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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
Part 8 Entrances, Walkways, Stairways andLadders
Highlights
Section 119 requires the employer to identify a secondary escape route for
situations inwhich aworker couldbecome isolated from a primary escape
route.
Section 127 requires employers to ensure that ladders used near energized
equipmentarenonconducting.
Section 130 references Process Industry Practices (PIP) Standard STF05501
(February2002),FixedLaddersandCages,forthedesignandconstructionoffixed
ladders.AnemployermustensurethatafixedladderinstalledonorafterApril
30,2004,meetstherequirementsofthisstandard.
Section 131 references American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
StandardC47802,StandardSpecificationforReinforcedConcreteManholeSections,
for fixed ladders used in precast reinforced concretemanhole sections. An
employermustensure thata fixed ladderused inprecastreinforcedconcrete
manholes installed on or afterApril 30, 2004,meets the requirements of this
standard.
Section 135 recognizes both Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and
AmericanNationalStandardInstitute(ANSI)Standardsforportableladders.
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
Entrances, Walkways, Stairways
Section 119 Safe entry and exit
Subsection 119(1)
Workersmustbeprovidedwithasafewayofenteringandleavingaworkarea.Safe
entry and exit must take into account both normal operations and emergency
situations. For example, a proper climbing devicemay provide safe access to a
derrickmansworkingplatformbutsafeexitfromtheplatforminanemergencymay
bebywayofanescapebuggy.Basedonthehazardspresentattheworkplaceorina
particularworkarea,multipleentryandexitpointsmayberequiredtopermitsafe
entryorexitunderemergencyconditions.
Subsections 119(2) and 119(3)
Allmeansofentryorexitmustbemaintained inagoodstateofrepaire.g.access
laddershaveallrungsinplace,thehingesandpanicbarsondoorsoperateproperly,
thebrakingmechanismofanemergencyescapebuggyoperatessmoothly.
Meansofentryandexitmustbekeptclearofmaterials,equipment,waste,andother
obstructions.Doing soallowsworkers to safelymove intoandoutofworkareas,
preventingslips,trips,andfalls.
Subsection 119(4)
Multiple entry and exit points are required in situations where a worker could
become isolated from a primary escape route and unable to return to it.A long
trenchforexample,requiresmultipleaccessladdersincaseaworkerinthetrenchis
unabletogetbacktotheprimaryaccessladdertoleavethetrench.Aroominwhich
an industrialprocessgoeson involvingdangerouschemicalsmayrequiremultiple
exitdoorwayssothatworkerscanquicklyleavetheareainanemergency.
This secondary means of escape must be conveniently located, safe for use,
maintainedtobereadyforuseatall times(as in thecaseoftheemergencyescape
buggymentioned above), andmustbe kept free of obstructions. This subsection
remindsemployers that secondarydoorways, stairways, ramps,emergencyescape
devices,etc.mustbeprovidedwherenecessaryandcannotbeforgotten.
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
Subsection 119(5)
Workersmustbemadeawareoftheescaperoutestheyareexpectedtouse.
Section 120 Doors
Subsection 120(1)
Doorsmustbeappropriatelyselectedandthenmaintainedsothatworkerscanopen
themwithoutsubstantialeffort.Doorwaysmustbekeptfreeofobstructions.
Subsection 120(2)
Enclosedareasmayposeahazardtoworkersenteringthem.Examplesofenclosed
areas
include
freezers,
refrigerators,
and
rooms
that
present
conditions
hazardous
to
workers.Thetypeofdoorandhardwareusedisleftuptotheemployer.
Thedoormustbekeptingoodworkingorderandmustbeprovidedwithameans
of opening it from the inside. This is an obvious requirement for freezers and
refrigerators.Enclosedareas thatposeahazard toworkersalso requiredoors that
canbeopenedfromtheinside.
Section 121 Walkways, runways and ramps
Subsection 121(1)
Permanentandtemporarywalkways,runwaysandrampsmustbe
(a) strongenoughtosupportallexpectedloads,
(b)at least600mmwide topermit thesafemovementofequipmentandworkers,
and
(c) whereapplicable,beequippedwithguardrailsandtoeboards.Guardrailsmust
meettherequirementsofsection315andtoeboardsmustmeettherequirements
ofsection321.
