Ladder Safety Program

Are the Ladders in Your Facility Compliant with Canadian Regulations?

TENAQUIP would like to help you identify non-compliant and unsafe/damaged ladders in your work environment!

A North American study found that over 95% of all ladder-related accidents are the result of unsafe use. To address this, TENAQUIP and Featherlite are proud to provide you with information pertaining to the 3-Step Ladder Safety Program.

These are the steps:

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On behalf of TENAQUIP and Featherlite Industries Ltd... Safe Climbing!

Step 1: Selection

Identifying your requirements

One ladder is rarely suitable for all jobs. The first "STEP" in ladder safety is selecting the correct ladder for the task at hand by answering the following questions:

  • What TYPE of ladder do I need (i.e. is a step or extension ladder required)?
  • What SIZE of ladder is required to perform the task?
  • What MATERIAL of construction do I need (i.e. what material should my ladder be made from)?
  • What DUTY RATING do I need (i.e. how much weight will the ladder need to support)?

TYPE: What TYPE of ladder do I need (i.e. is a step or extension ladder required)?

MF405

Straight/Extension Ladders

Straight and extension ladders require support at both top and bottom. They are very versatile and available in a variety of sizes ranging from 16 to 60 feet in length.

Extension Ladder Safety Notes

  • If you will be working from the ladder, never stand higher than the third rung from the top.
  • If you are climbing off the ladder at the top, never extend the ladder less than 3', nor more than 4' above the upper support point.

Select the correct SIZE Extension Ladder for your needs.

VC716

Step Ladders

Step ladders are designed to be self-supporting, and come in a variety of styles, and sizes ranging from 2 to 16 feet in length, and are in most cases designed to be used by one person at a time.

Trestle and 2-way step ladders can be climbed from either side, or support one person on each side.

Platform step ladders provide a large standing area which is more comfortable and safer to work from at fixed heights.

Step Ladder Safety Notes

  • Never stand on the top, or the first step from the top, of a step ladder
  • Never climb a closed step ladder leaning for support against anything.

Choose the correct SIZE step ladder for your needs.

MA741-MF402

Combination Ladders

Combination ladders are very versatile, and can often be configured in several different positions, each best suited to a particular task. Most models can be used as a straight, 2-way step, scaffold, or stairway ladder. Their compact nature allows for easy storage and transport. They are available in several sizes and styles including telescopic, articulating and multi-way.

SIZE: What SIZE of ladder is required to perform the task?

The following charts will allow you to determine the length of ladder you will require.

1. Measure from the ground to the highest point you wish to access.

2. Using the measurement from step one, consult the following chart for the right size ladder for your needs:

Step Size Max. Standing Ht. Approx. Max. Work Ht.*
4' 1'11" 8'
5' 2'10" 9'
6' 3'9" 10'
7' 4'9" 11'
8' 5'8" 12'
10' 7'7" 14'
12' 9'6" 16'
14' 11'5" 18'
16' 13'4" 20'**
Ext. Size Max. Standing Ht. Approx. Max. Work Ht.*
16' 12'6" 9'6"
20' 16'6" 13'6"
24' 20' 17'
28' 24' 21'
32' 28' 24'
36' 31' 28'
40' 33'6" 30'6"
44' 37'6" 34'6"
48' 41' 38'6"
60'*** 46'6" 43'6"

*Assumes 5'6" person with 6'6" reach    **Consider scaffolding   *** Three section ladder

The 1:4 Rule

The feet of a straight or extension ladder should be set at a point one foot horizontally outward from the upper support, for every four feet of vertical distance between the ladder feet and the upper support point.

Please note that each Featherlite extension, straight, and combination ladder is equipped with a label similar to this, to assist in set-up. With the ladder set up correctly (approx. 76° from horizontal), the long leg of the “L” will appear vertical.

MATERIAL: What MATERIAL of construction do I need (i.e. what material should my ladder be made from)?

Ladders are made from a number of materials, each having its own characteristics.

MF063

Aluminum

The most common material of construction.

