Ladders

Hazard

Use of a damaged or improperly set up ladder exposes workers to various risks of injury. For example, a ladder that fails or becomes unstable while a worker is on the ladder exposes that worker to the hazard of a fall from height.

Prevention

Manufactured portable ladders must be marked for the grade of material used to construct the ladder and the use for which the ladder is constructed.

For job built ladders, they must be constructed according to WorkSafeBC Standard: LDR 1-2004 Job Built Ladders.

Ladders used for access to another level cannot be stepladders and must be placed on a firm and level base, positioned so that the horizontal distance from the base to vertical plane of support is approximately ¼ of the ladder length, must have sufficient length to project approximately 1 m (3 ft) above the upper landing to which it provides access, and be secured to ensure stability during use. A worker must not carry on a ladder, heavy or bulky objects or any other objects which may make ascent or descent unsafe.

Practice

If work cannot be done from a ladder without hazard to a worker, a work platform must be provided. Damaged ladders must be taken out of service immediately - See the Safe Work Practice for taking a tool or piece of equipment out of service.

References

• B.C. OHS Regulation
  Part 13 Ladders, Scaffolds, and Temporary Work Platforms