Stairslad ENG

STAIRWAYS
AND
STL000-HBK-ENG-0001
®
LADDERS
www.coastal.com
07-2001
CD-ROM AND WEB COURSES FROM COASTAL
• Asbestos Awareness • Forklift Safety • Performance Appraisals
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• Confined Space Entry • HAZMAT Preparation • Respiratory Protection
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• Electrical Power Generation • HAZWOPER Awareness • Sexual Harassment
• Electrical Safety • Hydraulics • Stairways and Ladders
• Employment Terminations • Indoor Cranes • Teamwork
• Environmental Awareness • Industrial Electricity • Time Management
• Ergonomics • Interviewing • Trenching and Shoring
• Fall Protection • Lab Safety • Walking and Working Surfaces
• Fire Safety • Lockout/Tagout • Vibration Analysis
• First Aid • Office Safety
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This handbook is for educational purposes only, and is designed to be • Ergonomics Series • Lockout/Tagout Series • Walking & Working Surfaces
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• First Aid for Schools • Media Relations
or product. • Foot Protection • Motor Vehicle Awareness
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Copyright © 2001, 1997, 1992 Coastal Training Technologies Corp. All • Groundskeeping Safety • Office Safety
rights reserved. No part of this handbook may be copied by any means or ILLUSTRATED HANDBOOKS FROM COASTAL
for any reason without the written permission of Coastal Training • Asbestos Series • Hand Safety • Pollution Prevention Series
• Back Safety • Hazard Communication Series • Pro-Active Safety Series
Technologies Corporation. Printed in U.S.A. • Bloodborne Pathogens for • HAZMAT Transportation Series • Process Safety
Schools • HAZWOPER Training Series • Respiratory Protection
• Bloodborne Pathogens Series • Hearing Protection • Safety Orientation
• Chemical Handling Series • Heat Stress • Scaffold Safety Series
• Chlorine Safety • Holiday Safety Series • Sexual Harassment
• Confined Space Series • Hotel Safety • Slips, Trips & Falls
• Contractor Safety • Hydrogen Sulfide • Stairways and Ladders
• Driving Safety Series • Indoor Cranes • Static Electricity
• DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing • Interviewing • Teamwork
• Electrical Safety Series • Lab Safety •Time Management
• Environmental Series • Lead Safety • Trenching & Shoring Series
• Ergonomics Series • Lockout/Tagout Series • Tuberculosis Awareness
• Eye Protection • Low-Lift Trucks • Vacation/Summer Safety
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• First Aid for Schools Safety • Warehouse Safety
• First Aid on the Job • Office Safety • Winter Safety Series
• Foot Protection • Performance Appraisals • Workplace Violence
• Forklift Safety Series • Personal Protective Equipment
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Stairways and ladders are

among the most frequently
PORTABLE LADDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 used items on the job. Routine
Set-up and Use use of stairs and ladders can
lead to carelessness. Accident
Stepladders figures show that traveling up
Extension Ladders and down stairs is not always
General Safety Tips as safe as it looks. A recent
study showed 34,000 reported
FIXED LADDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 accidents involving ladders or
stairways. Most of these
QUALIFIED CLIMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 incidents could have been
Climber Training avoided with proper
maintenance, selection and use
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 of climbing equipment.
STAIRWAYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Safety on ladders and