Subsection 121(2)
Walkways, runways and ramps must provide workers with enough traction to
prevent slipping. For walkways, runways and ramps located in a controlled
environment,nonslip,abrasivesurfacesmaybeadequate.Forlocationsexposedto
weather,oratworkplaceswheredebrisormaterialsdamageorcoat thesenonslip
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
surfaces so that they are of little or no value, expandedmetal orwebbedmetal
shouldbeused.This type of construction sheds ice, snow, anddebris,providing
reliabletractionunderavarietyofconditions.
Section 122 Stairways
Subsection 122(1)
Throughout the lengthofastairway, thewidthof the treadsand theheightof the
risemustnotchange.Thisreducesthe likelihoodofworkerstrippingorstumbling
duetounexpectedchangesastheymoveupordownthestairway.Treadsmustalso
belevel.
Subsection 122(2)
Stairwayswith fiveormore risersmustbeequippedwithahandrailmeeting the
requirements forhandrailsdescribed insection123.Handrailsprovideahandhold
thathelpsworkerstopreventfalling.
Astairwayhavinganopenorunprotectedsidemustnotonlyhaveahandrail,but
must also have an intermediate rail or equivalent safeguard e.g., filled in with
expandedmetal,solidplywoodbarricade,etc.Ineffect,aguardrailisbeingplaced
acrosstheopenorunprotectedsideofthestairway.
Subsection 122(3)
Temporary stairsmustbe at least 600mmwide topermit the safemovement of
equipmentandworkers.
Readers interested indesignspecificationsforfixed industrialstairsshouldconsult
thefollowingsource(therearemanyothersthatcouldalsoproveuseful):
www.dir.ca.gov/title8/3234.htmlCaliforniaCodeofRegulations,Title8,Section3234,IndustrialFixedLadders
Section 3234 contains specifications for the safe design and construction of fixed
generalindustrialstairs.Thisincludesinteriorandexteriorstairsaroundmachinery,
tanks,andotherequipment,andstairsleadingtoorfromfloors,platforms,orpits.
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
Section 123 Handrails on stairways
This section lists the design requirements that apply to handrails on stairways
having5ormorerisers.
Ladders General
Section 124 Restriction on use
Toenterorleaveanelevatedorsublevelarea,aladdershouldbeusedonlyifthere
isnoothersafeandrecognizablewayofdoingso.Walkingdownanearthenrampor
walkingupasetofstairsarepreferredtousingaladder.
Section 125 Prohibition on single rail
Employersareresponsibleformakingsurethatladdersareusedproperly.Thisalso
means that employers must make sure that the correct type of ladder is used.
Laddersmadeby fastening cleatsor stepsacrossa single railorpostmustnotbe
built,letaloneused.Suchadeviceisunstableandunsafeforuse.
Section 126 Prohibition on painting
Paintandothercoatingscanpreventapersonfromseeingtheconditionofthewood
of a wooden ladder. Only transparent, nonconductive finishes such as varnish,
shellac,oraclearpreservativeshouldbeused.Aminimumamountofpaintmaybe
usedforplacingidentifyinginformationonaladder.Ifthisisdone,themarking(s)
shouldonlyappearononefaceofthesiderails.
Ingeneral,laddersshouldbekeptfreeofanywasteproductssuchasdrywallmud,cement,paint,adhesivesorsealants.Abuildupof thesematerialscouldcoverup
damagesuchascracksandmissingconnectinghardware.
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
Section 127 Use near energized electricalequipment
Metalladdersandwoodenladderswithsiderailmetalreinforcementwiresmustnot
be used during the servicing of energized or potentially energized electrical
equipment.Tomaintain theirnonconductingproperties, ladders intended foruse
aroundenergizedelectricalequipmentneedtobekeptclean.Allsurfacebuildupof
dirt,dust,grease,grimeandotherconductivematerialsneedstoberemoved.These
materialsmaycreateapath forelectricalcurrent to travelalong thesurfaceof the
ladderandendangerthepersonusingtheladder.
Section 128 Ladders on extending booms
A ladderattached toanextendingboommoveswith theboomwhile theboom isbeingpositioned.Asaresult,theladderisanunsafeplaceforaworkertobebecause
of thechanceof losingbalanceand falling.With theexceptionofprofessional fire
fightersworking on fire fighting equipment,noworker ispermitted tobe on the
ladderattachedtoanextendingboomduringboommotion.
