What should you do when climbing up or down a ladder?
Always make sure the ladder is tied or secured correctly before using, and is placed on a level, firm and non-slippery surface. When climbing up or down, always:
- context Face the stepladder.
- context Keep your body centered between side rails.
- context Maintain three-point contact by keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on a ladder always.
- context Keep a firm grip.
- context Make sure that footwear is in good condition.
- context Clean your footwear by removing mud, water, snow, ice or grease.
- context Place feet firmly on each rung.
- context Wearing footwear with heels can help to stop the foot from slipping forward.
- context You have climbed too high if your knees are above top of the ladder or if you cannot maintain a handhold on the ladder.
- context Rise or lower tools and materials using a hoist, hand-line, bucket or other device.
- context If using an extension ladder, be careful when stepping or gripping near the locks as the locks will obscure part of the rung.
- context In most cases, only allow one person on a ladder at a time. Wait until the other person has stepped off the ladder before another person uses it.
- context Have a second person hold the bottom of a long ladder, especially when tying or untying an extension ladder.
- context Use the appropriate safety devices when needed (e.g., safety belt, fall restraint, etc.). Check with your jurisdiction for requirements when working at heights near or above 3 metres (10 feet).
- context Make sure that any harnesses or ties do not interfere with safe travel when on the ladder.