portable ladders must be able to support at least four times the maximum intended load, except extra-heavy-duty metal or plastic ladders, which must be able to sustain 3.3 times the maximum intended load.
Angle
Non-self-supporting ladders, which must lean against a wall or other support, are to be positioned at such an angle that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is about 1⁄4 the working length of the ladder.
In the case of job-made wooden ladders, that angle should equal about 1⁄8 the working length. This minimizes the strain of the load on ladder joints that may not be as strong as on commercially manufactured ladders.
Rungs
Ladder rungs, cleats, or steps must be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use. Rungs must be spaced between 10″-14″ inches apart.
For extension trestle ladders, the spacing must be 8″-18″ inches for the base, and 6″-12″ inches on the extension section.
Rungs must be so shaped that an employee’s foot cannot slide off, and must be skid-resistant.
Slipping
Ladders are to be kept free of oil, grease, wet paint, and other slipping hazards.
Wood ladders must not be coated with any opaque covering, except identification or warning labels on one face only of a side rail.
Other Requirements
Foldout or stepladders must have a metal spreader or locking device to hold the front and back sections in an open position when in use.
When two or more ladders are used to reach a work area, they must be offset with a landing or platform between the ladders.
The area around the top and bottom of ladder must be kept clear.
Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections, unless they are specifically designed for such use.
Never use a ladder for any purpose other than the one for which it was designed.
Training Videos
Please view all videos using the "PREVIEW' version first.
If you decide a video is what you are looking for in training a group of your employees, you can then download the high resolution video version. This is important because the WV LTAP is charged per high resolution view of both the “English” and “Spanish” videos.
We are happy to offer these videos at no-cost to the local and state public works and roadway agencies located within West Virginia. Using the "Preview" version when evaluating videos allows us to keep our costs down and allows you to watch the complete video, just at a lower quality. The "Preview" version will still work great on a computer screen and helps us keep costs down and continue this program.
