Portable ladders are such common, simple tools that it's easy to become complacent about ladder safety. But many employees are injured using ladders each year, mainly due to a lack of attention to safety procedures.
- Are all ladders in good condition, joints between steps and side rails tight, all hardware and fittings securely attached and moveable parts operating freely without binding or undue play?
- Are nonslip safety feet on all ladders except stepladders?
- Are ladder rungs and steps free of grease and oil?
- Are employees prohibited from placing a ladder in front of doors opening toward the ladder except when the door is blocked open, locked or guarded?
- Are employees prohibited from placing ladders on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height?
- Are employees instructed to face the ladder when ascending/descending?
- Are employees prohibited from using ladders that are broken or missing steps, rungs, or have broken side rails or other faulty equipment?
- Are employees instructed not to use the top step of ordinary stepladders as a step?
- When portable rung ladders are used to gain access to elevated platforms, roofs and the like, does the ladder always extend at least a metre above the elevated surface?
- Are portable metal ladders legibly marked with signs reading "CAUTION -- Do Not Use Around Electrical Equipment" or similar wording?
