Workers who use extension ladders risk permanent injury or death from slips, falls and even electrocutions. These risks can be substantially reduced by following good safety practices and employing the use of Extension Ladder Safety Products, by Safety Rail Source®. The Ladder Safety-Step Straight™ keeps your body inside the rails at the top of the ladder for safe ingress and egress. Safety-Legs™ stabilize the ladder on the ground while Safety-Arms™ stabilize the ladder on the roof or at the gutters. Safety-Docks™ secure the top of the ladder to the roof and also provide tie-offs. All products are OSHA compliant and made in U.S.A.
All 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.
Extension Ladder Safety Precautions: When using an extension ladder, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the ladder. To determine the correct ladder, consider your weight plus the weight of your tools, materials and equipment that you are carrying. Visually inspect the ladder before use for any defects such as missing rungs, bolts, cleats, screws and loose components. Defective ladders must be tagged with “Do Not Use”. Keep the area around the bottom and the top of the ladder clear of equipment, materials and tools. Set the ladder at the proper angle. When a ladder is set up, the distance between the bottom of the ladder and the wall should be one-quarter of the ladder’s height. Extend the top of the ladder three feet above the surface or use our Ladder Safety-Step Straight. Before starting work, survey the area for potential hazards, such as energized overhead power lines. Ladders shall have nonconductive side rails if they are used where the worker or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment. Keep ladders at least 10 feet away from any power lines. Set the base of the ladder so that the bottom sits securely and so both side rails are evenly supported. Our Ladder Safety-Legs secure the bottom of the ladder, and each side can be adjusted to accommodate an uneven surface. The ladder rails should be square to the structure against which it is leaning and tied off at its top. Our Ladder Safety-Docks provide stabilization and tie-offs at the top of the ladder. When using a ladder in a high-activity area, secure it to prevent movement and use a barrier to redirect workers and equipment. If the ladder is placed in front of a door, always block off the door.
Extension Ladder Safe-Usage Tips: Maintain a 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) when climbing or descending a ladder. Face the ladder when climbing up or descending. Keep the body inside the side rails. Use extra care when getting on or off the ladder at the top or bottom. Avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to slide out. Carry tools in a tool belt or raise tools up using a hand line. Never carry tools in your hands while climbing up and down a ladder. Extend the top of the ladder three feet above the landing. Keep ladders free of any slippery materials.
