Ladder Safety Policy
Introduction:
No matter what type of ladder you use or what you use it for, it is important to take some extra
precautions. Any fall can be serious and a fall from the height of even a low ladder can mean a
painful and incapacitating injury. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in
one year 65,000 individuals receive emergency room treatment because of ladder accidents. The
National Safety Council reports that over 6,000 people die from falls around the home each year.
This number includes slipping on wet or icy surfaces, falling down stairs, falling off the roof and
falling from ladders.
Purpose: The purpose of this information is to provide guidance on the selection, use and
transportation of ladders that are used for the purpose of adjusting claims.
Statement of Policy: This policy will apply to all employees and Independent Adjusters who
conduct field inspections of homes and businesses to inspect damage to roofs and other structural /
ornamental features which cannot be inspected from the ground. Pre-planning in these types of
inspections is essential to prevent injuries from falls and strains from ladder set up, use and
transportation.
Program Elements: The main items covered by this policy are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Program Responsibilities
Ladder Selection
Ladder Inspection
Ladder Set Up
Ladder Safety During Use
Moving and Transporting Ladders
Storage of Ladders
Roof Safety
Double Pulls
Training
***Please read this document carefully and initial each page. Please sign the document on the
last page and return it to your Supervisor or to Jamie Williams at [email protected]
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1. Program Responsibilities:
Field Supervisors / Reinspectors Shall:
•
•
Periodically visit job sites in the field to specifically observe work practices related to ladder
use and provide coaching and feedback on safe and at risk behaviors.
Investigate employee injury or near miss incident involving the use of a ladder.
Independent Contractor Adjusters Shall:
• Read and understand the RJMW Ladder Safety Policy
• Select, use and transport ladders according to these established procedures.
• Not use a ladder until they have been properly trained in its safe use.
2. Ladder Selection:
1. Be sure the ladder being used has the proper duty rating to carry the combined weight of the
user and any tools and / or material that is being carried up the ladder.
2. A ladder’s duty rating tells you its maximum weight capacity. There are five categories of
duty ratings:
• Type IAA – These ladders have a duty rating of 375 pounds. They are rated for
special duty.
• Type IA – These ladders have a duty rating of 300 pounds. They are recommended
for extra heavy duty industrial use.
• Type I – These ladders have a duty rating of 250 pounds. They are manufactured for
heavy duty use.
• Type II – These ladders have a duty rating of 225 pounds. They are approved for
medium duty use.
• Type III – These ladders have a duty rating of 200 pounds. They are rated for light
duty use.
•
Type I and Type II are generally the type of ladder that you should select when purchasing
a ladder. Type III ladders should be avoided. If the Adjuster weighs over 250 pounds fully
clothed then the Type IA ladder should be purchased and if over 300 pounds fully clothed
Type IAA should be purchased.
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3. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requires that a duty rating sticker be
placed on the side of every ladder so users can determine if they have the correct type ladder
for the task/job. Examples of the color code (used by Werner ladder) and the load capacity
are shown below. Refer to your specific ladder for the type of duty rating used.
Light Duty
Household use
Type III
Medium Duty
Painter & Handyman
Type II
Heavy Duty
Industrial
Type I
Extra Heavy Duty
Industrial
Type IA
Special Duty
Rugged Professional
Type IAA
4. Be sure that the steps and rungs of the ladder are grooved or roughened to prevent slipping.
5. Use the proper size ladder for the job. DO NOT USE A LADDER THAT IS TOO SHORT
FOR THE JOB! See the chart below from Werner Ladder for extension ladder selection
guidelines based on the height of the eaves or the uppermost support point for the ladder.
You should not stand on the top three rungs of a straight or extension ladder.
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Choose the Right Extension Ladder
Height to Gutter or Top
Support Point
Correct Size
Extension Ladder
9’ maximum
9’ to 13’
13’ to 17’
17’ to 21’
21’ to 25’
25’ to 28’
28’ to 31’
16’
20’
24’
28’
32’
36’
40’
*Reflects section overlap, ladder angle and 3’ extension above roof line
6. When purchasing a new ladder, inspect it carefully. On metal ladders check for sharp edges,
dents and bent steps, rungs or rails. Wooden ladders should be free of splits, cracks, chips
and all but small, tight knots. No ladder should have any loose rungs or steps. Steps on
wooden stepladders should be reinforced with metal rods or angle braces securely attached
to the step and side rail. The bottom step of all stepladders should have metal angle braces.
