Thread: Ladder Safety Tips for Inspectors

According to the World Health Organization, the United States leads the world in ladder deaths. Each year, there are more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 deaths in the U.S. that are caused by falls from ladders.

Most ladder deaths are from falls of 10 feet or less.

Falls from ladders are the leading cause of deaths on construction sites.

Over the past decade, the number of people who have died from falls from ladders has tripled.


NEVER:

• leave a raised ladder unattended. Ladders that are not in use should be laid on the ground or put away. A client may be tempted to climb the inspector's raised ladder if it is left unattended, which is never a good idea. Similarly, the inspector should never use the client's ladder;
• place a ladder in front of a door that is not locked, blocked or guarded;
• use a ladder for any purpose other than the one for which it was designed;
• tie or fasten ladders together to provide longer sections, unless they are specifically designed for that purpose;
• use a ladder in windy conditions;
• leave a raised ladder unattended. Ladders that are not in use should be laid on the ground or put away. A client may be tempted to climb the inspector's raised ladder if it is left unattended, which is never a good idea. Similarly, the inspector should never use the client's ladder;
• place a ladder in front of a door that is not locked, blocked or guarded;
• use a ladder for any purpose other than the one for which it was designed;
• tie or fasten ladders together to provide longer sections, unless they are specifically designed for that purpose;
• use a ladder in windy conditions;
• exceed the maximum load rating. The maximum load rating, which should be found on a highly visible label on the ladder, is the maximum intended load that the ladder is designed to carry. Duty ratings are Type lll, ll, l, lA and 1B, which correspond to maximum load capacities of 220, 225, 250, 300 and 350 pounds, respectively. Inspectors and homeowners should know the duty rating of the ladder they are using, as well as the combined weight of themselves and their tools;
• use a step ladder in the closed position;
• sit on any rung, including the top;
• climb past the fourth rung from the top on leaning ladders, or the second rung from the top on step ladders;
• pull, lean, stretch, or make any sudden moves. Over-reaching is the most common and dangerous form of ladder misuse; or
• step on the rear section of a step ladder or the underside of an extension ladder.

Before mounting a ladder, always CHECK the following:

• that ladders are free of oil, grease, wet paint, and other slipping hazards;
• that the feet work properly and have slip-resistant pads. These pads become worn over time and may need to be replaced. On extension ladders, the rubber pads can be turned around to reveal metal spurs, which can be used to secure the ladder in soft surfaces, such as grass or dirt;
• that rung locks and spreader braces are working;
• that all bolts and rivets are secure;
• that the steps, rungs, and other ladder parts are free of oil, grease and other materials;
• that the ground under the ladder is level and firm. Large, flat, wooden boards braced under the ladder can level a ladder on uneven or soft ground. Also, some companies make leveling devices so that ladders can be used on uneven and hilly terrain;
• that ladder rungs, cleats, or steps are parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use. Rungs should be spaced between 10 and 14 inches apart;
• that the ladder is anchored. The base can be tied to a nearby sturdy object, such as a pole or a building. If no anchor is available, a stake can be driven into the ground. Inspectors should beware not to anchor their ladders to something that can impale them if they were to fall on it, such as a grounding rod. A 10-inch nail, hammered so as to leave only an inch or two exposed, is usually safe and effective;
• that the area around the ladder is roped off or barricaded. A safety sign can also be placed beside the ladder to warn others to stay clear;
• any indications of cracks, bends, splits or corrosion;
• the location of nearby power lines. If setting up a ladder near them or other types of electrical equipment is unavoidable, use a wooden or fiberglass ladder. Do not let a ladder made from any material contact live electrical wires;
• the distance of non-self-supporting ladders from the structure. This type of ladder must lean against a wall or other support, so they should be positioned at such an angle that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is about 1/4 the working length of the ladder. A rough method to test this angle is by placing your toes at the base of the ladder and stretching your arm at shoulder height. Your hand should just touch the ladder;
• that the ladder has slip-resistant feet;
• that the ladder is the proper length for the job. Ladders should extend a minimum of 3 feet over the roofline or working surface; and
• locking devices. Stepladders must have a metal spreader or locking device to hold the front and back sections in an open position when in use; and
• that someone knows where you are. Accidents can and do happen in remote areas where cell phones are ineffective and no one is home. If you are injured under these conditions, no one will know you are hurt and need help.

While on the ladder, ALWAYS:

• face the ladder;
• consider anchoring the top of the ladder with a bungee cord. Perhaps the most feared move an inspector must make is stepping back onto the ladder from the roof. They must step around the section of the ladder that extends above the roofline, placing lateral pressure on the rung as they make contact with the ladder. A bungee cord is a convenient tool that can be used to reduce any wavering that could otherwise result in a serious accident. Also, a bungee cord may prevent the ladder from being blown over in the wind while the inspector is on the roof;
• be conscious of the ladder's location, especially while walking on the roof. In an emergency, the inspector may need to leave the roof quickly. Ladders become much more dangerous when an inspector becomes covered in a swarm of stinging bees and must get down in a hurry, for instance;
• keep your body centered between the rails at all times. Do not lean too far to the side while working; and
• utilize three points of contact, because this minimizes the chances of slipping and falling from the ladder. At all times during ascent or descent, the climber must face the ladder and have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder cleats and/or side rails. In this way, the climber is unlikely to become unstable if one limb slips during the climb. It is important to note that the climber must not carry any objects in either hand that can interfere with a firm grip on the ladder.

In SUMMARY, basic safety practices can prevent accidents caused by improper use of or unsafe ladders.

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YADADADA.......

READERS DIGEST VERSION:............

USE COMMON SENSE

Here is how!!

Rule # 666

Black cat walked under a ladder!

Inspection was done!!!!!

Copyright Chimney Safety Institute of America

Board of Directors
2010-2011 CSIA Board of Directors
Read Board Meeting Minutes
President
Randy Brooks
Brooks Chimney Sweeping
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John Pilger
Chief Chimney Services, Inc.
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Robert Huta
RLH Industries, Inc.
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Tasso Chimney Sweep & Masonry Repair, Inc.
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Simpson Dura Vent
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John E. Meredith
SaverSystems
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Steven R. Pietila
American Chimney & Masonry, Inc.
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Ashbusters Chimney Service Inc.
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Estoban Corporation - Chim-Scan®
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Jay Walker Enterprises
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Hmmmmmm

Ted,

What's your point?
IAFCI? (B.H., BoD),
CSI minutes? which ones? (A.E. Dir of Ed not BoD)
Again, What is Your point? What's up with the Hmmmm?

OSHA Ladder Safety?
CPSC Voluntary standards re: Ladder Safety/Instruction/Warning Stickers Language?

Do you suspect a copyright has been violated?

What?

Spell it out would you? (Remember, I'm OFF the coffee!).