Similarly,aboommountedladderisanunsafeplacetobeuntilthepoweredmobile
equipmenttowhichtheboomisattachedisstable.Iftheequipmenthasoutriggers,
theoutriggersmustbesetbeforeaworkerclimbstheladder.
Crawl Board or Roof Ladder
Section 129 Safe use
Figure8.1showsaroofladderinuseonaverysteeproof.Thebracketattheupper
endofacrawlboardorroofladdershouldbedeepenoughtoreachovertheridgeof
theroofandoverlaptheroofframing.
Eavestroughsmustnotbeusedtosupportacrawlboardorroof ladder.Aneaves
troughmay notbe strong enough to support the combinedweight of the crawl
boardorladderandtheworkerusingit.
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
Figure 8.1 Roof ladder in use on very steep roof
Fixed Ladders
Section 130 Design criteria
Subsection 130(1)
A fixed ladder is a ladder that is an integralpart of abuilding or structure. It is
usuallyverticalbutcanbeasmuchas15Ofromthevertical.A fixed laddercannot
leanback. Figure 8.2 shows a fixed ladderwith awalkthrough at the top, and a
similarladderequippedwithaladdercage.
A ladder cage is apermanent structure attached to a ladder toprovide abarrier
between
the
worker
and
the
surrounding
space.
It
serves
to
support
a
worker
if
the
workerneedstorestagainstabarrier.Aladdercageisnotameansoffallprotection.
Figure 8.2 Fixed ladder with walkthrough at top (left); same ladder with cage(right)
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
Process IndustryPractices (PIP) Standard STF05501 (February 2002), Fixed Ladders
and Cages, publishedby the Construction Industry Institute, specifies the design
details for fabrication and installation of typical fixed ladders for structures,
miscellaneousplatforms, andvessels for regularoperational entry and exit.These
detailsare intended tobe issued to fabricators supplying these laddersand to the
erectorsforuseininstallations.
AsamplecopyoftheStandardcanbeviewedatthefollowingWebsiteaddress:
http://www.pip.org/downloads/SampleSTF05501.pdf
Table 8.1 summarizes some of the most important differences between the
requirementsof thePIPStandard and the fixed ladder requirements thatwere in
effectpriortowhenthefirsteditionoftheOHSCodewent intoeffectonApril30,
2004.The requirement to complywith thePIPStandard isnot retroactive to fixed
laddersinstalledpriortotheeffectivedateofthefirsteditionoftheOHSCode.
Subsection 130(2)
ThePIPstandardreferencedinthissectionisintendedtobeusedasadesignstandard
i.e.onewhichcanbedirectlyreferencedbyanemployerorowner.Afabricatorcan
thenfabricatethefixedladderasdescribedinthestandardsmechanicaldrawings.To
complywiththeOHSCode,allthedimensionalandstrengthrequirementsofthePIP
standardmustbemet.
Somefabricatorsandemployershaveliberallyinterpretedsubsection130(2)oftheOHS
Code,suggestingthatthePIPstandardfunctionsasnomorethanadesignguideline.
Thesepartieshavechosentointerpretthesubsectionasmeaningthataslongas
establishedengineeringprinciplesarefollowed,thedimensionsspecifiedinthePIP
standardneednotbemet.Thisisanincorrectinterpretationofthewords.
Thephraseestablishedengineeringprinciplesreferstothematerialandprocess
standardsreferencedinthePIPstandard.Thereasonforusingthisphraseisthatthe
PIPStandardreferstomaterialandprocessstandardsthatreflectpracticesfollowedin
theU.S.ThesestandardsmaynotbeappropriateforuseinAlberta.Asaresult,an
employermayuseapplicableCanadianmaterialandprocessstandards.
Therehavebeenacoupleofcasesinwhichaminordimensionaldifferencehasbeen
discoveredduringcommissioningfollowinginstallationofafixedladder.Inthese
casesemployershaverequestedanacceptance.Thisisalettergrantedtothe
employerbyWorkplaceHealthandSafetystatingthattheladderinquestion
functionallycomplieswiththeOHSCode.Ineachcasetheemployerhadtoprove
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
thattheladderwiththedimensionalerrorprovidedworkerswithalevelof
protectionthatwasequaltoorgreaterthanthatprovidedbyaladdermeetingallof
thePIPstandardsdimensionalrequirements.