  • Designed to meet specific load requirements.
  • Comparatively light weight.
  • Moisture and corrosion resistant.
  • Conducts heat and electricity and should not be used where these conditions exist.
mf606

Fibreglass

An "engineered" material consisting of continuous strands of high-strength glass fibres and mats encapsulated in a resin matrix.

  • Pultruded to form I-beam or channel shapes designed to meet specific load requirements
  • Non-conductor of heat and electricity
  • Joined with aluminum rungs/steps for maximum strength to weight ratio
  • Moisture and corrosion resistant
Wood

Wood

A natural material, most popular prior to introduction of aluminum and fibreglass ladders.

  • As a natural material, subject to variations in strength and other mechanical properties
  • Heavier than aluminum or fibreglass ladders
  • Non-conductor of heat and electricity when clean and dry
  • Has a tendency to splinter, rot, warp, and absorb moisture
MA613-MA624

Steel

  • Designed to meet specific load requirements and easily assembled by welding
  • Conducts heat and electricity and should not be used in areas where these conditions exist
  • Susceptible to rust and corrosion

DUTY RATING: What DUTY RATING do I need (i.e. how much weight will the ladder need to support)?

When selecting a duty rating adequate for your needs, you MUST allow for the combined weights of: The user + clothes + tools + material.

The maximum load rating of the selected ladder should NEVER be exceeded.

Duty Rating Chart

Max. Load Capacity Rated Use CSA ANSI
200 lbs. Light-Duty Household
Designed for infrequent household chores, cleaning, painting, etc.
Grade 3 Type III
225 lbs. Medium-Duty Commercial
Designed for moderate use by homeowners, painters, handymen, etc.
Grade 2 Type II
250 lbs. Heavy-Duty Industrial
Designed for use by contractors in maintenance, construction and industrial applications
Grade 1 Type I
300 lbs. Extra Heavy-Duty
Designed for frequent use in maintenance, construction and industrial applications
Grade 1 Type 1A
375 lbs. Special Heavy-Duty
Designed for the most demanding industrial and construction applications
Grade 1 Type 1AA

While CSA recognizes neither the Type 1A or 1AA duty ratings, many products have been designed and tested to meet or exceed the higher ANSI Type 1A and 1AA load ratings commonly specified by industrial and trades users, in addition to retaining CSA Grade 1 certification.

Step 2: Ladder Set Up

Ladder Set Up

In most users' minds, handling and using ladders is straightforward and carefree. Unfortunately, some 4000 people are hospitalized annually in Canada as a result of ladder incidents. Incident statistics show that users regularly fail to recognize and eliminate or manage potential hazards. Incidents involving ladders often result in serious injury and may result in permanent disability or death.

Once a ladder appropriate for the task has been selected, MUST be thoroughly inspected (see section 3) before set up and use!

Consider Before Use

  • Do not use metal ladders where they may contact wires; metal ladders conduct electricity
  • Before using any ladder, first read, then follow, all the labeled warnings and instructions specific to that ladder; and pay close attention to what you are doing
  • Do not use a ladder if you are in poor health, tired, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or physically incapacitated
  • Wear clean, sturdy shoes with slip-resistant soles
  • Always secure a ladder from movemen
  • Unless specifically labeled otherwise, ladders are designed to be used by one person at a time only
  • Do not exceed the labeled load-rating

General Guidelines for Ladder Set-Up & Use

  • Never use in high winds, or during an electrical storm
  • Never leave a ladder set up and unattended
  • Consult manufacturer for use in chemical or other corrosive environments
  • Remove oil, grease, mud, snow, ice or other foreign substance from hands, shoe-soles, steps and rungs, before climbing any ladder
  • Use a 2-way or trestle ladder, with one person per side, when a job requires two people
  • Most ladders are not intended to be used as, or on, scaffolds. Do not straddle or sit on rungs
  • Never store materials on ladders; securely support ladder in transit
  • Place ladder where access is not obstructed; do not place in front of unlocked doors
  • Avoid dropping, or applying an impact load to a ladder; if it has been dropped or subjected to impact, remove it from service until it can be inspected for damage
  • Except for small identification marks in translucent, acrylic lacquer, never paint any ladder; paint can hide cracks and other defects, and may alter the flashover-voltage properties of fibreglass or wood ladders
  • To protect wood ladders, periodically apply a clear, non-conductive preservative followed by spar varnish