stairways at your workplace
Safety Requirements involves understanding what
Safety on Stairways they are designed for and how
to use them. This handbook
SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 will teach you how to inspect,
set up and use ladders
QUIZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 properly. You’ll also learn work
practices that will enable you to
climb stairways safely.
Copyright © 2001 Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission. 2
PORTABLE LADDERS
EXTENSION LADDERS
SET-UP AND USE Another common portable ladder
Selecting the right ladder for the job is the first step to ladder safety. is the extension ladder.
The ladder’s type tells how much weight it can support. Extension ladders are:
■ Lightweight and durable
■ Type 1A — Extra-heavy industrial ladder: 300 lbs. ■ Adjustable in length
■ Type 1 — Heavy-duty industrial ladder: 250 lbs. ■ Made up of two or more
■ Type 2 — Medium-duty commercial ladder: 225 lbs. sections that travel in guides
■ Type 3 — Light-duty household ladder: 200 lbs. or brackets
■ At least 12 inches wide
Remember when you’re choosing a ladder, that it has to hold your ■ Not longer than 20 feet
weight plus the weight of any tools and materials you’re carrying. per section.
STEPLADDERS
One common portable ladder is the stepladder. Stepladders:
■ Stand by themselves Extension ladders should have positive stops to ensure safe overlap of
■ Are not adjustable in length the sections. The overlap needed depends on the total length of all
■ Have a hinged back sections measured along the side rails.
■ Have flat steps six to 12 inches apart
■ Are at least 11 1/2 inches wide at the top ■ Ladders up to 32 feet long use a three-foot overlap.
■ Open at least one-inch for each foot of ladder length. ■ Ladders from 32 to 36 feet use a four-foot overlap.
■ Ladders from 36 to 48 feet use a five-foot overlap.
Rules for using stepladders safely: ■ Ladders over 48 feet use a six-foot overlap.
■ Make sure the ladder is
fully open and the
spreaders are locked.
■ Do not climb, stand
or sit on the top
two rungs.
32 ft 36 ft 48 ft over 48 ft
3 Copyright © 2001 Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission. Copyright © 2001 Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission. 4
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS
Follow these rules when using Important rules for setting up
extension ladders: and using portable ladders:
■ Have a co-worker help you ■ Make sure the ladder will be
raise and lower the ladder. standing on a firm level
■ Never raise or lower surface.
the ladder with the fly ■ Try not to set a ladder up in
section extended. a passageway. If you must
■ Be sure to secure or use a ladder in a passageway,
foot the ladder firmly set out cones or barricades
before extending it. to warn passers-by.
■ Never place a ladder on an

■ Figure out and use the unstable base for more height.
right set-up angle or pitch. ■ Use both hands for climbing.
The distance from the foot of ■ Hoist your tools if carrying
your ladder to the base of them would keep you from
what it is leaning against using both hands.
should be about one fourth of ■ Don’t stretch in order to reach
the distance from the something. Climb down and
ladder’s top support to its move your ladder.
bottom support.
■ Set up the ladder with
about three feet extending
above the working surface.
■ Tie off the ladder to a secure
object at chest height. With
24ft longer ladders, tie off the top
part also.
■ Use wooden or fiberglass
ladders for electrical work or
in areas where contact with
electrical circuits could
occur.
6ft ■ Do not use a ladder for
anything other than a ladder.
FIXED LADDERS QUALIFIED CLIMBERS
Fixed ladders are permanently If some of the fixed ladders at your

attached to buildings or other workplace are climbed only a few times
structures. Some fixed ladders a year, your company may set up a
have rungs that are individually Qualified Climber Program.
attached to the structure. These
ladders have no side rails and ■ A climber’s physical fitness is
are dangerous to climb. All fixed determined either by performance
ladders must meet certain tests or by a physician who knows
safety requirements. the physical demands of the job.
■ A qualified climber must be
■ They must be able to properly trained and in good
support at least two loads physical condition.
of 250 lbs. on any two ■ A qualified climber can be
consecutive points assigned to climb without fall
of attachment. protection under certain conditions.
■ They must be able to ■ A qualified climber must use
withstand rigging, impact proper fall-protection equipment
loads and various once he reaches the work area.
weather conditions.
■ The rungs must be parallel,
level and uniformly spaced.
■ The rungs cannot be more
than 12 inches apart.
■ The rungs should not be
more than 16 inches long.
■ If a fixed ladder is longer
than 20 feet, it must have
safety devices, such as cages
or wells, to protect
falling workers.
7 Copyright © 2001 Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission Copyright © 2001 Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission. 8
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
CLIMBER TRAINING
A qualified climber’s training Ladders must be kept in good
should include classroom condition at all times. They need
lessons and actual climbing care and cleaning, especially
instruction. when used in oily or greasy areas
or left outside. Regular
■ The classroom questions inspections will help make sure
should cover: ladders are safe.
• Safety equipment
• Safe climbing methods Check each ladder in these ways:
• Climbing risks during ■ Look for broken or missing
bad weather steps or rungs.
• How to perform the ■ Look for broken or split side
work task once the rails and other defects.
employee has reached ■ Feel for soft areas on
the work area. wooden ladders.
■ Check for rust or weakness