Ineachcasetodatethedimensionaldifferencewasminoranddidnotcompromise
workersafety.Anacceptancewasgrantedineachcase.Oneoftheseacceptances
resultedintheadditionofparagraph130(2)(b)tothiseditionoftheOHSCode.
Recognizingthatlargerworkersandworkerswearingsafetyorrescueequipment
mayhavedifficultypassingthroughtheladdercagehoops,theallowablehoop
dimensionhasbeenincreased.Theinsidediameterofacagehoopcannowbeas
muchas760mm.TheexistingdimensionsshowninSectionBBofthePIPstandard
limitthewidthto686mmandthedepthto696mm.Ifanemployerusesthe760mm
dimension,thenotherdimensionalmeasurementsassociatedwiththefixedladder
mayneedtobealteredtoaccommodatethelargercagehoops.
Subsection 130(3)
ThePIPStandardspecifiesthatthefixedladdermustbemadeofsteel.Situationsmay
ariseinwhichsteelisnotthepreferredmaterialofchoicee.g.exposuretochemicals.
Fixedladdersmadeofaluminumorfiberglassareavailable.Ifafixedladderismadeof
amaterialotherthansteel,theemployermustensurethatthedesigniscertifiedbya
professionalengineerasbeingasstrongasorstrongerthanthatrequiredbyPIP
StandardSTF05501.
Subsections 130(4) and 130(5)
Ladderway floor openings and platforms are normally guarded by a standard
guardrailandtoeboardonallexposedsides,exceptattheentrancetotheopening
(see subsection 321(5)).A selfclosing doublebar safety gate or equally effective
meansmustbeprovidedat theopening topreventpersons fromwalkingdirectly
intotheopeningandfalling.
Asafetygateisnotrequiredatlandings.
Subsection 130(6)
Anaccessladderattachedtoascaffoldissubjecttotherequirementsofsection327,nottherequirementsofsection130.
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
Table 8.1 Comparison of selected fixed ladder design requirements
Requirement Requirements Prior to April30, 2004
PIP Standard
Rung spacing 250 millimetres min, 305
millimetres max
300 millimetres
Clearance between ladderrungs and structure to whichladder is affixed (hand andtoe clearance)
150 millimetres min 178 millimetres; whendistance to any unavoidableobject, including insulation, isless than 178 millimetres, theminimum clearance is 39millimetres
Platform spacing intervalsand dimensions
6.5 metres(21.5 feet);760 millimetres x760 millimetres(platforms not required if theladder incorporates a fallarrest system)
9.1 metres(30 feet);762 millimetres x762 millimetres(platforms not required if theladder incorporates a fallarrest system)
Ladder cage Required if the ladder is morethan 6.5 metres (21.5 feet)long(cage not required if theladder incorporates a fallarrest system)
Required on ladder having aminimum unbroken length of6.1 metres (20 feet); (cagenot required if the ladderincorporates a fall arrestsystem)
Ladder length Not specified Max unbroken length of 9.1
metres (30 feet) unlessladder incorporates a fallarrest system
Lowest point of ladder cage No more than 3 metres (10feet) above landing or ground
Within 2.1 metres(7 feet) to 2.4 metres (8feet) of the walking surface
Ladderway opening Not specified Requires safety gate orequivalent means
Width of rungs between rails Not specified 450 millimetres
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
Section 131 Fixed ladders in manholes
ASTM Standard C47807, Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Manhole
Sections, includesrequirementsforthedesignofstepsand ladders installed inpre
cast reinforced concrete manholes used in sewer and water works. These
requirements includethedimensionsofstepsandrungsandappropriateclearance
distances.
Section 132 Rest platform exemption
Becauseofthedistanceandnumberoftimesaworkermayclimbafixedladderona
drilling rig or service rig, and the impracticality ofprovidingplatforms on a rig,
workersarepermittedtouseanassistdevice,oftencounterbalanced,toascendanddescend the ladder. This assist device does not replace the need for a fall arrest
systemorladdercage,asappropriate.
Portable Ladders
Section 133 Prohibition
Unlesspermittedby themanufacturers specifications,aworkermustneverwork
from the top two rungs, steps, or cleats of aportable ladder.Unlessdesigned to
permit such use, portable ladders canbecomeunstable orworkers can lose their
balanceforlackofsiderailstoholdwhileworkingfromthetoptworungs,steps,or
cleats.
