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Ladder safety in industrial environments is a constant concern, and it is imperative to discuss and improve simple safety measures to prevent fall accidents. Compliance with OSHA standards on ladder use and fall protection regulations can help protect your workers, as well as helping your business to avoid citations and fines.
Many types of ladders are used in industrial facilities, and each has its own risks and safety requirements. Fixed ladders are the most common and they represent a significant fall risk in industrial applications (both in the facilities and rooftops). Climbing ladders is a task that many people take for granted, but even the most experienced workers need safety equipment, training, and constant awareness while climbing. What's more, ladder fall protection does not stop at the top – the transition to a walking-working surface is also a common occasion of accidents.
Ladder safety violations are among the most-cited OSHA violations. If your business falls under federal or state OSHA, and you use ladders in your daily business undertakings, you must adhere to OSHA ladder training and safety standards.
Compliance with regulations protects your employees and provides a safe working environment. Also, becoming familiar with OSHA requirements allows you to implement ladder safety as part of a comprehensive elevated spaces and roof safety system.
The OSHA general industry requirements for ladder fall protection are under 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.23 – Ladders. They specify the usage restrictions and structural requirements for various ladder types. They also stipulate guidelines on ladder setup and usage while restricting unsafe behaviors like attaching ladders together for a greater reach or climbing while holding heavy tools and other items.
Section 1910.30 – Walking-Working Surfaces – also covers employee training requirements for ladder use and safety. Employers should train their employees on ladder fall protection and safety. Note that any employees who feel unsafe in their work environment can refuse the work.
In 2016, OSHA released its updates on its walking-working surface rule for general industry use. Consequently, OSHA combined its regulations for fixed, wood, and portable metal ladders under one comprehensive standard: CFR 1910.23. The four primary components of OSHA's ladder safety standard cover include:
General requirements – 29 CFR 1910.23(b)
Fixed ladders – 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(9)
Portable ladders – 29 CFR 1910.23(c)
Mobile ladder stands or platforms 29 CFR 1910.23(e)
Modern industrial facilities use fixed ladders in several areas, including between levels, roof hatches, and attached to the building's outside for higher levels or roof access.
Below is a summary of the general industry ladder requirements from OSHA:
Use only one ladder or step stool to reach intended heights and perform tasks overhead. Don't step on bins, chairs, boxes, or other objects
Provide the right ladder and its related safety system to all workers
Choose the right style, material, height, and performance (duty) rating for each job
Inspect all ladders before initial use and before work shifts. Additionally, replace any defective ladders
Set up and use ladders according to the manufacturer's specifications
Avoid hazards and misuse, such as ascending a closed ladder
Communicate any ladder-related hazards such as defective or damaged equipment
Train employees on all requirements applicable to you
Climb and balance safely
Using ladders safely in your workplace starts by choosing the right equipment for the job. OSHA regulations list several types, as explained below. The standards apply to all portable ladders that your employees use, even if the regulator does not explicitly list them.
All ladders must support their maximum intended weight and have rails supporting parallel rungs on each side. Therefore, portable single-rail ladders are prohibited. Additionally, the ladder rungs should have equal spacing and support the user's footing during regular use.
When selecting the right ladders for your employees, read the manufacturer's label carefully and consider factors like type, height, or duty rating. Below are the popular ladders types and their uses:
Step Stools: Used when you need to reach minimal height levels, such as overhead storage or shelves – stools over 24 inches high need a handrail.
Straight Ladders: When using a straight ladder to reach an upper level, its top must exceed the structure's height by at least three feet. Additionally, lean the ladder at a 75-degree angle or one foot out from the all (1:4 rule).
Platform Ladder: These are step ladders with a top handrail and platform area.
Self-Supporting Ladders: These are A-shaped ladders that stand alone and come in various duty ratings and materials, with a height of six to 30 feet. They must have a locking device.
Extension Ladders: These are straight ladders comprised of a base and a fly section to adjust for various heights.
Rolling Ladders: These rolling staircases are common in stock-picking scenarios such as warehouses. Never roll these ladders while carrying an occupant.
Employers need personal fall protection systems for workers exposed to a potential fall from at least a four-foot drop to a lower level. However, presently, OSHA does not require fall protection for workers on portable ladders of any height or fixed ladders at least 24 feet or less. Still, OSHA encourages employers to provide additional ladder fall protection.
To protect your employees, you need comprehensive fall protection to prevent accidents. Safeguards like fall arrest systems anchored above workers can stop falls from heights of over six feet tall. Tying off the top of your extension ladder and blocking its feet is also advised.
Your permanent fall protection systems and roof safety system must be OSHA compliant to keep workers safe, accommodate all types of ladder in use at your facilities, and fully provide ladder fall protection throughout all activity, from top to bottom and at all relevant walking-working surface points.
Your fall protection roof safety system should be comprised of fall arrest systems, vertical ladder lifelines, and ladder guards to ensure workers are secure while climbing fixed ladders for safe ascending. Lifeline systems provide safe and adjustable protection for climbing.
For transition safety, use self-closing safety gates and roof hatch guardrails to provide a barrier to access points and fixed ladders to mitigate fall risks.
For edge protection, guardrail systems work best. Roof guard railings safeguard the walking-working surface to protect your workers. They also result in less risk for human error since they are a passive fall protection measure.
Your industrial facility's ladder fall protection and roof safety system is critical for all height- and roof-related operations. Simply put: you need to install and maintain OSHA-compliant ladder safety and fall arrest systems such as guard railings, ladder guards, and lifelines and follow all ladder-related regulations to protect your workers.
Additionally, regularly inspect and maintain your fall protection systems to ensure they work correctly and meet all OSHA updates.
BlueWater is a leading manufacturer of comprehensive fall protection equipment. We design, sell, and install guard railings, ladder fall arrest systems, and other rooftop safety equipment. All our products are OSHA compliant when properly installed, and we can provide expert guidance on all your fall prevention needs.
Contact us today and consult with one of our ladder and rooftop safety system experts.