Before we discuss the mandatory PPE for ladder work, let’s talk about the things to check before every use.
- Assess the ladder for loose or broken rungs, steps, rails, or bracing.
- Look for any loose screws, bolts, hinges, or other hardware too. In case any issues are noticed in the ladder, get it fixed or replaced at once.
- Never use a faulty ladder.
- Close or lock the neighboring ingress or egress points within the ladder. There should be no debris or obstructions in the space surrounding the ladder base.
The Rule of “Three Points of Contact”
The “three points of contact” rule implies that the worker uses two hands and a foot or two feet and a hand while using the ladder or other work platform surfaces. Through this method, you can maintain stability as the center of gravity lies in the middle of a three pointed triangle.Guidelines for Practicing Three Points of Contact
- Clean off dust, dirt, or snow from your hands to maintain a tight grip.
- Position yourself in front of the vehicle, platform, or ladder while entering or exiting.
- Take the help of guardrails or handrails when ascending the platform.
- Keep your hands free. Place the tools or supplies in a tool belt or take the help of a hoist line if you have to haul up heavier goods. While descending from a vehicle, put the tool or other object on the ground and then pick it up.
- Avoid using the tire as a stepladder. Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and don’t use the steering wheel to pull yourself up.
- Never let go of the machine while landing on the ground. It will lead to a harsh impact on your joints even though you don’t slip or fall.
- Don’t enter a moving rolling ladder or machinery.
- Dismount after looking for impediments, debris, or fluids on the ground.
- Avoid wearing loose outfits or heavy jewelry that might snag on something.
Mandatory PPE on Construction Sites for Ladder Work
While specific regulations may vary according to the local jurisdictions, certain pieces of PPE are considered mandatory when working with ladders. They are:- Hard Hat
Head injury can pose a serious threat to life. A hard hat helps keep your head safe from falling objects, like tools, debris, or even the ladder itself. - Safety Glasses
Use safety glasses without fail to protect your eyes from potential hazards like flying debris, dust, and chemicals. - Slip-resistant Footwear
Wear sturdy, slip-resistant footwear with good ankle support that helps prevent falls. Make sure that your shoes have non-slip soles and provide adequate traction on various surfaces. - Safety Harness and Fall Protection Equipment
Based on the height and nature of the work, body safety harnesses and fall protection systems may be compulsory PPE for ladders. These systems comprise lanyards, lifelines, and anchor points to prevent falls in case of a ladder failure. - Gloves
Gloves are used as ladder PPE to protect your hands from exposure to dangerous chemicals, cuts, and scrapes.
Wrapping Up
Construction and manufacturing industries, electrical work, and repair services — all these facilities warrant the usage of ladders. Such equipment poses the risk of fall-related accidents that can lead to serious injury. Therefore, it is advisable to follow all the OSHA guidelines with respect to ladder use and prevent such untoward incidents while maintaining workplace safety. Always use ladder safety accessories at work and keep such unfortunate mishaps at bay.Browse Different Construction Ladders:
Werner X300000 Extension Ladder Walk-Thru
The Werner X300000 Extension Ladder WalkThru is designed to fit most Werner ladder profiles. Fully compatible with Werner ladders from Type II to Special Duty Type IAA. The Extension Ladder WalkThru has enhanced stability with a dual clamping system that locks the rail extensions onto ladder rails.
Features:
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- Designed to fit … Properly
- Enhanced Stability - Dual clamping system lock rail extensions onto ladder rails
- Designed for use with Werner Type II, I, IA, and IAA extension ladders
PS Industries SG-1836-PCY EdgeHalt® Adjustable Safety Gate - 18" - 36"
Our new self-closing EdgeHalt™ Adjustable Safety Gate (pictured with optional Stand-Off Mounting System) makes it easy to protect your team from the dangers of an elevated guardrail opening. This one gate is flexible enough to fit a large range of openings, reducing the need to measure every opening within your facility.
Features:
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- One Gate Size - Adjustable to fit openings from 18" to 36" (457mm–914mm), and inverts to swing left or right
- Guaranteed-For-Life Springs - Designed and tested to withstand over 1 million cycles
- Easy Installation - Entire installation with a 1/2″ (13mm) wrench, no sawing or cutting required
Kee Safety Universal Self-Closing Safety Gate 15" to 44" (Cut to Size)
The Kee Gate range of self-closing safety gates is designed specifically to provide permanent hazard protection for internal and external applications. The Kee Safety Gates are spring loaded to automatically close behind the user. This provides a safe environment and avoids the possibility for human error.
Features:
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- QUICK AND EASY TO INSTALL
- CAN BE SECURED TO NEW AND EXISTING STRUCTURES
- COMPLIES WITH NORTH AMERICAN STANDARDS
PS Industries EdgeHalt® Ladder Safety Gate Stand-Off Mounting System
The Ladder Safety Gate Stand-Off Mounting System creates a landing space, allowing personnel to transition more easily through the ladder safety gate.
Werner C111106 - 6' Web Positioning Lanyard (1" Web, 2 Snaphooks)
Werner positioning and restraint lanyards do not include any energy absorption features, so they are intended for work positions and restraint applications only. Unique wear indicating polyester webbing allows for easy inspection and provides durability that will last.
Features:
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- Recommended for work positioning and restraint applications only
- WebAlert inspectable polyester webbing makes wear and damage visible and obvious, making inspection easier, while providing durability that will last
- BigHead Safety Hook is designed to prevent false engagement when connecting to the user's harness
Werner Concrete Pour-In Disposable Anchor Straps
Sold in Packs of 25
The Werner Concrete Pour-In Disposable Anchor Straps are disposable concrete anchor straps that are convenient temporary anchor solutions for use in concrete forms. They are designed with a web loop for pass through and a D-ring or two web loops which should protrude from the concrete form and be cut off after one-time use.
PS Industries 42" Full Height EdgeHalt® Ladder Safety Gates - Hot-Dip Galvanized
The Full Height Ladder Safety Gate is an OSHA- and ANSI-compliant swing gate system that reduces the chance of falls on elevated platforms, mezzanines and ladder ways. Similar to our Ladder Safety Gate, this full-height version is self-closing to ensure that protection is in place when it is needed most.
Features:
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- Hot Dipped Galvanized Finish
- Provides safety coverage from the top rail to the floor
- 5" safety toeboard provides increased edge protection from falling objects
