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LADDER TIPS
Do you know there's a
killer on this job that you probably meet face-to-face everyday? I'm talking
about the common, ordinary ladder. Ladders are involved in many accidents, some
of which are fatal. Your life literally can depend on knowing how to inspect,
use, and care for this tool. Let's spend a few minutes talking about ladders.
INSPECTING LADDERS
Before using any ladder, inspect
it. Look for the following faults:
1. Loose or missing rungs
or cleats.
2. Loose nails, bolts,
or screws.
3. Cracked, broken, split, dented, or badly worn rungs, cleats, or side
rails.
4. Wood splinters.
5. Corrosion of metal
ladders or metal parts.
If you find a ladder in
poor condition, don't use it. Report it. It should be tagged and properly
repaired or immediately destroyed.
USING LADDERS
Choose the right type and size ladder. Except where stairways, ramps, or
runways are provided, use a ladder to go from one level to another. Keep these
tips in mind:
1. Be sure straight
ladders are long enough so that the side rails extend above the top support
point by 36" at least.
2. Don't set up ladders
in areas such as doorways or walkways where they may be run into by others,
unless they are protected by barriers. Keep the area around the top and base of
the ladder clear. Don't run hoses, extension cords, or ropes on a ladder and
create an obstruction.
3. Don't try to increase the height of a ladder
by standing it on boxes, barrels, or other materials. Don't try to splice
two ladders together either!
4. Set the ladder on
solid footing against a solid support. Don't try to use a step ladder as a
straight ladder.
5. Place the base of
straight ladders out away from the wall or edge of the upper level about one
foot for every four feet of vertical height. Don't use ladders as a platform,
runway, or scaffold.
6. Tie in, block, or
otherwise secure the top of straight ladders to prevent them from being
displaced.
7. To avoid slipping on
a ladder, check your shoes for oil, grease, or mud and wipe it off before
climbing.
8. Always face the
ladder and hold on with both hands when climbing up or down. Don't try to carry
tools or materials with you.
9. Don't lean out to
the side when you're on a ladder. If something is out of reach, get down and
move the ladder over.
10. Most ladders are designed to hold only one person at a time. Two may
cause the ladder to fail or throw it off balance.
CARE OF LADDERS
Take good care of ladders and they'll take care of you. Store them in a
well ventilated areas, away from
dampness.
REMEMBER
These tips on ladders may save you from a ladder that tips.
Safety Recommendations:__________________________________________________________________________________
Job Specific Topics:_______________________________________________________________________________________
M.S.D.S Reviewed:_______________________________________________________________________________________
Attended By:
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