LADDER SAFETY

Ladders are a tool common to the painting industry.  Rarely are they given a second thought until it’s too late and a person has fallen and injured themselves.  Professional painters pay close attention to the condition of their other tools like brushes, roller covers, and airless rigs. Ladders deserve the same attention. 

Stop and consider this information. 

• A 200lb man standing 5ft off the ground on a 6ft ladder will hit the ground with a force at least equal to or in excess of his body weight.
• It takes less than 15 seconds to lose one’s balance and hit the ground.
• Metal ladders conduct electricity.  Be aware of all electrical lines regardless of whether or not you think they are dead.
• An A-frame ladder is designed to have the stresses placed front-to-back on the legs.  Not side-to-side.  Leaning to the side past arm’s length exerts side-to-side forces on the ladder and increases the potential for falling.

• Ladders are a common denominator in falls in the construction industry.
• Ladders have a decal on the side that states the type of use and load capacity. This decal should be clean and visible to the user. Don’t paint over it.
• Broken or damaged ladders should be removed from service immediately – not at the end of the day. If repair by a qualified person is not possible, and it’s rare to be able to repair a ladder sufficient for use, the ladder should be destroyed to prevent future use.

Falls from ladders

• Loss of balance. Standing on the top step is a good way to lose your balance and fall. Never stand on the top step.
• Overload.  Each ladder is rated for the amount of weight it can bear. The load on the ladder includes both the worker’s weight and the weight of the materials. The total load should not exceed the ladder’s load rating.
• Improper footing. Broken bricks or blocks, uneven dirt or mud can cause one side of the ladder to sink throwing the climber off the ladder.
• Indifference. Ladders should be inspected at least daily and preferably before each and every use. Don’t use a broken ladder. Check for items such as cracked/broken rungs or bent locking arms.  Clean and care for your ladder like it’s one of your tools – because it is.

Presented by Richard Hurst, CSP, CPCU, ARM, ALCM

Loss Control Manager

The Republic Group