Ladder Safety is critical when working on residential or commercial jobs! Safety Rail Source® offers a wide variety of ladder safety products including Ladder Safety-Docks, Step-Straight, Safety-Legs, Safety-Arms and our newest product, Fixed Ladder Lifelines. These products help secure and stabilize ladders and ensure safe egress and regress to and from ladders and roofs. All products are OSHA compliant.
Most Ladder Safety Products are available for online purchase.
Ladder Safety and Use Information Extension Ladder Use - OSHA Codes:
Standard 1918.24(c), 1918.24(e)(2), 1918.24(j)(2): Where portable straight ladders are used, they shall be of sufficient length to extend three feet (.91 m) above the upper landing surface and be positively secured or held against shifting or slipping. When conditions are such that a straight ladder cannot be used, Jacob’s ladders meeting the requirements of 1918.23 may be used.
Standard 1918.24(e)(2): Where portable straight ladders are used, they shall be of sufficient length to extend at least three feet (36 inches or .91 meters) above the upper landing surface.
Standard 1918.24(j)(2): Ladders shall be fitted with slip-resistant bases and/or be positively secured or held in place to prevent slipping or shifting while in use.
Types of Ladders: Portable – Self-supporting (stepladders) Portable - Not self-supporting (straight and extension ladders) Fixed - Individual rung Fixed - Side rail and rung Weight Bearing Capabilities (Duty Ratings): Commercial Type II – 225 lbs (102.1 kg Industrial Type – 250 lbs (113.4 kg) Heavy-Duty Industrial Type IA – 300 lbs (136.1 kg Heavy-Duty Industrial Type IAA – 350 lbs (158.76 kg
Ladder Hazards: Falls from ladders are a leading cause of workplace fatalities. Slips and falls from ladders are caused by: Ladder not being tied off The ladder tipping over from overreaching or placement on an uneven surface Use of the wrong ladder for the job Contact with the ladder in a high traffic area Ladder failure caused by damage or misuse Electrocution or electrical shock
Before use: Look for damaged side rails, rungs, and supports. Ensure nuts and bolts are tight and that feet are secure. Test the ladder’s stability. Make sure rungs and feet are non-slip. Check the label to ensure it’s legible and to verify load ratings and construction materials.
Ladder Placement: When using a portable ladder, place it carefully on a level surface and make sure it has non-slip base pads. Set up Extension Ladder at the Recommended Angel (1’ from the wall for each 4’ of ladder height): An easy way to check your angle is to stand with your feet at the bottom rung, extend your arms straight out and parallel to the ground, ensure you can touch a ladder rung with your fingers from this position.
Best Practices: Secure ladder using a tie off at the top of ladder Face ladder and hold side rails with at least one hand when climbing to always maintain at least 3 points of contact Protect base of ladder in busy areas Keep ladder free of clutter Make sure rungs are free of oil, grease, and slippery material Carry tools on a belt or hoist Use an electrically insulated, fiberglass ladder Stay a minimum of 10 feet (3.05 meters) from energized power lines or other electrical conductors Use Safety Rail Source Ladder Safety Products
You should never: Use a ladder for something other than its intended purpose Lean outside the ladder rails Carry loads that prevent using at least one hand on the ladder
