Tools: Only As Useful As We Make Them
By Don Harkness, East Coast Regional Manager, SEA
Ladder Inspection Safety At-A-Glance
Ladders of all types are useful in the workplace. They are tools that allow workers to safely reach another level. Working at elevated levels poses plenty of risks, ones that have been covered in many regulatory training courses you have attended. Walking, Working Surfaces and Fall protection all focus heavily on the different hazards, of which SEA would be honored to share with you, but today, I want to focus on what needs to happen prior to using the ladder.
The Right Tool for the Job
And make no mistake, ladders are tools, and only perform as well as we, the operators, allow them to. So, what do we need to consider when picking the right ladder for our job? Several key factors include, but aren’t limited to:
What are we doing? What style do you need?
- Step Ladders, extension ladders, and platform ladders all serve different purposes!
What is the weight limit of my ladder?
- Note that the weight limit includes you and all the tools/equipment you are wearing, including fall protection!
What height do I need my ladder to be?
- Ladders come in all shapes and sizes, so ensure you pick one that allows you to not put yourself at risk, even if it takes a little extra time to go and get it!
What material should my ladder be made of?
- Most ladders are fiberglass but also come in several other materials. Make sure you plan for the task and don’t pick a metal ladder when working with electricity, for example
The Most Important Step
After choosing the ladder for our task, we need to perform an all-around inspection of the ladder. How often do we need to perform this inspection? Does it need to be documented? Ladders must be inspected before every use to ensure that no damage has occurred. As far as documentation goes, it is required that a documented inspection occur once a year, but your company policy can dictate more frequent documented inspections.
