Portable Ladder Safety
Falls from portable ladders (step,
straight, combination and extension) are one of
the leading causes of occupational fatalities and
injuries.

• Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder.
• Avoid electrical hazards! – Look for overhead
  power lines before handling a ladder. Avoid
  using a metal ladder near power lines or
  exposed energized electrical equipment.
• Always inspect the ladder prior to using it. If the
  ladder is damaged, it must be removed from
  service and tagged until repaired or discarded.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Always maintain a 3-point
  (two hands and a foot, or
  two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder when
  climbing. Keep your body
  near the middle of the step
  and always face the ladder
  while climbing (see diagram).
• Only use ladders and appropriate accessories (ladder
  levelers, jacks or hooks) for
  their designed purposes.
• Ladders must be free of any
  3-Point Contact slippery material on the
  rungs, steps or feet.
• Do not use a self-supporting ladder (e.g., step
  ladder) as a single ladder or in a partially closed
  position.
• Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as
  a step/rung unless it was designed for that
  purpose.
  (continued on reverse)
  Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface,
  unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to
  prevent displacement.
• Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other
  unstable bases to obtain additional height.
• Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or
  equipment is on the ladder.
• An extension or straight
  ladder used to access an
  elevated surface must
  extend at least 3 feet
  above the point of support (see diagram). Do
  not stand on the three
  top rungs of a straight,
  single or extension ladder.
• The proper angle for
  setting up a ladder is to
  place its base a quarter
  of the working length of
  the ladder from the wall
  or other vertical surface
  (see diagram).
• A ladder placed in any
  location where it can
  be displaced by other
  work activities must
  x
  4
  –
  Distance to top support
  3 ft. min. x
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  be secured to prevent
  displacement or a barricade must be erected to
  keep traffic away from the ladder.
• Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are
  properly engaged.
• Do not exceed the maximum load rating of a
  ladder. Be aware of the ladder’s load rating and
  of the weight it is supporting, including the
  weight of any tools or equipment.