Tens of thousands of people are injured, and
hundreds killed in North America every year
while using ladders.
Our objective today is to reduce YOUR risk of
a future ladder incident through education and
adoption of a 3-Step Ladder Safety Program,
incorporating ladder…
Almost all incidents can be traced to the
incorrect application or misuse of a ladder.
In what environment will the ladder be
used?
-Working on, or in the vicinity of, live electrical
circuits?
-In a corrosive atmosphere?
-On uneven, severely sloped, or otherwise
poor footing?
Consider ladders fitted with…
-Adjustable leg-levelers when using
extension ladders on uneven,
highly-sloped surfaces
-Combination ladders for use in
stairwells
Select non-conductive
Fibreglass ladders instead
-DO NOT use Aluminum…
-On, or around, electrical circuits
-In highly corrosive environments.
- What kind of ladder? …Step, straight,
extension, or combination ladder ?
- What size of ladder is required to perform the task?
- What is the maximum load the ladder must support? (Weight of person +
clothes + tools + materials)
MAX. LOAD
CAPACITY
RATED USE
CSA
ANSI
375 lbs
SPECIAL HEAVY DUTY, designed for heavier
loads and the most demanding industrial and
construction applications
GRADE
1AA
TYPE
1AA
300 lbs
EXTRA HEAVY DUTY, designed for frequent
use in maintenance, construction and
GRADE 1A TYPE 1A
industrial applications
250 lbs
225 lbs
200 lbs
HEAVY DUTY INDUSTRIAL, designed for
use by contractors, maintenance,
construction and industrial applications
MEDIUM DUTY COMMERCIAL, designed for
moderate use by homeowners, painters,
handyman
LIGHT DUTY HOUSEHOLD, designed for
household chores, cleaning, painting
GRADE 1
TYPE 1
GRADE 2
TYPE II
GRADE 3
TYPE III
Step ladders are designed to be free standing,
are available in a variety of sizes ranging from
2’ to 16’.
-Used for most typical one-person job
applications
-A range of lengths from 2’ to 16’
-Available in aluminum and fibreglass
Trestle or Two-Way step ladders can be
climbed from either side, or support two
people on opposite sides.
-For use when two persons
must access the same work
concurrently
-One person per side at a time
-A range of lengths from 3’ –
16’
-Available in Fibreglass and
Aluminum
-For repeated/sustained work at
same level
-Provides maximum user
comfort and stability
-One person at a time
-A range of sizes 4’ – 16’
-Available in fibreglass and
aluminum
Straight and Extension ladders require both the top
and bottom of the ladder to be supported.
-Available in a variety of sizes ranging from 8’ to 60’.
-Available in aluminum and fibreglass.
-A combination of step, straight and extension
ladders
-Available in 3 types : Articulating , Articulating
& Telescoping, and 3-Way
-One or more pairs of lockable
articulating hinges allow setup in
several positions, including :
-Stepladder
-Straight
-Scaffold
-Available in 12’ – 16’
-All features of articulating ladders plus independent length adjustment of each side
-BEST CHOICE for frequent stairwell work
-Available in 12’-23’ lengths
-Excellent utility including
stairwells
- A range of lengths from 6’ – 13’
-Available in both aluminum and
fibreglass
Aluminum
-Extruded shapes to meet specific load requirements.
-Moisture resistant
-Comparatively light weight.
-Conducts heat and electricity and should not be
used in areas where the above or highly corrosive conditions
exist.
Fiberglass
-Pultruded shapes of continuous glass fibres and matts encapsulated in plastic res
-Used with aluminum steps/rungs to satisfy specific load and strength requiremen
-A non-conductor of heat and electricity.
-Resists corrosion.
-Moisture resistant.
Steel
-Designed to meet specific load requirements
-Easily assembled by welding.
-Susceptible to rust and corrosion.