All metal ladders should have slip resistant rubber or plastic feet.
7. If the work involves possible contact with overhead or building mounted electrical wires an
aluminum ladder should not be used. In these places a dry wood or fiberglass ladder should
be used. In many situations an aluminum ladder can be used for roof access if the set up
point for the ladder is consciously planned to avoid any power lines.
8. Read and follow all manufacturer instructions accompanying the ladder. Ladders are
designed for one person (exceptions are double front stepladders which can be used by two
people).
3. Ladder Inspection:
1. Always check a ladder before using it. Inspect wooden ladders for cracks and splits in the
wood. Check all ladders to see that the steps or rungs are tight and secure. Be sure that all
hardware and fittings are properly and securely attached. Test movable parts to see that they
operate without binding or without too much free play. Inspect metal and fiberglass ladders
for bends and breaks. Replace worn out rubber feet caps to ensure non skid grips.
2. Keep the ladder clean, free from grease, oil, mud, snow, wet paint and other slippery
material. Keep your shoe soles clean. Rubber soled shoes or shoes specifically designed for
walking on roofs should be worn. Never climb a ladder wearing leather soled shoes.
3. Never make temporary repairs of damaged or missing parts.
4. Never use a damaged ladder.
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4. Ladder Set Up
Extension Ladders
1. DO NOT LET LADDERS OF ANY MATERIAL COME IN
CONTACT WITH LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRES! Aluminum
ladders should not be used where there is a possibility that the
ladder could come in contact with electricity.
2. The sections of an extension ladder should overlap enough to
retain the strength of the ladder. For extension ladders up to 36’
the sections should overlap at least 3 feet. For ladders between 36’ – 48’ the required overlap
is 4 feet. Remember that the usable length of the ladder is reduced by the amount of overlap.
3. When setting up an extension ladder lay the ladder on the ground and place the base of the
ladder (the safety feet end) against a solid surface like the foundation of the
building. Lift the top of the ladder and “walk down it”, rung by rung and
hand by hand, moving in towards the base until the ladder is upright. Rest
the top of the ladder against the wall or other flat surface, then lift or slide
the base out to its final position. For longer ladders (over 36 feet) use two
people. Have the heaviest person stand at the base and put a foot on the
bottom rung. While the person at the top end of the ladder walks the ladder
upright, the person on the end should help pull the ladder forward while
grasping the side rails. Once the ladder is upright, ease the top to rest
against the wall or firm surface.
4. Extend an extension ladder only from the ground. Determine the height needed, extend and
lock the fly section securely in place, and then set it up against the wall. Always extend the
ladder before climbing it.
5. Set the ladder on firm ground. Do not lean the ladder sideways.
6. Do no use the ladder on ice or snow covered ground or other types of slippery surfaces
without having a non skid device in place or by staking or securing the feet firmly in
position.
7. Set a single or extension ladder at the proper 75 degree
angle by bracing the ladder base a distance equal to ¼ the
total working length of the ladder away from the base of
the vertical support. The working length is the ground to
the uppermost top support point, as measured along side
rails of the ladder. If ladders are set up at an angle steeper
than 75 degrees above horizontal they are more likely to
tip backwards when in use. If ladders are set up at an
angle less than 75 degrees they are more likely to slide
out from the bottom. Safety ladder shoes or base tying is
a must in this case.
8. The distance from the foot of the ladder to the wall
should never be more than one half the height to the
support point, an angle of about 63 degrees above the
horizontal. Otherwise, more strain will be put on the side
rails than they are designed to carry.
9. The top of the ladder should extend 3 feet above the roof
eave or working surface to allow for safe access on and off the ladder to the roof surface. If
possible, tie the ladder’s side rail at the top support point to a solid stable point.
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10. Before positioning the ladder, check for insect or bird nests under the eaves; the top of a
ladder is no place to discover a wasp’s nest.