in the rungs and side rails of
metal ladders.
■ Also, look for corrosion on
the inside of open-ended
■ Climbing instruction includes: hollow rungs.
• Observation of other ■ Check fallen or misused
qualified climbers ladders for excessive dents or
• Hands on climbing under damage.
close supervision with and ■ Make sure the connections
without fall protection. between the rungs and side
■ After a worker has shown he is rails haven’t come loose.
able to climb without fall ■ Tag defective ladders Out of
protection, his trainer or Order or Do Not Use.
supervisor can rate the worker
as a qualified climber.
STAIRWAYS
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
A stairway is a series of There are certain safety
steps and landings that has requirements for stairways.
four or more risers.
Stairways let you move ■ A fixed stairway must be strong
from one level of a enough to carry five times its
structure to another. They maximum intended load.
can lead to platforms, pits, ■ All stairway treads must
machinery, or crossovers. be slip-resistant.
Spiral stairways are not ■ Railings are required on the open
permitted in many sides of exposed stairways.
industrial settings, but they ■ Enclosed stairways should have
can be found on tanks and handrails on one side.
other round structures ■ A stairway must provide a safe
more than five feet across. platform for doing everyday
operations and maintenance.
Most stairway accidents occur because workers do not realize

the hazards of climbing stairs. Some common causes of stairway
accidents are:
■ Dangerously high stairways
■ Poor lighting or glare
■ Poor housekeeping
■ Slippery or greasy steps.
SUMMARY
SAFETY ON STAIRWAYS
Some simple work practices will Using ladders and stairways
help you climb stairs safely: properly is an important part
■ Pay close attention as you climb. of safeguarding your health.
On the way down, Choose the right ladder for
look for the leading edge of each job, follow the basic
each step. rules for using it safely and
■ On poorly lit stairways perform regular inspections
be extra careful and take and maintenance. On
your time. stairways, pay close
attention while you climb,
use the handrails and help
keep steps clean and free
of clutter.
■ Reduce fatigue on long
climbs by minimizing your Taking just a little extra care
load if you can and take rest will enable you to climb
breaks when needed. stairways and ladders safely
■ Always use railings and with confidence.
and handrails.
■ Use the safe platforms
provided when working on
stairways.
■ Never use stairways as
storage areas.
■ Clean up cluttered or
slippery steps.
13 Copyright © 2001 Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission Copyright © 2001 Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission. 14
QUIZ
1. True False Everyone knows how to climb stairways and 13. True False Under certain conditions a qualified climber
ladders, so accidents on them are very rare. can be assigned to climb a structure without
fall protection.
2. True False The type of ladder determines how much weight it
can support. 14. True False Any worker who is in good physical condition
is a qualified climber.
3. True False The length of a stepladder can be adjusted.
15. True False When inspecting a ladder, you only have to
4. True False It’s okay to sit on the top rung of a stepladder, as look for missing or broken rungs.
long as you don’t stand on it.
16. True False If a ladder is defective, it should be tagged
5. True False Extension ladders are made up of two or more Out of Order or Do Not Use.
sections that travel in guides or brackets.
17. True False A fixed stairway is strong enough if it can
6. True False The greater the total length of an extension ladder support twice its maximum intended load.
is, the more its sections should overlap.
18. True False Poor lighting can make stairways more hazardous.
7. True False You should always leave a distance of three feet
between the foot of an extension ladder and the 19. True False Railings are put on stairways only to give you
building it’s leaning against. something to grab onto if you start to fall.
8. True False It’s important to make sure all ladders are placed 20. True False Everyone should help keep steps clean and
on a firm and level surface. clutter free.
9. True False Face the ladder and hold on as you climb.
10. True False Metal ladders are the strongest kind, so they’re ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRAINING
the best ones to use no matter what type of work I have read and understand the training handbook,
you’re doing. Stairways and Ladders. I have also completed and passed
the comprehensive quiz at the conclusion of the handbook.
11. True False A fixed ladder is a ladder that is permanently
attached to a building other permanent structure.
12. True False The rungs of a fixed ladder can be up to Employee’s Signature Date
24 inches apart.
Trainer’s Name Date

NOTE: This record may be included in the employee’s personnel or training file.

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STAIRWAYS

STAIRWAYS AND LADDERS VIDEO-BASED PROGRAMS FROM COASTAL

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Stairways and ladders are

STAIRWAYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Safety on ladders and

■ Never place a ladder on an

Fixed ladders are permanently If some of the fixed ladders at your

■ Check for rust or weakness

Most stairway accidents occur because workers do not realize

9. True False Face the ladder and hold on as you climb.

Trainer’s Name Date

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