-Conducts heat and electricity and should not be used in areas
where the above or highly corrosive conditions exist
Four-To-One Rule
PLACE BASE OF LADDER ONE
FOOT OUT FROM WALL OR
OVERHANG FOR EVERY 4 FEET OF
EXTENDED LADDER LENGTH
•ALWAYS INSPECT YOUR LADDER PRIOR TO USE
•Metal ladders conduct electricity. Keep away from electrical circuits.
•Do not use in high winds or during a storm.
•Do not use in poor health, if taking drugs or alcoholic beverages,
or if physically handicapped.
•Keep bottom of shoes clean. Leather soles should not be worn.
•Never leave ladder set up and unattended.
•Pay close attention to what you are doing.
• Do not overload.
Read all labels and follow all
instructions.
-Never use a step ladder over 16
feet. Proper scaffolding is the
correct product. Ladders are not
intended to be used as or on
scaffolds.
-Set all feet on firm, level surface. Do not
place on unstable, loose, or slippery surfaces.
-Keep body centered between side rails. Do
not overreach. Get down and move ladder as
needed.
-Do not climb, stand, or sit on spreader braces,
ladder top, or pail shelf
-Do not straddle front and back. Do not climb
from one ladder onto another.
-Avoid pushing or pulling off to the side of ladder. Do
not "walk" or “jump" ladder while on it.
-Never use a step ladder as a straight ladder
leaning against a wall.
-Remove oil, grease, mud or any other
foreign substance from hands and shoe
soles before climbing.
-Never use a ladder on surfaces covered
with oil, grease or ice.
-Make sure the ladder is placed on an even, hard surface.
-Use rubber safety feet on concrete or paved surfaces. Use
spiked feet on grass or loose surfaces.
-Make sure rung locks are engaged before climbing.
There should be only one person on the ladder at a time.
Maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder at all
times
Once the correct ladder for your task has been
selected, the ladder should be carefully
inspected before each use. Many accidents are
caused by the use of unsafe or damaged
ladders and can lead to severe injury or death.
NEVER USE A DAMAGED LADDER.
1. CRACK
A see through separation of fiberglass lamination visible
from both sides. The ladder should be removed from
service until the rail can be replaced or the ladder
disposed of.
2. GOUGE / HOLE
A puncture that is visible from both sides. The
ladder should be removed from service until
the rail can be replaced or the ladder disposed
of.
3. RESIN SURFACE CRACK
If a surface crack does not penetrate the laminate layer,
apply a coating of polyurethane clear-coat or equal.
Inspect regularly to ensure it has not expanded. If
moisture has penetrated the rail, then the ladder
should be replaced.
Only a certain number of items that can be repaired in the
field. If in doubt check with a Featherlite authorized dealer or a Featherlite
representative. The following is a list of the most common parts that can be replaced
by a qualified maintenance individual:
EXTENSION LADDERS
• PROTECTIVE END CAPS
• ROPE ASSEMBLY
• RUNG LOCKS
• SLIDE GUIDES
• COG WHEELS
• SAFETY FEET
• RIVETED RUNGS
STEP LADDERS
•
•
•
•
•
SAFETY SHOES
ROPE ASSEMBLY
SPREADER ARMS
HEAD-TRAY
PAIL-TRAY
LADDER INSPECTION FORM
INSPECTOR_____________
DATE___________
IDENTIFICATION #____________
STORAGE LOCATION___________
DATE RECEIVED
____________
MODEL #_______________
GENERAL ITEMS
DAMAGED
/MISSING
TYPE OF LADDER_________________
SIZE OF LADDER_________________
TYPE OF MATERIAL________________
WORN
OK
N/A
NOTES
RAILS
RUNGS / STEPS
FASTENERS
FEET
STEP LADDERS
TOP CAP
SPREADER ARMS
HORIZONTAL BRACES
DIAGONAL BRACES
OTHER:
EXTENSIONS LADDERS
END CAPS
ROPE AND PULLEY
RUNG LOCKS
SLIDE GUIDES
OTHER:
DISPOSITION:
REMOVE FROM SERVICE AND DESTROY
REMOVE FROM SERVICE AND REPAIR [REPAIR DUE DATE _________________ ]
OK TO RETURN TO SERVICE
Regular maintenance
and inspection of your
ladders will keep them
working safely.The
following is a sample of
a Featherlite Ladder
audit.