11. Never use a ladder in a strong wind.
12. Never place a ladder in front of a door that is not locked, blocked or guarded.
13. The highest standing rung on an extension ladder is the 4th rung from the top.
14. Never splice or tie two short ladders together to make a long section.
5. Ladder Setup:
Stepladders
1. DO NOT LET ANY LADDERS OF ANY MATERIAL COME IN CONTACT WITH
LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRES! Aluminum ladders should not be used where there is a
possibility that the ladder could come in contact with electricity.
2. Erect a step ladder on a flat surface only.
3. Never use a stepladder as a straight ladder.
4. Make sure the ladder is fully open, spreaders secure, and pail shelf In position before
climbing it. The locking devices on some ladders may present a pinching hazard, so keep the
fingers clear when setting the ladder.
5. Never use a stepladder over 20’ long.
6. Do not stand higher than the second step from the top on a stepladder. Do not stand or sit on
the top cap, or stand on the pail shelf, or on the back of a stepladder.
7. Do not straddle the front and back of a stepladder.
5. Ladder Safety During Use:
1. Place the ladder on a firm, level surface. If this is not possible, such as when working on
grass, tie the feet of the ladder to stakes in the ground to prevent it from slipping, and place a
large wooden board underneath it to prevent it from sinking.
2. Do not put a ladder on top of any boxes, bricks, barrels or any other unstable surface just to
gain extra height.
3. Keep the steps and rungs of ladders free of grease, oil, mud, snow, ice, paper and other
slippery materials. Also clean such debris off your shoes before climbing a ladder. Do not
wear leather soled shoes when climbing a ladder or onto a roof. Use flat rubber soled shoes
or other appropriate roof climbing shoes.
4. Keep the ladder at least 10’ away from any electrical service drops to the building and any
power lines. The farther away from any potential sources of electrical current contact that
you can get the better.
5. Always face the ladder when climbing up or down. Use both hands and maintain three points
of contact with the ladder (i.e. one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot)
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6. Never carry objects in your hands when climbing a ladder. Cameras, tape measure, clip
boards or other objects should be in your jacket pocket, pants pocket or in a tool pouch / belt.
7. Climb and stand on a ladder with your feet in the center of the steps or rungs.
8. Do not over reach from a ladder, or lean too far to one side. Overreaching is probably the
most common cause of falls from ladders. A good rule of thumb is to always keep your belt
buckle inside the side rails of the ladder. Work as far as you can reach comfortably and
safely, then move the ladder to a new position.
9. Never climb onto a ladder from the side unless it has been secured against sidewise motion,
from above the top or from one ladder to another.
10. Securely engage the ladder rung locks before climbing an extension ladder.
11. Do not stand closer than 3 rungs from the top of an extension ladder and 2 steps from the top
of a stepladder.
12. Do not overload the ladder. Ladders are meant for only one person to be on it at a time
(unless they are specifically designed for two people, such as a two person stepladder).
13. Keep the ladder close to the work; avoid pushing or pulling off to the side of the ladder. This
puts a side load on the ladder and can cause it to tip out from under you.
14. Never drop or apply an impact load to a ladder.
15. Do not try to move a ladder while you are on it by rocking, jogging or pushing it away from
a supporting wall while standing on it. Get off the ladder first and then move it.
16. Never use a ladder while under the influence of alcohol, on drugs or medication, or in ill
health.
17. If you get sick, dizzy or panicky while on a ladder, do not try to climb down in a hurry.
Wait. Drape your arms around the rungs; rest your head against the ladder until you feel
better. Then climb down slowly and carefully.
18. Do not leave tools or materials on top of ladders. If they fall on you, you can be hurt or they
could fall on someone below.
19. Never use a ladder as a horizontal platform, plank, scaffold or material hoist.
20. Be cautious about homemade ladders or the use of a contractor’s ladders. Inspect them
carefully before using (if you must use them). Generally you should avoid using a ladder
other than the one that YOU bring to the inspection site.
21. Do not allow insureds to climb on your ladder.
22. Never leave a raised ladder unattended. It could fall on someone or children cold climb on it.
When you are done with your inspection, take the ladder down.
23. Do not climb onto a roof when the roof surface is wet, frosty, snowy or icy.
24. If you are allowed to measure the roof from the edge of the roof while standing safely on the
ladder, do so.
