EH-93-5 Ladders: Familiarity Breeds Complacency
ENVIRONMENT SAFETY & HEALTH
BULLETIN
Assistant Secretary for U. S. Department of Energy
Environment, Safety & Health Washington, D.C. 20585
DOE/EH-0304 Issue No. 93-5 June 1993
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LADDERS:
FAMILIARITY BREEDS COMPLACENCY
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o A worker repositions a fully extended 24-foot aluminum ladder he is
using to reach the gutters he was contracted to paint. The ladder
contacts a 7200-volt overhead line located 8 feet from the gutter.
The painter is electrocuted.
o A worker climbs a ladder with both hands full of painting supplies.
He missteps on one of the rungs, is unable to grab the ladder
because his hands are full, and ends up with a sprained back after
falling to the floor.
o A worker descending a ladder fails to visually check the area around
the ladder's base. He steps off the bottom rung onto a rocky
surface and breaks his ankle.
o A worker climbing a ladder fails to first check the area above him,
and strikes his head on a beam. The injury requires stitches.
o A worker atop a ladder overreaches to drill a hole above his head;
another assumes an awkward position in order to replace a ceiling
tile. Both fall.
o A contractor employee is repairing pipe insulation. The ladder he
is standing on slips away from the wall it rests against. The
worker falls 20 feet.
o A worker stands on top of a stepladder to reach an overhead steam
line. The ladder shifts. He falls, sustaining a compression
fracture of his vertebra and a bruised lung, and is off the job for
120 days.
The examples above are only a handful of the more than 500 accidents and
over 4600 lost work days involving ladders over the past 5 years at
Department of Energy (DOE) facilities. These statistics indicate ladders
are a major worker safety issue. Of all the factors contributing to
ladder accidents, one in particular seems to be playing a major role--
complacency about danger. This lack of awareness and concern may involve
our perception of ladders. They are almost as common as ordinary hand
tools, & are used widely and frequently. A person who is attentive to
safety procedures while operating a power saw may not be when using a
ladder. In the first instance, he perceives danger; in the second, he
does not.
Ladder Safety: When and Where
Attention to safety is part of using ladders correctly--anywhere and
anytime. Using ladders safety involves proper procedures when preparing
to work, going up a ladder, coming down a ladder, working while on a
ladder, moving a ladder, and assisting someone else on a ladder.
Taking a Good Look -
The Critical Safety Measure
Visual inspection of equipment and the work area prior to beginning the
task is critical to using ladders safely. Ladders should be inspected for
defects and to assure that they are tall enough for the job at hand. You
should be able to reach what you are doing comfortably; ladders for roof
work should project 3 feet above the eaves, gutter, or roof line.
Before working outside, check for live power lines. If present, have the
power company deenergize them or cover the lines with insulation, if
possible. If you must work in the vicinity of live lines, do not use a
metal ladder (or wooden ladder with metal side rail reinforcement wires).
Use a nonconductive ladder, and be sure to check overhead before moving
the ladder to ensure a safe working distance from power lines.
Before using ladders inside or outside, make sure you are aware of any
dangers from overhead obstructions which could result in head injury.
Finally, notice where the feet of your ladder will be standing. Look for
a secure, even surface. If you will be stepping off the ladder onto an
uneven, wet, or otherwise problematic surface, be careful to prevent
injury.
Up and Down
Ladder climbing should be a deliberate action where full attention is
applied. Considering it second nature is inviting a safety incident. Bad
climbing techniques, such as not squaring the body between the side rails
or not gripping with both hands, are common safety violations. Missteps
occur often and produce injuries such as sprained wrists or ankles, and
even broken backs. Shoes with heels help prevent feet from slipping
through the rungs. Inattentive workers strike their heads on overhead
ducts, beams, pipes or valves, or are unable to catch themselves after a
slip because both hands are full of materials for the job. Workers
climbing ladders must be aware of the space above and have their hands
free to climb and handle problems as they arise. Tools should be carried
in a pouch or holster, and heavy objects can be raised with a hand line.
Working Safely Above
Ladder-related injuries also occur after the climbing takes place.
Accident records indicate that workers fall off ladders while stretching
to reach their work. Several workers have fallen off ladders when
reaching to drill overhead. The tendency to overreach beyond a safe
distance (arm's length without stretching) is generally caused by one or
both of these failings: picking a ladder that is too short or failing to
climb down and move the ladder as necessary. To avoid these highly
dangerous situations, choose a ladder of proper length. Properly position
the ladder under your work, do not shift from side to side, and climb down
and move it as required. Consider scaffolding if the job requires
excessive ladder moving.
The Unsecured Ladder
In the last 5 years, 66 workers were injured when unsecured ladders
slipped, shifted, or fell. First, an incorrect angle of the ladder
against the wall can cause a problem. The distance of the base of the
ladder from the wall should equal one quarter the length of the ladder
(72.5 degrees). Tying off near or at the top adds extra stability, and
placing the feet carefully on a dry, firm surface (avoid ice, snow, and
water) will help assure a steady structure from which to work.
Stepladders -
More Dangerous Than They Appear
Stepladders are deceptive. They look stable because of their A-frame
construction, but in reality have caused numerous injuries to workers
using them. Several stepladder injuries occurred when people in a hurry
used unopened stepladders to reach something. Even when opened,
stepladders are not stable enough for workers to stand on the top step.
Stepladders cannot be used like regular ladders, and must be fully opened
with spreaders locked and all four feet firmly planted before they are
safe for use. Never stand on the top step/platform of a stepladder. The
highest safe step is clearly marked.
Ladder Parts Not Intended To Be Stood On
o A ladder top cap; the top step of a stepladder or trestle ladder;
the pail shelf of a self-supporting ladder.
o The rear braces of a self-supporting ladder, unless the braces are
designed and recommended for that purpose by the manufacturer.
o The top step of the extension section of an extension trestle
ladder.
o The top cap or step of a combination ladder when it is used as a
self-supporting ladder.
o The top three feet of an extension ladder, or anywhere above the
support point.
Pertinent Regulations
29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X, "Stairways and Ladders"
29 CFR Part 1910.25, "Portable Wood Ladders"
29 CFR Part 1910.26, "Portable Metal Ladders"
29 CFR Part 1910.27, "Fixed Ladders"
This Bulletin is one in a series of publications issued by EH to share
occupational safety information throughout the DOE complex. To be added
to the Distribution List or to obtain copies of the publication, call
(615)576-7548. For additional information regarding the publications,
call Barbara Bowers, Safety Performance Indicator Division, Office of
Environment, Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC
20585, (301)903-3016.