CSAStandardCAN3Z11M81 (R2005),PortableLadders,recognizesstepstoolsofa
particular type asbeing aportable ladder.With thatparticular typeof step stool,
workersarepermittedtostandonanyrung,includingthetopplate.
Thefollowingsafetyprecautionsshouldbefollowedwhenusingastepladder:
Neverworkfromthetoptwotreadsofastepladderunlesspermittedtodosoby
themanufacturersspecifications(seeFigure8.3).
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
Figure 8.3 Safely working from a stepladder
Alwaysfacethestepladdertreadswhenusingastepladder.
Neveruseastepladderforentrytoorexitfromanotherworkarea.
Neverleantoonesideoroverreachwhileusingastepladder.
Unlesspermittedby the stepladdermanufacturer,neveruse a stepladder as a
supportforaworkingplatformastheladderistoounstable.
Alwaysvisuallyinspecttheladderbeforeeachuse.
Alwaysplaceastepladderonafirm,flatsurface.
Donotplaceastepladderonboxesorscaffoldstogainextraheight.
Always
take
care
when
positioning
a
stepladder
in
corridors
or
driveways
where
itcouldbehitbyapersonorvehicle.Setupsuitablebarrierswherenecessary. Setbaseonsecure,evensurface.Shimthebaseifnecessary(seeFigure8.4)
Figure 8.4 Example of shimming the ladder base on uneven ground
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
For more information
www.cbs.state.or.us/external/osha/pdf/pubs/3083.pdfPortableLaddersTypes,Use&Care(OregonOSHA)
Section 134 Constructed portable ladder
Manyfallshappenwhenaproperladderisunavailableatajobsiteandamakeshift
ladder is constructed.Accidentshappenwhenworkers throw something together
quicklyinordertoreacharoof,climbinoroutofafoundation,orgetfromonelevel
toanotherbeforestairsareinstalled.
A ladderconstructedon site,knownasaconstructedportable ladder,can solvetheproblem.The laddercanbebuiltas single ordoublewidth.Figure8.5 shows
someoftheconstructiondetailsofaconstructedladder.
Figure 8.5 Design details of a single-width constructed ladder
Section 135 Manufactured portable ladder
Section 135(a)
CSA Standard CAN3Z11M81 (R2005), Portable Ladders, specifies design and
performance requirements and tests for common types of portable ladders. CSAdefinesaportable ladderasone thatcanbe readilymovedorcarriedandusually
consistsofsiderailsjoinedatintervalsbysteps,rungs,cleatsorrearbraces.
TheStandardclassifiesportable ladders intooneofthreegradesbasedonhowthe
ladderisused.ThegradesareshowninTable8.2.
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
Table 8.2 CSA grades of portable ladders
Grade Projected use Load rating
1 Construction and industrial Heavy
2 Tradesman and farm Medium
3 Household Light
A ladderapproved to theStandardbearsmarkings indicating thegrade,projected
use, loadratingoftheladder,andnumeroussafetyprecautions inbothwordsand
symbols.
If
certified
by
CSA,
the
ladder
bears
the
CSA
monogram.
Section
135
does
notrequiremanufacturedportableladderstobecertified.
ThefollowingtypesofportableladdersarecoveredbytheStandard:
Combination ladder a portable ladder capable of being used either as a
stepladderorasingleorextensionladder.Itmayalsobecapableofbeingusedas
a trestle ladder or a stairwell ladder. Its componentsmaybe used as single
ladders.
Extension ladder a nonselfsupporting portable ladder consisting of two or
moresectionstravelling in interlockingrails,guides,orbracketssoarrangedas
to permit length adjustment (see Figure 8.6). The maximum length of an
extension ladder is the sumof the lengthsof the side railofeach section.The
maximumlengthoftheextensionladderdependsonitsgradeasfollows:
Grade1 18metres(60feet)with2sections;22metres
(72feet)with3sections
Grade2 15metres(48feet)with2sections;18metres (60feet)with3
sections
Grade3 9.5metres(32feet)with2sections
Because ladder sectionsmustoverlapby at least 1.5metres (5 feet), the
overall maximum extended length of the longest extension ladder is 19
metres(63feet).Inclinedattherecommended75Oangle(4up1out),with
1metreoftheladderextendingabovetheupperlandingareaandassuming
theworkertobe2metrestall,theworkersmaximumheightaboveground
wouldbeapproximately15.5metres(51feet).
