10. Ladder, Scaffold, and Mobile Work Platform Safety Flashcards
Discuss standards for portable ladders in the workplace.
WorkSafeBC requires that ladders be manufactured in accordance with an acceptable standard, or meet the requirements of a professional engineer.
There is a long list of acceptable standards in the WorkSafeBC guidelines.
Most commercial ladders in Canada meet CSA Z11
- establishes grades of portable ladders
- sets performance requirements
- classifies types of design
- sets safety marking requirements
Describe the 6 common types of portable ladder.
Telescopic
- steps collapse into a stack, and sides telescope. As ladder extends, the steps extend one at a time.
Extension
- Fixed ladder sections, slide over each other to extend.
Step
- Simple a-frame, typically with tool platform at top.
Sectional
- Multiple separate sections of ladder that stack/lock together to desired length.
Articulating
- A ladder with hinges/joints
Combo
- A ladder that can be used as a single ladder, extension ladder, or stepladder.
What four key areas are established in CSA Z11?
- Establishes grades of portable ladders
- Sets performance requirements
- Classifies types of design
- Sets safety marking requirements
List pre-use inspection items for ladders.
- Presence/condition of latches & locking mechanisms
- Rope condition
- Footpad presence/condition
- Rung conditions
- Cracks, splits, corrosion, sharp edges
- Labelling & safety markings
What should be done if people, vehicles, or mobile equipment may pass near a ladder in use?
- Warning signs
- Pylons
- Barricade tape
- Blocking doors
- Adjustment of work schedule
What are the CSA Z11 ladder grades?
Grades: 3, 2, 1, 1A, 1AA.
3 = light/household = 200lb 2 = medium = 225lb 1 = heavy = 250lb 1A = Extra heavy = 300lb 1AA = Special = 375lb
(test loads are 4x rated limits)
What are the ANSI ladder grades?
Grades: 111, 11, 1, 1A.
111 = lightest 1A = heaviest
Discuss job-built ladders.
Ladders can be built on-site.
There are no national/international standards for job-built ladders.
There are local (WorkSafeBC) standards.
What are the minimum contents of a ladder safety program?
- Selection of ladder type/grade
- Pre-use inspections
- Damaged ladders
- Storage & care
- Ladder use
- Ascending and descending safely
- Footing and top support
- Electrical hazards
What inspection findings would be cause to remove a ladder from service?
- Damage/defects to working parts (feet, hinges, joints, locking devices)
- Damage to rung or step connections
- Wear of rope
- Broken/bent ladders
- No markings/concealed markings
Why should a latter extend at least 1 meter above a roofline/support?
- Permits a secure, 3-point contact for workers at top of ladder
- Permits the ladder to be tied off/secured
- Margin of safety in event that ladder slips laterally
- Visible signal to location of ladder
How far away from a wall should a ladder base be?
4:1 rule = for every 4 feet of height, the ladder base should be 1 foot away from the wall.
Steeper angles risk the ladder falling back and creates a steep climb for the worker.
Shallower angles risk the ladder sliding out under weight.
What should be done if work conditions do not permit a 4:1 ladder angle?
Use another means of access, such as a work platform.
What are the 7 best practices for ladder climbing?
1, Face ladder and avoid distractions. Reduces risk of missing a step or shifting body weight.
2, Keep weight between supports. Maintains ladder stability.
3, Maintain 3-point contact. Secures worker to ladder.
4, Transport heavy/bulky items separately to worker. Avoids putting worker off balance.
5, Clean, dry footwear. Reduces slip risk.
6, Avoid carrying tools (use toolbelt or hoist). Keeps hands free to permit 3-point contact.
7, Avoid working at top 2 ladder steps. Reduces risk of tipping and permits 3-point contact.
Discuss ladders near electricity.
Avoid work near electricity when possible.
When necessary, avoid aluminium ladders. Use fiberglass/non-conductive ladders.
Good non-conductive ladders have voltage ratings for conductivity.