Set an extension ladder right
Ladders 5 min 29 CFR 1926.1053
Why it matters
An extension ladder that is too steep, too flat, or short at the landing will kick out when you step off. Use a 4-to-1 angle, run the rails at least 3 feet above the landing or secure the top, and set the feet on firm level ground. Do not stand it on a box, a barrel, or a pickup bed.
The talk
The extension ladder is already up against the eave or the second-floor deck. The feet sit on a loose block because the ground is soft, or they sit in the bed of a pickup so the top can reach. The base is tucked against the wall, so the ladder is almost straight up. At the landing, the side rails stop even with the floor. You have to step around them with nothing left to hold. On the next setup the base is so far out that the ladder feels like a ramp. The top is not tied. Someone starts up with a bundle on one arm. Fix the setup before anyone leaves the ground.
Set an extension ladder at a 4-to-1 angle. The base sits out 1 foot for every 4 feet of ladder height. When the ladder reaches an upper level, the side rails must extend at least 3 feet above that landing, or the ladder must be secured at the top with a grabbing device. You need something to hold when you step on or off. Set the feet on a firm, level surface. Do not set a ladder on a box, a barrel, or a pickup bed. Those shift, and the feet walk out from under you. If the ladder can slip, tie it, or have a person hold the base while someone is on it. A muddy pad or a smooth floor is a slip waiting. Do not change the angle to make a short ladder reach. Get the right ladder.
Before this climb, check the angle. The base should sit out 1 foot for every 4 feet of height. Look at the top. The side rails need to stick up at least 3 feet past the landing, or the ladder needs to be secured there with a grabbing device you can hold. Feet go on firm, level ground, not on a box, a barrel, or a pickup bed. If the feet can slide, tie the ladder or put a person on the base. That person stays and holds it. They do not walk off to grab a tool. When you step off at the top, the rails are still in your hand. If this ladder cannot be set at the right angle with the rails high enough, stop and get one that can. Tell the foreman about any ladder standing on scrap.
Key points
- Use a 4-to-1 angle: the base sits out 1 foot for every 4 feet of height.
- Side rails extend at least 3 feet above the landing, or the top is secured with a grabbing device.
- Set the feet on a firm, level surface.
- Do not set a ladder on a box, a barrel, or a pickup bed.
- If it can slip, tie it or have a person hold the base.
- The person at the base stays while someone is on the ladder.
- Get a different ladder instead of forcing a bad angle.
Do this
- Set the base out 1 foot for every 4 feet of ladder height.
- Extend the rails at least 3 feet above the landing, or secure the top.
- Place the feet on firm, level ground.
- Tie the ladder or have someone hold it if the feet can slip.
- Stop and get another ladder if this one cannot be set right.
Do not do this
- Do not stand an extension ladder almost straight up to make it reach.
- Do not set the feet on a box, a barrel, or a pickup bed.
- Do not climb if the rails stop short of 3 feet above the landing and the top is not secured.
- Do not leave a slippery base untied and unheld.
- Do not let the person at the base walk away during the climb.
Talk about it
- Where are we setting ladders today, and is each base firm and level?
- Which landings need the rails 3 feet above, and which ladders are secured at the top instead?
- Who holds or ties a ladder if the feet can slip?
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