Fall Prevention & Protection – Environmental Health & Safety

St. Olaf Ladder Safety Program (download)

STO Ladder Inspection Checklist (pdf)

American Ladder Institute: Ladder Safety Training Videos

OSHA Rules for ALL Ladders

Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder.
Avoid electrical hazards! Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder.
Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment.
Always inspect the ladder prior to using it. If the ladder is damaged, it must be removed from service and tagged until repaired or discarded.
Maintain ladders free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards.
Do not load ladders beyond their maximum intended load nor beyond their manufacturer’s rated capacity.
Use ladders only for their designed purpose.
Use ladders only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental movement.
Do not use ladders on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental movement. Do not use slip resistant feet as a substitute for exercising care when placing, lashing or holding a ladder upon slippery surfaces.
Secure ladders placed in areas such as passageways, doorways or driveways. Or where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic to prevent accidental movement. Or use a barricade to keep traffic or activity away from the ladder.
Keep areas clear around the top and bottom of ladders.
Do not move, shift or extend ladders while in use.
Do not stand on the top three rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder.
An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend at least 3 feet beyond the point of support (see diagram).
The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface (see diagram).
Use ladders equipped with nonconductive side rails if the worker or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment.
Face the ladder when moving up or down.
Do not carry objects or loads that could cause loss of balance and falling.
Always maintain a 3 point (two hands and one foot, or two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder when climbing. Keep your body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing (see diagram).