Do not use a ladder which has been exposed to heat or fire. Inspect visually, and check for its strength characteristics. Do not expose plastic-reinforced ladders to excessive sunlight. Ultraviolet light may cause the plastic resins to degrade. If the strength of …

Ladders - Storage and Handling CCOHS Grasp ladders near the centre when carrying them. Use caution when carrying ladders through passageways, doorways or any place where your view is obstructed. Use a partner to help carry long or heavy ladders. Make sure that you and your partner are on the same side when carrying a ladder. Stay in step.

Begin securing and stabilizing the ladder from the bottom up (from the footing). Set up your ladder on a firm, level, and stable surface. Secure both the base and top of a ladder to prevent movement. Securing a ladder at the foot does not prevent a side slip at the top. Brace or tie off the ladder near the base.

Keep your body centered between side rails. The ladder can become unstable if your body or equipment you are holding move beyond the side rails. Work at an appropriate height for the ladder. Generally speaking, you have climbed too high if your knees are above top cap of the stepladder or if you cannot maintain a handhold on the ladder.

Work safely with ladders, from selection and inspection, to storage and handling, and all the steps in-between. Choose from the following available resources Health and Safety Fact Sheets (OSH Answers)

Guidelines for safe ladder use; Storage and maintenance; Upon completion of this course you will: Understand the different uses of ladders made from various materials; Know how to inspect a ladder; Know how to select the right ladder (height and material) for the job; Know how to set up a ladder correctly; Know how to work safely on a ladder

Ladders - Storage and Handling Disclaimer Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current.

May 10, 2024 · The higher a person goes on a ladder, the greater the possibility that the ladder will slip out at the base. Do not use items such as a chair, barrel or box as a makeshift ladder. Do not use a portable ladder when other types of equipment and safe means of access are available. Replace a ladder with a fixed stairway or scaffold.

This placement will set up the ladder with a pitch of 75 degrees, creating the ideal angle for climber balance, ladder strength, and helps prevent the ladder from slipping. Make sure always to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Extend the ladder at least 1 m (3 ft) above the landing platform or the point of support.

Do not stand on or above the top two rungs or steps of the ladder. Do not allow another person to work below the ladder. Do not use a ladder during high winds or other extreme weather. Make sure all workers who may climb a ladder are properly trained. Fact sheet first published: 2019-01-14 Fact sheet last revised: 2025-04-15. Disclaimer