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
Figure 8.6 Example of extension ladder
Extension trestle laddera selfsupportingportable ladder,adjustable in length,
consistingofa trestle ladderbaseandaverticallyadjustableextensionsection,
witha suitablemeans for locking the ladders together (seeFigure8.7).Trestle
ladders are used in pairs to support planks or staging. The rungs are not
intendedtobeusedassteps.Theextensionsectionandbasesectionofatrestle
laddercannotbemorethan6metres(20feet)long.
Figure 8.7 Extension trestle ladder
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
Sectionalladderanonselfsupportingportableladder,nonadjustableinlength,
consisting of two ormore sections, so constructed that the sectionsmaybe
combinedtofunctionasasingleladder.
Single
ladder anonselfsupportingportable ladder,nonadjustable in length,
consistingofonesectiononly(seeFigure8.8).Singleladdersmaybeeitherstep
or rungtype.Themaximum lengthofa single ladderdependson itsgradeas
follows:
Grade1 9metres(30feet)
Grade2 7.5metres(24feet)
Grade3 5metres(16feet)
Figure 8.8 Example of a single ladder
Specialpurpose ladder a ladder that represents either a modification or a
combinationofdesignor construction featuresofageneralpurpose ladder, in
ordertoadapttospecialorspecificuses.
Stepladdera selfsupportingportable ladder,nonadjustable in length,havingflatstepsandhingedback(seeFigure8.9).Thebacksectionconsistsofeithera
single ladder or some other supporting device. The maximum length of a
stepladderdependsonitsgradeasfollows:
Grade1 6metres(20feet)
Grade2 3.6metres(12feet)
Grade3 2metres(6.5feet)
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
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Figure 8.9 Standard stepladder (left) and two-way stepladder (right)
Stepstoolaselfsupporting,fixedorfoldable,portableladdernonadjustablein
length, 800millimetres (32 inches) or less in overall sizewith flat steps and
withoutapailshelf.Theladdertopcapisdesignedtobeclimbedonaswellas
allsteps.Thesiderailsmaycontinueabovethetopcap.
beusedassteps.Atrestle laddercannotbemorethan6metres(20
feet)long.
ections 135(b) through 135(d)
es
the
maximum
lengths
fselectedladdersaspermittedbythestandards.
14.5. Section 135 does not require
anufacturedportableladderstobecertified.
Trestle ladder a selfsupporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length,
consistingoftwosections,hingedatthetoptoformequalangleswiththebase.
Trestleladdersareusedinpairstosupportplanksorstaging.Therungsarenot
intendedto
S
ANSI StandardA14.12007,American National Standardfor Ladders Wood Safety
Requirements, establishes minimum requirements for the construction, testing,
labelling,care,anduseofcommontypesofportablewoodladders.ANSIStandard
A14.22007, American National Standard for Ladders Portable Metal Safety
Requirements,does the same forportablemetal laddersandANSIStandardA14.5
2007,American National Standardfor Ladders Portable Reinforced Plastic Safety
Requirements, does the same for portable laddersmade of reinforced plastic. The
Standardsclassifyportable ladders intooneoffive typesbasedonhowa ladder is
used.
The
types
are
shown
in
Table
8.3.
Table
8.4
summarizo
Portable laddersmeeting therequirementsof thestandardsare labelledwith their
typeorduty ratinganda statement that they complywithANSIStandardA14.1,
ANSI Standard A14.2 or ANSI Standard A
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Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009 Part 8Explanation Guide
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Table 8.3 Portable ladder types according to ANSI Standards
Ltype
Projected use[working load]
adder
Duty Rating
Type IAAn with heavy tools,
ent or loads.[170 kilograms (375 pounds)]
Special duty work involving heavyworkers in combinatioequipm
Special duty
Type IAuch as industry, utilities, contractors, etc. [136 kilograms (300 pounds)]
Frequent extra heavy-duty applicationss
Extra heavy-duty
Type I Industry, utilities, contractors, etc.[114 kilograms (250 pounds)]
Heavy duty
Type II otwith ladder jacks or scaffold
lanks.
