Ladder Safety

Every year more than 100 people die from ladder-related accidents and thousands suffer disabling injuries. This important initiative started by the American Ladder Institute was designed to raise awareness of ladder safety and to decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities. Join PSU's Environmental Health & Safety Department as we participate in #LadderSafetyMonth.

Ladder Safety at PSU

EHS is committed to worker health and safety on campus. EHS follows Oregon OSHA and ANSI standards to minimize and eliminate fall related injuries and accidents. When presented with a potential fall hazard, consult with your supervisor or faculty advisor and EHS to determine the safest approach to perform the task.

EHS Objectives for Ladder Safety

Provide guidance for the selection, use, and inspection of ladders used on campus
Provide ladder safety training and resources for the campus community
Develop and update procedures to ensure safe use

Training

EHS provides Ladder Safety training to employees within all departments and some students on campus annually in March as part of Ladder Safety Month.

Training for FPM, CPC, Telecom, and MMS is conducted through our online learning management system, Safety Skills. This course is automatically assigned to employees who require this training.

Training for all other employees who may use ladders to perform job tasks, or students that use ladders for their coursework, is provided through Canvas. Employees and students may self-register for the course, which is self-guided. Employees and students only need to complete the modules associated with the specific types of ladder(s) they use on the job.

For more information on our training program, including other training options, please go to our general safety training page.

Ladders found on Campus

black ship ladder with handrail at 60 degree incline

Step and podium or platform ladders range in size from 4 feet to 20 feet in length, are self-supporting, portable, and resemble an 'A.' The highest standing level for this ladder can be found marked on the specifications label on the side of the ladder.

Extension ladders are non-self-supporting, portable, and are adjustable in length. They consist of two or more sections that travel in guides or brackets to allow length adjustment.

Fixed ladders are non-self-supporting, not adjustable in length, and are permanently attached to a structure.

Step stools are self-supporting, foldable, portable, and are non-adjustable in length. Step stools are 32 inches or less in overall height and are designed so the top step can be used

Mobile ladder stands are movable, fixed height, and self-supporting and have wide flat treads in the form of steps which give access to the top step.

Telescopic ladders are compact extension ladders that use rung locks to extend and lock rungs into place. These rungs then collapse onto each other for storage.

Multi-position or articulated ladders are portable ladders with one or more pairs of locking hinges. The hinges allow the ladder to be set up in different configurations.

Ship ladders are fixed stairways equipped with treads, stair rails, and open risers. They are designed for a backward descent down the ladder, facing the ladder, requiring users to use at least one hand to grasp the railing.

Attic ladders are retractable ladders that are usually found installed into an attic space and may provide access to a mechanical space. They are compact with hinged rungs that allow them to extend.

Orchard ladders, also known as tripod ladders, are commonly used by landscape workers for pruning and hedge trimming. They are designed to work well on uneven ground and have textured rungs to reduce slippage.

Below are important tips for the safe use of ladders. More information on safe ladder use may be found in the Resources section.

man looking up at roof with ladder and tools

Get the Right-Sized Ladder for the Job

A good rule of thumb when selecting a ladder is to calculate a person’s maximum reach height, which is approximately 4 feet higher than the height of the ladder. Duty rating is important as well, so be sure to pick the right ladder for your workload and weight.

man stabilizing extension ladder on sidewalk

PLACE YOUR LADDER ON FIRM, LEVEL GROUND

Be sure to clear equipment, materials, and tools away from the base and top of the ladder. Where needed, the base of the ladder should be safely secured on unstable surfaces and to prevent accidental movement.

TAKE YOUR TIME CLIMBING DOWN, DON'T SKIP STEPS

Exercise caution whether you are climbing down or up a ladder. Always face the ladder when climbing up or down, and be cautious until you’re on the ground.

person climbing ladder with back towards viewer

KEEP 3 POINTS OF CONTACT WHEN CLIMBING UP OR DOWN

To keep your balance, always maintain three points of contact—two hands and a foot or two feet and a hand—while climbing up or down a ladder.

man using tool on ladder while working on roof

STAY WITHIN YOUR REACH

Remember to keep your center of gravity and body between the side rails. If you can’t easily reach the project area once you have ascended the ladder, climb down and move the ladder more closely to the area of work.

Additional Information on Wooden Ladders

Inspection of wooden ladders is important to ensure they are safe to use. Untreated wood ladders can age quickly. A protective coat of clear varnish (not paint) is needed to keep the wood from drying and splitting. Painting wooden ladders can cover defects and is prohibited. Wooden ladders that do not pass inspection should be properly disposed of.

Wooden ladders range in working load from 200-300 pounds, whereas metal or fiberglass reinforced plastic ladders can provide a higher working load, up to 375 pounds.

When purchasing new ladders, it is recommended to purchase metal or fiberglass reinforced plastic ladders.

Inspection of Ladders

Refer to the Resources Section for information about ladder inspections and proper storage. All ladders should be inspected prior to each use.

Ladders that do not pass inspection should be tagged with "Danger - Do Not Use" and removed from service until repaired or replaced. Use the link to place a work request for removal and proper disposal of ladders that did not pass inspections.

Submit a Work Request

Resources

Safety Talks

Safe Ladder Practices

Ladder Inspection Forms

OSHA Portable Ladder Facts

OSHA Extension Ladder Facts

OSHA Step Ladder Fact Sheet

SAIF Ladder Safety

ALI Ladder Safety Checklist

SAIF Orchard Ladder Safety

Narrow Scaffold Fact Sheet

Tips on Storing Ladders

SAIF - The belt buckle rule

person working with wires on construction site

Job Hazard Analysis

Using a Step Ladder

Using an Extension Ladder

Using a Step Stool

Using a Baker Scaffold/Mobile

person on top run of ladder with x mark and circled in red danger sticker

Step Ladder

Extension Ladder

Additional Resources

Oregon OSHA Ladder Safety

Ladders are essential tools, yet more workers are injured in falls from ladders than from any other elevated surface – roofs, scaffolds, balconies, even stairs. Most falls happen because workers select the wrong type of ladder for their job or they set up the ladder improperly and the ladder shifts or slips unexpectedly.

ALI National Ladder Safety Month

National Ladder Safety Month is the only national movement dedicated exclusively to the promotion of ladder safety, at home and at work. Help us bring awareness to the importance of the safe use of ladders through resources, training and a national dialogue.

SAIF Ladder Safety

Ladders are the "go-to" tool for many jobs — whether you're changing a light bulb, retrieving items from a high shelf, or painting a building. These resources provide best practices to reduce the risk.