What should you do to safely secure extension ladders?
Note: When working 3 metres (10 feet) or more above ground, a fall protection program may be necessary. Wear a safety belt or harness with the lanyard tied appropriately to the structure. Make sure that you follow working at heights training that includes how to use fall protection devices safely.
- context Place ladders on a firm, level surface and ensure the footing is secure.
- context Erect extension ladders so that the upper section rests on (e.g., in front of) the bottom section. This placement means the bottom section "faces" a wall or other supporting surface (see figures below).
- context Place the ladder feet so that the horizontal distance between the feet and the top support is 1/4 of the working length of the ladder (the working length is the distance along the side rail from the top support to the bottom of the ladder). The ladder will be leaning at a 75 degree angle from the ground.
- context Raise and lower ladders from the ground. Ensure that locking ladder hooks are secure before climbing.
- context For access to an elevated work surface, erect ladders so that a minimum of 1 m (3 ft) extends above a landing platform. Tie the top at support points.
- context Use care when getting on and or off the ladder at the top or bottom in order to avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to slide.
- context Brace or tie off the ladder near the base. If there is no structure to tie off to, use a stake in the ground.
- context Leave all tie-off devices in place until they must be removed before taking the ladder down.
- context Maintain the minimum overlap of sections as shown on a ladder label. Refer to safety regulations.
- context Set up barricades and warning signs when using a ladder in a doorway or passageway.
What should you do to avoid overexertion while setting up an extension ladder?
When setting up an extension ladder, use the following method to avoid straining muscles or losing control of a ladder. With ladders weighing more than 25 kg (55 lb), or where conditions complicate the task, have two persons set up a ladder, step by step, as follows:
One person can erect a short ladder, step by step as follows:
The method for lowering any ladder is the reverse procedure of erecting it.
- requirement Lay a ladder on the ground close to the intended location.
- requirement Brace ladder base using helpers' feet.
- requirement Grasp the top rung with both hands, raise the top end over your head and walk toward the base of a ladder. Grasp the centre of the rungs to maintain stability.
- requirement Move the erect ladder to the desired location. Lean it forward against the resting point.
- requirement Place the bottom of a ladder firmly against the base of a building or stationary object.
- requirement Lift the top of ladder, and pull upwards to raise a ladder to a vertical position.
- requirement Transfer a ladder to its required position when it is erect.
- requirement Keep a ladder upright and close to the body with a firm grip.