Basic rules for the safe use of ladders.

[Neil Enslin]

Ladders are one of the main causes of incidents on a construction site. However, if used safely and correctly it a useful tool and will assist with your construction productivity. Herewith some useful tips/guidelines for the safe use of ladders:

1. Always avoid bringing the ladder in contact with electrical conductors.
2. Place the ladder so that its feet are a quarter of its length to the top support from the object it is resting against.
3. Unless the ladder is securely tied at the top, it should be held in position by another person whilst in use.
4. Wherever possible, a ladder should extend 1 m above its support.
5. Ladders should be inspected at frequent intervals. Replace defective ladders.
6. As paint conceals defects, use varnish or two coats of oil instead, to preserve wooden ladders.
7. Keep ladders clean. Because dirt hides defects whilst grease or oil can cause people to slip.
8. Do not leave ladders lying on wet ground or exposed to the weather.
9. Ladders lying on floors may cause workers to trip and fall, or they may be run over by vehicles.
10. Do not use ladders horizontally as walkways, or as scaffolding.
11. Tools and equipment should be hauled up by ropes.
12. Never leave a ladder where it may fall.
13. Never place a ladder in front of a doorway before taking adequate precautions.
14. Ladders should be equipped with safety feet.
15. Store ladders in cool places, lying on their side or r hanging in a horizontally position from a wall.
16. Use both hands when climbing up or down a ladder.
17. Only one person at a time should use a ladder.
18. Do not leave tools, etc. on top of a ladder. Remove them when descending from a ladder.
19. Use the correct ladder for the job.

[Deon Bester]

Hi Neil,

Good information, I wish more people would take ladders more seriously our immediate past President lost his brother to a ladder accident he fell from a three foot step ladder.

I recently found some good information on the University of Stellenbosch's web site on ladder safety.

[Neil Enslin]

Hi Deon,

You 100% correct, I'm not sure that individuals release how dangers a ladder can be if not used correctly. I'll have to look into it and will definitely share the information with you and our readers out there if I find anything.

Regards,