Inspect every ladder in the fleet, regardless of the manufacturer. Using
the information gathered the ladders will be categorized into 4 main
categories ;
-DISCARD .... Ladders which are below the duty rating agreed on with the
customer; and, ladders which are beyond repair.
-TAG FOR REPAIR .... Using approved ladder replacement parts
-APPROVE ..... Ladders that are OK as is ( regardless of manufacturer)
-REPLACE ... All discarded ladders with new ladders within the agreed
customer parameters.
Ladder # Review or Mill Region/Dept
DQ
Manufacturer
•Style
S 101 *
Steel Yard
Allright
Step
S 102 DQ
Steel Yard
Featherlite
Step
S 103 *
Steel Yard
Featherlite
S 104
Steel Yard
S 105
Type 1
250 lb
Type 1A
300 lb
Type 1AA
375 lb
**
Material Length Comments
(ft)
Wd
12
Back brace broken, wet, label
1A
Al
8
4408 Mfg 12 97 Btm L. Rail
bent,Step profile at risk
Step
1A
Al
10
4410 Mfg 10 98, Pail Tray
removed, Labels
Featherlite
Step
1A
FG
10
6410 Mfg 08 06
Steel Yard
Allright
Step
Wd
6
Wet
S 106
Steel Yard
Featherlite
Step
1A
FG
6
6906 Mfg 10 08
S 107 *
Steel Yard
Featherlite
Step
1A
Al
6
4406, Left Rail bent, Step bent,
Pail tray removed
S 108 DQ
Steel Yard
Reynolds
Extension
Al
40
3984 14 Bent rungs, Label
S 109 DQ
Steel Yard
Reynolds
Extension
Al
36
Weld holes in rung, rung
missing, No rope
S 110 *
Steel Yard
Featherlite
Extension
Al
24
4224 Rope missing, some rung
dents
S 111
Steel Yard
Allright
Step
Wd
7
Pail tray missing, wet
1A
Ladder # Review or Mill Region/Dept
DQ
Manufacturer
•Style
S 111
Steel Yard
Allright
Step
S 112
Steel Yard
Featherlite
Step
S 113
Steel Yard
Featherlite
S 114
Steel Yard
S 115
Type 1
250 lb
Type 1A
300 lb
Type 1AA
375 lb
**
Material
Length Comments
(ft)
Wd
7
Pail tray missing, wet
1AA
FG
8
6808-AA New 07 11
Extension
1A
Al
20
3220D New 03 11
Featherlite
Extension
1A
Al
16
3216D New 03 11
Steel Yard
Featherlite
Extension
1A
Al
20
3220D New 11 11
S 116
Steel Yard
Featherlite
Extension
1A
Al
28
3228D New 08 11
S 117
Steel Yard
Featherlite
Extension
1A
Al
28
3228D 10 11
S 118
Shop
Featherlite
Step
1A
FG
4
6904 New 11 11
S 119
Shop
Featherlite
Step
1AA
FG
6
6806-AA New 12 11
S 120
Shop
Featherlite
Step
1AA
FG
8
6808-AA New 02 11
S 121
Tool Crib
Featherlite
Step
1A
Al
3
3403 08 08
Style
Material
Qty
Review or
DQ
Steps
Wood
3
1
Aluminum
4
3
Fibreglass
6
Aluminum
8
3
Total
21
7
Extension
FEATHERLITE LADDERS SAFTEY TRAINING
BOOKLET
FEATHERLITE LADDERS
http://featherliteladders.com/
FEATHERLITE MOBILE SITE
http://featherlite.kkpc.mobi/home/
WORK SAFE BC
http://www.worksafebc.com/
AMERICAN LADDER INSTITUTE
http://www.americanladderinstitute.org/