Ladder Safety
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 Texas Christian University (TCU) Ladder Safety
and Inspection Program, 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 (EHS) office is responsible for inspecting ladders for compliance. Additionally, EHS 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 (work in progress)
TCU Ladder Inspection Form
29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D - Walking-Working Surfaces
29 CFR 1926 Subpart X - Stairways and Ladders
OSHA Safe Use of Extension Ladders Fact Sheet
OSHA Safe Use of Stepladders Fact Sheet
OSHA Ladder Safety Do's and Don'ts
Training
Assignment of online safety courses is overseen by EHS and accessible through the
online HSI/SafetySkills Learning Management System. A TCU email address and ID is
required for access. For information on training, please contact EHS at safety@tcu.edu
or at 817-257-7220.
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.