Always face the ladder when moving up or down on it, keeping at least one hand grasping the ladder.
Never carry a load on a ladder that might cause you to loose your balance or fall.
Never use the top step of a ladder as a step.
All ladders must be kept free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards.
Any ladder that becomes defective, weakened, broken, or otherwise faulty, must be tagged “DO NOT USE” and placed out of service until repaired.
Ladders used where they could possibly come in contact with energized electrical equipment or lines must have non-conductive side rails.
Ladders used to access an elevated area or landing must extend at least 3 ft. above the landing. If not possible, then the ladder must be secured at the top and a grab rail or similar grasping device at the landing be provided.
Ladders that are not permanently fixed or self-supporting shall be used at a ratio of approximately 4:1 (i.e., ladder being used at a working length of 16 ft. would need to be 4 ft. from the wall at the base).
Ladders used on unstable or unlevel surfaces must be secured to prevent their displacement.
Ladders used in unbarricaded areas of traffic such as doorways, driveways, etc. must be secured against displacement. Ladders used on hard, smooth, slippery type surfaces must be secured or must have slip-resistant safety feet.
Fixed ladders must be constructed so that a minimum clearance of 7 in. is maintained behind the ladder and 30 in. is maintained at the front (climbing) side of the ladder.
Job-made ladders can be constructed and used with prior approval from the Safety and Health Manager. Requirements of ANSI Standard A14.4 must be met in their construction and use.
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