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6. Moving and Transporting Ladders:
1. When carrying an extension ladder, pick it up at or near its midpoint. You can carry shorter
extension ladders on your shoulder with your arm looped through the rung to provide more
stability. Be careful when you are carrying an extension ladder by yourself, particularly
when you are going around corners or in tight quarters. The end of the ladder can swing
around and hit the building, cars, windows or other people.
2. For extension ladders over 24’ in length, two people should carry the ladder.
3. Properly secure extension ladders onto the roof of your vehicle or in its carrier. Tie the
ladder so that both rails are secured with a rope or bungee cord. If the ladder overhangs the
front or rear of the vehicle, attach a bright red or other highly visible cloth or flag to the
protruding end as a visual warning to other vehicles.
4. Avoid deep bending of the waist and overextending when getting the ladder into and out of
the vehicle.
5. For ladders that fold, carry the ladder in the folded up position. Follow manufacturer’s
instructions for unfolding and setting up the ladder, being careful to avoid pinch points at the
hinged sections.
7. Storage of Ladders:
1. Ladders should be stored in well ventilated areas and in a manner that will prevent sagging
and warping. Straight ladders are best stored in flat racks or on wall brackets. Stepladders
should be stored in the closed position.
2. Wood ladders should be protected from moisture, insect damage and excessive heat.
Moisture and sun exposure are the two main enemies of wood ladders and can rapidly
shorten the useful life of a ladder.
8. Roof Safety:
Working on a roof presents some unique safety issues. Understanding hazards and roof
characteristics will reduce the likelihood of an accident.
Points to remember:
•
•
•
•
•
Proper footwear consists of soft-soled shoes to provide the best grip or shoes designed for
roof access.
Weather is a major concern when inspecting roofs. Is ice, snow, water, pine needles or
another slippery substance present? Test the surface before stepping off of the ladder
Roof materials vary in their coefficient of friction. Materials such as wood, tile and slate are
fragile, may break easily and can be slippery. DO NOT WALK ON A TARP THAT IS
ON THE ROOF.
Structural damage considerations are another safety concern. Will the roof support your
weight? Are there holes or openings? Is the decking around roof penetrations (vents, stacks,
chimneys, etc.) rotted or decayed?
Never take a backward step. All movements on a roof should be forward.
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•
•
IF CONDITIONS ARE UNSAFE (excessive wind, excessive heights, extreme slopes,
slippery surfaces on the roof or ground [i.e., ice, snow, etc.] DON’T CLIMB. Consult your
Supervisor for guidance.
ALWAYS bring your cell phone with you on the roof. You can use it to call someone for
assistance should your ladder fall and you are stuck on the roof or if you are injured, you can
call for help.
9. Using Ladders on Roofs (Double Pulls):
1. Some roofs cannot be reached from the ground with standard ladders due to height limits of
the ladder. A procedure known as “Double Pull” in which to access the second story (or
higher) roof of a structure it would require you to lift a ladder off the ground or lower roof
and place it on a higher surface to inspect multi-story buildings. This procedure can be
extremely hazardous if done improperly or under the wrong conditions. DUE TO SAFETY
CONCERNS, RJMW DOES NOT RECOMMEND USING THE “DOUBLE PULL”
PROCEDURE ON ANY ROOF.
2. Some roof inspections may require a 2 – story ladder or may need to be inspected by a
qualified contractor with appropriate equipment or the use of Ladder Assist. We recommend
using the appropriate ladder for the job to avoid using the “Double Pull” method.
10. Training:
1. Each Independent Adjuster will read and agree to the Ladder Safety Guidelines outlined in
this document. By reading and signing the document the Independent Adjuster understands
and agrees to the safety procedures outlined.
2. Any Adjuster that would like additional instruction can request in writing to their Supervisor
for additional instruction on ladder safety which may include outdoor and field inspection
work.
By signing this document I hereby agree to the RJMW safety guidelines outlined in this
document and agree to follow them. I also agree to hold RJMW and any of its staff or officers
harmless for any incidents arising out of use of a ladder or accessing a structure for
inspection purposes.
First Name:______________________________________________________________________
Last Name:_______________________________________________________________________
Last 5 of Social Security Number and Adjuster Number:_________________/_____________
SIGN YOUR NAME HERE:
DATE:
_____________________________________________________
___________________
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