[102 kilograms (225 pounds)]Offices, light maintenance, etc. Must nbe used
p
Medium duty
Type III dwith ladder jacks or scaffold planks. [91 kilograms (200 pounds)]Light household use. Must not be use
Light duty
able 8.4 Maximum ladder lengths permitted by ANSI ladder standards
Ladder Type Maximum length
Wood Metal Reinforced plastic
T
IA, I 6 metres 20 feet) 6 metres 20 feet) 6 metres 20 feet)((
(
II 3.6 metre 2 feet) 3.6 metre 2 feet) 3.6 metre 2 feet)s (1
s (1
s (1
Stepladder
III 1.8 metre (6 feet) 1.8 metre (6 feet) 1.8 metre (6 feet)ss
s
IA, I 9 metres 30 feet) 9 metres 30 feet) 9 metres 30 feet)(
(
(
II 6 metres 20 feet) 7.3 metre 4 feet) 7.3 metre 4 feet)(
s (2
s (2
Single
III 4.2 metres (14 feet) 4.9 metres (16 feet) 4.9 metres (16 feet)
IA, I 18 metres (60 feet) 21.8 metres (72 feet) 21.8 (72feet)metres
II 12 metre 0 feet) 18 metre 0 feet) 18 metre 0 feet)s (4
s (6
s (6
Extension
III 8.5 metres (28 feet) 9.7 metres (32 feet) 9.7 metres (32 feet)
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Ladders
Ladder safety precautions
The ladder isanextremelyuseful,simpledevice that isnotalwaysusedcorrectly.Climbing a ladder is usually easy, but descending can sometimes be quite
hazardous.Thetypesofinjuriessustainedfromfallingorslippingfromaladdercan
be quite horrendous. A fall from even a short distance can result in a person
sufferingsevereinjuriesleadingtodisabilityordeath.
Ingeneral,mostladderfallsinvolveportableladdersthatmove,tilt,orshiftwhilea
workerisclimbingordescending.Unstableorslipperybasesurfacesaretheprimary
reasons ladders fail.Other reasons include amisstep or a slip of the foot, lossof
balance,anoverreach,andtheladderbeingstruckbyavehicleorotherobject.
Toomany laddersarenotsuitableforthejoborareused incorrectly.Duringwork
siteinspections,themostcommonlyobservedproblemswithladdersare:
baseofladderplacedtoocloseortoofarawayfromthestructure
laddernotsecuredatthetop
laddernotextending1mabovetheupperlandingsurface
missingorbrokenrungs
missingorbrokenstaysonstepladders
workingfromastepladderonthetoptread
ladderpositionedincorrectlyonaslope
inadequateladderrepairs
Workersandemployerscanreduceladderfallsbydoingthefollowing:
(a) frequentlyinspectandmaintainladders;
(b)use the right ladder for thejob.Ladders come inavarietyof typesandmany
specialpurpose ladders are available. Examples include trolley, siderolling,
shaft, andmanhole ladders.Aworker and employer are likely to save time,
energy,andreducetheriskofinjurybyusingtherightladderforthejob;
(c) setupladderscorrectly;and
(d)climbanddescendladdersproperly
Employersare responsible for trainingworkers so that theyunderstand these safeworkpractices.Employersarealsoresponsible formakingsure that thesafework
practicesarefollowed.
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Maintenance
All ladders shouldbe checked regularly tomake sure they are fit foruse and to
identifyanydefects.Anyrepairsshouldbedoneimmediatelyortheladderremoved
fromserviceuntiltherepairsaremade.Iftheladdercannotberepaired,itshouldbediscardedandreplaced.
Is a ladder the best choice?
Beforeusinganyladder,thefollowingquestionsshouldbeasked:
(1) Isusinga ladder the safestandbest
waytodothejob?Yes No
(2) Is the ladder in good condition and
suitable for the type and height of
work?
Yes No
(3)Can the ladder be positioned close
enough to theworkarea so that the
workerusingitwontoverreach?
Yes No
(4)Cantheladderbesecuredatboththe
topandbottom?Yes No
(5) Is the surface supporting the ladder
atitsbasefirmandlevel?Yes No
If theanswer toanyof thesequestions isNo,consideranothermethodofgaining
accesstotheworkarea.
Section 136 Securing and positioning
Section 136(a)
Aportable laddercanbesecuredagainstmovement inmanyways.Because itcan
moveatbothitsupperandlowerends,ideallyitshouldbesecuredatbothends(see
Figures8.10and8.11).Slipresistantorrubbersafetyfeetatthebottomofametalorreinforcedplastic ladderareconsidered tooffer securement if they restona firm,
nonslipperysurface.NeitherCSAorANSIrequiresthefeetofwoodenladderstobe
equippedwithslipresistantmaterial.Ifthefeetofawoodenladderrestsecurelyon
afirm,nonslipperysurface,thentheintentoftherequirementismet.
