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 Understand
how to choose the right ladder
 Understand
different types of ladders
 Understand
basic ladder use safety principles
 Understand
ladder safety errors in examples
2
 Consider
the Following:

Ladder Style

Ladder Material

Ladder Weight Capacity

Task Being Performed

What Sturdy Surface to Lean Ladder Against
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Type
Weight
Limit
Recommended Usage
IAA
375 lbs
Extra Heavy Duty
IA
300 lbs
Extra Heavy Duty
I
250 lbs
Heavy Duty
II
225 lbs
Medium Duty
III
200 lbs
Light Duty
NOTE: UCM’s EHS Department recommends using Fiberglass Type 1A (at a minimum) ladders
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 Do
NOT use near
electricity
 Check
that ladder is free
of sharp edges
 Check
weight rating
 Note:
UCM EHS does not
recommend aluminum
ladders or metal ladders
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 Safe
to use near
electricity
 Check
for discoloration
or cracks of the
fiberglass
 Check
weight rating
6
 Do
NOT use near electricity
 Check
for working rope and
pulley
 Use
1:4 ratio
 Leave
at least 3ft extra
over roof or edge line
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For every 4 feet up,
place the base of
ladder 1 foot from
the wall or upper
support that it rests
against
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The use of
wooden and
homemade
ladders is
PROHIBITED
at UCM
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Inspect ladder before every use






Use the UCM Ladder Inspection Checklist
Check for safety labels
Check that all parts are in proper condition
Check that rungs are clean
Check for feet
Check that there are no bent parts
If ladder is NOT safe, do NOT use



Put a red tag on ladder and take out of service
Report it to supervisor
Move ladder away from ladders in use
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 Transport
with vehicle ladder storage racks
 Properly secure to vehicle
 Carry with 2 people if necessary
 If carrying alone:



Keep the front of the ladder slightly higher than
the back
Carry in the middle of the ladder
Put arm through rung and brace ladder on shoulder
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
Check ground for slick surfaces before setting ladder up

Place ladder on level ground

Erect barricades in pedestrian or vehicle traffic areas

Watch for overhead obstructions (power lines, trees, etc.)

Do not stand on the ladder cap

Do not stand on or above rung second highest to the top

Do not climb ladder with back to rungs
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
Carry small items, such
as a hammer or tape
measure, on a work belt

Do not carry objects or
loads that could cause
loss of balance and
falling

Utilize a lift to raise
large tools and supplies

Must maintain 3 point
contact at all times
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 Always
maintain 3
point contact
when climbing
1
hand + 2 feet
2
hands + 1 foot
 Always
forward
face
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
Environment
Is it a high vehicle or pedestrian traffic area?

Weather
Is it raining?

Electricity
Is there live electricity?

Heights
Is the ladder the appropriate length?
Working Surface
Is the ground slick or uneven?

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
Use safety tape or erect
barricades in high vehicle or
pedestrian traffic areas

Do not use a ladder outside
in inclement weather

If you must work near live
electricity, use a fiberglass
ladder
NOTE: STAY AT LEAST 10’ AWAY
FROM ENERGIZED SOURCE

Ensure working environment
is free from slick surfaces
and uneven ground
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Voltage
(nominal, kV, alternating current)
Minimum clearance distance
(feet)
Up to 50
10
Over 50 to 200
15
Over 200 to 350
20
Over 350 to 500
25
Over 500 – 750
35
Over 750 – 1,000
45
Over 1,000
As established by the utility
owner/operator or registered professional
engineer who is a qualified person with
respect to electrical power transmission
and distribution
Note: The value that follows “to” is up to and includes that value. For example, over 50 to 200
means up to and including 200kV.
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Overhead power line is 16 feet from the
painting operation
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
Move the ladder to the set of stairs you will be working on with
the help of another person

Open the ladder out into a A-frame shape.

Pull open the side locks and adjust the height of one of the sides
to reach the lower set of stairs and lock both side locks in place

Adjust the second side if it needs to be shorter in order to
balance the ladder in the same way. The shorter side of the
ladder will be towards the top of the stairs

Check to be sure that all four bases are securely placed on the
steps

Have your helper hold the ladder in place for extra security
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You should now:
 Understand
how to choose the right ladder
 Understand
different types of ladders
 Understand
basic ladder use safety principles
 Understand
ladder safety errors in examples
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