Safety & Training Short: Ladder Safety - Ladder Set-Up

Objective: To provide an overview of ladder set-up principles, including pre-use preparation

Planning, preparation, and careful positioning are all required before ladders can be used safely.

Planning

• Perform a hazard assessment, identifying the type of work to be performed and what hazards will be present (i.e., unstable ground, electrical lines, doors, or weather).
• Select the right type and size of ladder for the job, assuring load capacity is not exceeded. For example, do not use metal ladders for electrical work or in places where the potential of contact with electrical lines exists.
• Assure that the ladder is in good physical condition. All rungs must be intact or the ladder should be immediately removed from service.