You can’t reach the top of the kitchen cabinets from the floor, or you can’t get close enough to the eaves to put up the Christmas lights. What is your go-to aid?
When people decorate for Christmas, they often work above floor or ground level. There are several things they can use for assistance – a step stool, one piece ladder, extension ladder, or worst-case scenario the kitchen chair. I’m sure that every person uses something to elevate them from ground level, and probably most of us (me included) have done so unsafely.
In all of the season’s excitement how many people focus on ladder safety? Human error is the leading cause of ladder injury incidents. People need to inspect the ladders they chose to work from – Is the ladder the proper size for the height? Is the ladder angled properly? Does the aluminum ladder stored in a warm garage frost up when taken outside, making it slippery? Are there any components on the ladder (wooden or metal) that are damaged, cracked, bent or missing?
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, the American equivalent) the most common cause of portable ladder incidents is improper selection, care or use including incorrect positioning, using the wrong ladder for the job, or using defective ladders. The organizations offer several recommendations and rules for the safe use and inspection of ladders.
What is the 4 to 1 Rule?
It is recommended that the base of the ladder be placed one foot away from the building for every four feet of height to where the ladder rests against the building.
What is the 3 to 1 ladder rule?
Most ladder injuries occur when getting on or off a ladder. If the user follows the 3-point contact rule, they can go up and down the ladder safely. That means two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times. Maintaining knee contact to the ladder can add another level of balance.
Common hazards involving ladders are instability, electrical shock, and falls; all of which can be identified and prevented. NEVER use any ladder near live electrical equipment or wires, but specifically aluminum ladders. Proper planning, correct ladder selection, good work practice, and adequate ladder maintenance will ensure ladder safety. The use of non-slip gloves and slip resistant boots (free from mud or grease buildup) also adds to user safety. Have you seen people on a ladder with sneakers or sandals? Make sure the ladder is positioned on a level surface or ground, and the ladder feet are free from dirt or buildup that could increase slippage. Never stand on either of the top two rungs of a stepladder, or on any of the top four rungs of an extension ladder. Someone should hold and steady the ladder to ensure stability for the person climbing up and down to prevent ladder movement. Always face the ladder when going up or down. Don’t lean or reach away from the ladder while using it, as this increases the risk of ladder movement and potential falling.
All ladders must be capable of supporting five times the maximum intended load. CSA approved ladders will have rating stickers on them. The rungs must be equally spaced, and the ladder must extend at least 42 inches above the top of the access level. Ladders should be inspected for splinters, broken rungs, cracks, rot, loose joints, and hardware in poor condition. Promptly discard and destroy any unsafe or deteriorating wooden ladders. Never paint a wooden ladder as it can hide cracks and other defects that can cause ladder instability. Inspect metal and fiberglass ladders for rough burrs or sharp edges and look for faulty welds, cracks, loose joints, and bolts. Also look for damaged or worn ladder feet; twisted, bent, or dented sides; cracked, worn, bent or loose rungs; missing or damaged rods; cracked or damaged welded joints, or loose rivets.
According to OSHA statistics regarding ladders, there are more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 deaths in the U.S each year. Most ladder deaths are from falls of 10 feet or less. Falls are most likely to occur when people use step or trestle ladders, although extension ladders and straight ladders also account for a large percentage of falls. In Canada, most provincial Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) legislation requires Fall Protection equipment for employees working above 3 metres, or 10 feet. This should be considered when using a ladder for personal use as well.
Weird but true?
OSHA recommends that once a person reaches 65 years of age, they should stop using ladders. It isn’t dependent on age alone, so it isn’t possible to give an absolute warning like “Never use a ladder after age 65.” It is dependent on strength, balance, good judgement, and proper safety precautions at any age. But as people age, there are many factors that can affect balance, and this should be considered when using ladders.
Is your Christmas decorating completed? Did you use a ladder? Did you inspect the ladder to consider the potential risks, or did you just step on and hope for the best?