Specific Guidelines for Extension & Straight Ladder Set-Up

What is “Kick-out”, and how to prevent it:

For Straight and extension ladders the correct set-up angle from horizontal is approx. 76 degrees (from whence comes the 1:4 rule); however, 5 degrees either way of 76 degrees is generally OK. At 76 degrees, the anti-slip feet of the ladder provide the maximum resistance to sudden outward “kick-out” of the ladder feet. Angles steeper than 80-degrees expose the user to falling over backwards; while, at angles shallower than 70 degrees, “kick-out” force intensifies perilously. Ladders “kick-out” when the slip-resistance provided by the ladder feet, is exceeded by an opposing force that intensifies as a user ascends a ladder.

“Kick-out” occurs for one or more of the following reasons…

  • Ladder is set up at too shallow an angle from horizontal
  • Ladder-foot friction pads are worn, missing, oily, or wet
  • Underfoot surface is slippery, icy, wet, oily, loose, etc.
  • User climbed beyond the ladder upper support point

Opposing slip-resistance is a frictional force dependent upon the combined weight of ladder and user; type and condition of the rubber foot-pads and type and condition of the surface underfoot. If the user climbs higher than available friction allows, the ladder feet suddenly and irreversibly, accelerate outward under the force of gravity.

In the following diagrams, red arrows indicate the direction and magnitude of the “kick-out” force that develops at different set-up angles, as a 200-lb climber approaches roof level. Assuming an average slip-resistance of 100 lb-f (see green arrows), note that the 100% margin of safety at 76 degrees, reduces to 33% at 72 degrees, and to 0% at 64 degrees. At that point a “kick-out” incident is highly probable under all but perfect footing conditions!

To avoid “kick-out”, watch your set-up angle, ensure a clean, slip-free footing, and if in doubt, use your “picks”, or block the feet from moving.

“Kick-Out” Load at Various Set-Up Angles

  • Set-up on level ground; use rubber safety feet on asphalt and concrete, and picks (spiked type feet) on grass or slippery surfaces. If you must set-up on ice or frozen ground, block the front of both feet to prevent outward movement
  • If you cannot level the ground, use a manufacturer approved leveler, on one or both legs
  • Tie-off the top, or side-rails to prevent sideways slip of the ladder
  • Do not overreach, get down and move ladder as needed; use help in setting up ladder, if possible
  • Never work higher than 3 feet from the top of the ladder
  • Avoid pushing or pulling off to the side of ladder, do not “walk” or “shift” ladder while on it, and maintain 3-point contact at all times
  • If using a ladder to go onto a roof, the top of the ladder should extend at least 3 feet and no more than 4 feet above the roof line
  • Keep body centered between side rails
  • Ensure that top and bottom of ladder are properly supported
  • Extend fly section and engage rung locks. Make sure rope does not create a tripping hazard or interfere with activity near the ladder
  • Tying the bottom fly rung to adjacent base rung is recommended
  • Extend and retract fly section only from the ground and when no one is on the ladder
  • Hang ladder on racks at intervals of 6' for support, and never hang a ladder from a rung
  • Do not overextend the fly-section. A minimum overlap of sections is required as follows:
    Ladder Size Overlap Required
    Up to and including 32' 3'
    Over 32', up to and including 36' 4'
    Over 36', up to and including 48' 5'
    Over 48' 6'

How to carry an extension ladder

  • Get help to carry any ladder that you do not feel comfortable lifting
  • While there are many ways to safely carry an extension/straight ladder, one method for ladders under 16-feet in section length and 40-pound weight, is as follows…
    1. Lay fully retracted ladder on its side on the ground, with fly-side facing away from you, and ladder-feet behind you to your right
    2. Count the number of rungs on the base, note where the centre of the ladder is then walk along the ladder to the first base-rung past the centre
    3. With your body at right angles to the ladder, and without twisting or bending your back, bend your knees and grasp one of the upper rails in each hand, right hand behind the left
    4. Straighten legs and stand, allowing arms to fully extend
    5. Walk forward carefully; if you need to turn, do so with your feet not your waist