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Ifthesurfacethatthe ladderrestsonisslipperyorit ispossibleforthebaseofthe
laddertomove,thentheladdermustbesecured.Examplesofacceptablesecurement
methodsinclude
(a) spikesdriventhroughthefeetintothesurfaceuponwhichtheladderbaserests;
(b) cleatsnailedintothesurfacetopreventmovement;
(c) tyingthefeetoftheladdertostakesinthegroundtostopitfromslipping(place
alargeflatwoodenboardunderneathtohelppreventitsinking);
(d)butting thebaseof the ladderagainsta fixed structure suchasa curborwall,
heavyblocks,orsandbags;
(e) havingapersonstandatthebase,onefootonthelowestrung,holdingasiderail
ineachhand.
Figure 8.10 Examples of securing the base of a ladder (rubber safety feet, cleats nailed to thefloor, tying off to stakes in the ground)
At the top of the ladder,both rails shouldbe supported unless the ladder has a
singlesupportattachment.Laddertiestothesupportatthetopareoftenused.An
alternativemightbetotieropesorstrapsfromthesiderails(nottherungs)toafixed
object.
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Figure 8.11 Examples of securing a portable ladder at the top
Section 136(b)
Laddersmustbe setup so that thebase isout 1metre for each4metresup (see
Figure 8.12). 4 up 1 out gives the right slope approximately 75O from the
horizontal.Thispositionofferstheladder,andtheworkerstandingonit,thegreatest
stability.
Figure 8.12 Proper placement of ladder
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Section 136(c)
The side railsofaportable laddermustextendat least1metre (3 feet)aboveany
platform, landingorparapetwhere the ladder isusedasameansofaccess to the
platform, landingorparapet(seeFigure8.13).Doingsoprovidestheworkerusingtheladderwithhandholdsforgettingonandofftheladder.
Figure 8.13 Top of ladder extending above access level
Section 137 Fall protection
Under normal circumstances, workers are required to use some type of fall
protection system e.g.guardrails, nets,personal fall arrest system, etc.,whenever
theycanfalladistanceof3mormore.Thissectionpermitsaworkertomoveupor
downaportableladderwithouthavingtouseapersonalfallarrestsystem.
Thissectionalsopermitsaworkertoworkfroma ladderwithoutusingapersonal
fallarrest system in circumstanceswhere it isnot reasonablypracticable todo so.
Themost common example of such a situation is when an anchor of sufficient
strength is unavailable or too impracticable to use. This easement of the fall
protectionrequirementsissubjecttoseveralconditions:
(1) theworkmustbealightdutytask,suchas inspectionorpainting.Thework
doneateachspotwheretheladderissetupmustbelessthanapproximately15
minutesinlength;
(2)whiledoingthetask,theworkermustkeephisorhercentreofgravity(indicated
bythebellybutton)betweenthesiderailsoftheladder;and
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(3) theworkermustmaintainthreepointsofcontactwhenevertheworkerextends
anarmbeyondasiderail.
Ifanyoneofthesethreeconditionscannotbemet,someformoffallarrestprotection
isrequired.
Themaximum length of a threesection extension ladder is 22metres (72 feet).
Because ladder sectionsmust overlapby at least 1.5metres (5 feet), the overall
maximum extended length of the longest extension ladder is 19metres (63 feet).
Inclined at the recommended 75O angle (4up 1 out),with 1m of the ladder
extendingabovetheupperlandingareaandassumingtheworkertobe2metrestall,
theworkersmaximumheightabovegroundwouldbeapproximately15.5metres
(51feet).
Being15.5metresabove theground isa considerableheight.Anextension ladder
extended to its fulllengthbows and tends tobe less stable thanwhen it is onlypartiallyextended.Ittendstovibrateandshakeinstrongwindsandwhileaperson
ascendsordescendsit.Wheneveranextensionladdermustbeextendedtonearits
full limits,questionsshouldbeaskedas towhethera ladder is thebestchoice for
doing thework.Alternate approaches, such as the use of amanlift,boatswains
chair,orscaffoldingmaybesaferandmoreefficientwaysofdoingthework.