ehs.ongoing# Ladder Safety Training Video

Summary

The video script emphasizes the importance of ladder safety in preventing accidents and injuries. It advises choosing the right ladder for the job, considering style, height, and material, especially avoiding metallic ladders near electricity. A pre-use assessment is crucial to check for certification and defects. Proper placement on firm ground, avoiding slippery surfaces, and engaging locking devices are also highlighted. The script stresses the need for three points of contact, calculating the correct leaning angle, and maintaining balance to avoid accidents, recommending against using the top step of the ladder.

Takeaways

• 🔨 Working at height is a major cause of accidents and injuries.
• 🪜 Ladders can be helpful if used properly.
• 🛠️ Choose the right ladder for the job, considering style and height.
• 🚫 Avoid metallic ladders if there's potential contact with electricity; opt for wooden, fiberglass, or plastic ladders instead.
• 📋 Conduct a pre-use assessment to check for certification and visible defects.
• 🚫 Do not use a ladder if it doesn't comply with safety standards or is defective.
• 🏗️ Place the ladder on firm, horizontal ground to avoid slipping.
• 🚫 Avoid using leveling devices and do not extend a short ladder by placing objects under its legs.
• 🔒 Ensure locking devices are engaged before using the ladder.
• 🚫 Do not overload the ladder by hanging objects from it.
• 🚧 Protect the work area with barriers or cones to prevent accidents from falling objects.
• 👣 Maintain three points of contact while using the ladder for stability.
• 📐 Calculate the leaning angle accurately using the one in four rule for proper stability.
• 🚫 Avoid overreaching or stretching your body outwards to prevent loss of balance.
• 🚫 Do not use the last step of the ladder and always pay attention to safety warnings.

Q & A

Why is working at height considered a significant cause of accidents and injuries?

Working at height is considered a significant cause of accidents and injuries due to the inherent risks associated with elevation, such as falls, which can lead to major injuries if proper safety measures are not taken.

What is the first step in using a ladder safely?

The first step in using a ladder safely is to choose the right ladder for the job, considering the style, purpose, and proper height to ensure it is best suited to your needs.

What types of ladders should be avoided when there is a potential for contact with electricity?

Metallic ladders should be avoided in situations where there is a potential for contact with electricity. Instead, wooden, fiberglass, or plastic ladders should be chosen.

What is a preuse assessment and why is it important?

A preuse assessment is a check to ensure the ladder's certification is up to date and there are no visible defects. It is important because it helps prevent the use of non-compliant or defective ladders, reducing the risk of accidents.

Why should ladders not be placed on slippery surfaces?

Ladders should not be placed on slippery surfaces to prevent them from sliding or shifting, which could lead to loss of balance and potential falls.

What should be done if a ladder is too short for the required job?

If a ladder is too short for the job, one should not attempt to make it taller by putting something under the legs. Instead, consider using a different type of equipment that provides the necessary height.

What is the purpose of engaging locking devices on a ladder before use?

Engaging locking devices on a ladder before use ensures that the ladder is secure and stable, preventing it from slipping or collapsing during use.

Why is it important to maintain three points of contact when using a ladder?

Maintaining three points of contact when using a ladder helps to maintain balance and stability, reducing the risk of falling.

What is the 'one in four rule' for ladder stability and how does it work?

The 'one in four rule' states that for proper stability, the working length of the ladder should be four times the horizontal distance between the feet and top support. This rule helps to calculate the correct leaning angle for the ladder.

Why should one avoid using the last step of the ladder?

Avoiding the last step of the ladder is important because it is typically not designed to support the user's weight, and using it could lead to instability and potential falls.

What measures can be taken to protect the work area while using a ladder?

To protect the work area, suitable barriers or cones can be used to prevent others from getting hit or to avoid being struck by falling objects.