How to raise/lower an extension ladder

  • Get help raising any ladder that you do not feel comfortable raising/lowering alone
    1. Position the ladder fly side up, at right angles to the wall and with the top end of the ladder approx. 3 feet from the wall
    2. While standing in front of, and facing, the top of the ladder, bend knees slightly, grasp and lift both base rails and straighten up, while retaining a loose grip on each rail
    3. Walk toward the centre (approx. balance-point) of the ladder, while sliding your hands along the rails
    4. Firmly grasp both rails and extend your arms to a full upright position
    5. Walk backwards towards the wall, and rest the top of the ladder against it
    6. Walk to a position immediately behind the ladder feet, and while bracing the ladder feet to keep them from moving, extend the fly to the appropriate height
    7. Grasp the ladder rails at waist height, lift the foot end clear of the ground then move toward the wall until the long-leg on the set-up-assist label is vertical, or the foot of the ladder is 1 foot out from the wall for every 4 feet of height to the ladder support point
    8. If you are on a hard, clean, non-slip surface ensure that each rubber foot pad is resting squarely and evenly on the surface
    9. If you are on a soft, loose, or slippery surface, rotate each ladder foot until the “picks” are behind the base rail and pointing down. Using your foot, on the bottom ladder rung, push each pick into the ground as far as possible

Specific Guidelines for Step Ladder Set-Up

How to carry a Step Ladder

Step 3: Inspection & Maintenance

Inspection & Maintenance

Once you have selected the correct ladder for the job, it should be carefully inspected before each set-up and use. NEVER USE A DAMAGED LADDER. Many incidents are caused by the use of damaged or otherwise unsafe ladders, and result in severe injury or death.

Ladder Inspection

Please refer to the inspection procedure and form for a full outline of what to look for when inspecting your ladder(s). This outline includes the following key warning signs:

  • Side rails that have been damaged, bent, or twisted, should never be straightened; once material has been bent, its strength characteristics have been compromised
  • Loose or cracked rungs are normally caused by severe overstressing of a ladder, as may occur if the ladder falls; take the ladder out-of-service until it can be repaired or replaced
  • Under no circumstances should loose rungs be welded; unless ladders are designed with welded rungs, welding will soften the material, therein reducing its strength

Step Ladder Inspection Procedure

  • Inspect copolymer top for cracks or dents
  • Inspect all side rails for cracks, dents, bends or any other blemishes
  • Ensure that all fasteners are present and tight
  • Ensure that the safety-feet are tight, and rubber foot pads present, tight, and free of wear
  • Ensure spreader arms move freely and lock properly, and that the spreader-to-rail connections are tight
  • Ensure that all steps, horizontal and step braces are present and free of bends, dents and tight
  • Inspect pail tray to see that it moves freely, sets up properly, and that all connections are tight

Extension Ladder Inspection Procedure

  • Inspect the side rails of the base and fly making sure there are no dents, cracks or other blemishes
  • Ensure that all end caps and slide-guides are free from cracks, chips and wear
  • Ensure all fasteners are present and tight
  • Inspect rope and pulley, and ensure that the rope moves freely and is not frayed, knotted, or stretched
  • Ensure that the base and fly sections are straight, and not twisted or warped
  • Inspect all rungs for dents and cracks, and, ensure they do not rotate
  • Inspect the safety feet for worn rubber pads and loose or missing fasteners
  • Inspect the gravity locks; they should pivot freely, and the fingers should be in good working condition

Specific Items for Fibreglass Ladder Inspection

Fibreglass ladders are non-conductive, strong and durable. Fibreglass rails are manufactured in a process called pultrusion, wherein continuous strands and mats of glass are encapsulated in thermoset resin and molded into a variety of rail profiles. The resin incorporates colour pigments and UV inhibitors. The UV inhibitors protect the resin from surface UV and atmospheric corrosion. On average every 3-5 years, depending on exposure of the ladder to direct sun, and atmospheric pollutants, the surface of the fibreglass should be checked for “fibre prominence” as may be witnessed by a rough feel when you run your hand across it. If prominence is noted, the ladder rails should be lightly “sanded” using a nonabrasive ScotchBrite® scouring pad, solvent-cleaned then “painted” with a brush-applied, transparent, 2-part polyurethane coating. (i.e. Sherwin-Williams #RS 6010 clear enamel with #RS 9820 hardener). This coating will provide further UV, and atmospheric corrosion protection, and should last for at least another 3-5 years.

