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Environmental Health & Safety

Ladder Safety

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According to OSHA, falls from heights are among the leading cause of serious work-related injuries and deaths. Ladder safety is crucial for preventing workplace injuries and complying with safety regulations. The TCU Ladder Safety and Inspection Program (link to doc), applicable to all employees and students who work with ladders, was developed to outline all aspects of ladder safety including ladder selection and use, job safety analysis, storage and transportation, training, safe work practices, and recording keeping requirements.

General Safety Guidelines
When using a ladder, maintain a 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) with the ladder when ascending or descending. Always face the ladder when climbing and descending, stay near the middle of the ladder, and avoid carrying any objects or load that could cause you to lose balance and fall while climbing up or down the ladder. 

Additional safety guidelines include:

  • Use a barricade to keep traffic away from the ladder
  • Keep ladders free of any slippery materials.
  • Only put ladders on a stable and level surface that is not slippery. Ladders are not to be placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.
  • Do not "walk" a ladder by rocking it from side to side to move it.
  • Never use a metal ladder when working with electricity.
  • Do not leave a ladder unattended.
  • Use ladders only in a vertical position. Ladders are not a substitute for a scaffold or a runway between two elevated spaces. 

Inspections 
Ladders must be visually inspected on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. For ladders used regularly, monthly inspections are recommended, while those used infrequently should be inspected at least every six months. The Department owner is responsible for inspecting ladders for visible defects, such as structural damage, split/bent side rails, broken or missing runs/steps/cleats, and missing or damaged safety devices. Ladders shall be labeled with an inspection tag,  or if appropriate, labeled with an "out of service" tag.

The Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator is responsible for inspecting ladders for compliance. Additionally, the Hazardous Material Safety Manager is responsible for periodically inspecting ladders used by employees to ascertain if they are being properly used, that employees have been trained, and that ladders are stored properly. All inspections shall be maintained by the department and/or shop for a period of three (3) years. 

Resources & Forms
TCU Ladder Safety and Inspection Program (in progress - add link)
TCU Ladder Inspection Form (need to develop - currently Appendix A in Program doc)
29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D - Walking-Working Surfaces
29 CFR 1926 Subpart X - Stairways and Ladders
ANSI A14.1, A14.2, A14.5 - Ladder Safety Requirements 
OSHA Safe Use of Extension Ladders Fact Sheet
OSHA Safe Use of Stepladders Fact Sheet
OSHA Ladder Safety Do's and Don'ts 

Training
Employers are responsible for providing training to employees on ladder safety. Contact the Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator at 817-257-7220 or safety@tcu.edu for online and/or in-person training.

Ladder Safety - LDR-1.2
This course assists learner in identifying different types of ladders and general safe practices working on ladders. Additionally, the course addresses the importance of ladder inspection, set-up and location, and the best practices for safe ladder use.