Despite their strength and durability, fibreglass ladders can be broken, cracked, gouged or punctured if not protected from damage, or used improperly. Fibreglass ladders should be carefully inspected, before each use, for the following defects:

1. Crack

A see-through separation of the fibreglass laminations visible from both sides. The ladder should be removed from service until the rail can be replaced or the ladder disposed of.

A separation of material, not visible from the other side. The ladder should be regularly and carefully inspected to ensure it does not deteriorate further. If moisture is allowed to penetrate the rail, the non-conductive properties are greatly reduced.

To reduce the risk of water penetration, clean the area with a mild solvent solution, and apply a polyurethane clear-coat.


2. Resin Surface Crack

A surface crack that does not penetrate the laminate layer. Inspect regularly to ensure it has not expanded, especially into the laminate area. If moisture is allowed to penetrate, the non-conductive properties of the rail are greatly reduced. A polyurethane clear-coat or an exterior quality paste wax may be applied to inhibit moisture penetration.

3. Gouge/Hole

A puncture that is visible from both sides. The ladder should be removed from service until the rail can be replaced or the ladder disposed of.

Ladder Maintenance

Like any equipment, your ladder requires periodic preventive maintenance.

The entire ladder should be cleaned on a regular basis and moving parts should be kept clean and lightly lubricated. Slide guides and safety feet should be replaced if worn and the rope assembly replaced at least once a year. In order to maintain the maximum dielectric properties of fibreglass ladders, they should be regularly cleaned with mild detergent and water and waxed with an exterior quality paste wax. The wax helps to keep water and dirt out of scratches and gouges that might otherwise reduce surface dielectric properties.

Ladder Repair

There are only a few ladder components that can be repaired in the field. It is very important that replacement parts are properly installed on your ladder. An incorrectly installed part is as dangerous as a broken or worn out one. In most cases parts can be replaced with the self-locking nuts, bolts and washers; however, in some instances riveting is required.

If in doubt, check with a TENAQUIP Ladder Specialist.

The following is a list of the most common parts that can be replaced by a competent maintenance professional:

Extension Ladder
Safety Feet
Rope Assembly
Rung Locks
Slide Guides
Protective End Caps
Cog Wheels
Pail Tray
Step Ladder
Safety Feet
Spreader Arms
Head Tray
Pail Tray

Ladder Replacement

The simple rule “if in doubt tag it out” applies when a ladder has been damaged badly enough to break, bend, or twist parts. Tag it out-of-service until it can be repaired by a competent technician, or disposed of.

Specific Guidelines for Step Ladder Set-Up

Assign responsibility:

It is important to the success of your program to assign responsibility, give authority and hold someone accountable for the program. This person should typically be someone in a supervisory, maintenance, or health and safety related role in the workplace.

Set up a control manual:

In order to do this you will need to take an inventory of your ladders and give each a permanent identification number. Determine the frequency of use of each ladder and with this information, set up the appropriate inspection frequency for each ladder.

Inspect ladders:

A thorough inspection of each ladder should be carried out. Those that require repair or replacement should be immediately tagged DO NOT USE. These items should be logged in the control manual indicating: the nature of the problem; the individual responsible for corrective action and the due date for repair or replacement.

Follow up:

Upon completion of repair, the control manual log entry should be signed by the person responsible for the repair, and the supervisor accepting the ladder ready for use (a maintenance work order system works well in this situation).

NOTE:

A formal ladder control program still requires the user to complete an inspection before each first use of the ladder. See the Ladder Inspection Form.