zhongxinladder

In the US, more than 500,000 people a year are treated for ladder related injuries, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.  Of those injuries, about 300 people die.  I’m up on some type of a ladder almost every day so I’d like to pass along just a few tips. Since it’s gutter cleaning season, I’ll focus on the tall extension ladders.

Select the right Household ladder

Ladders have a duty rating from the American National Standards Institute.  This rating includes the maximum weight it’s designed to handle, which includes the user, material and tools.

Type III: light duty - up to 200 lbs
Type II: medium Duty - up to 225 lbs
Type I: Heavy Duty - up to 250 lbs
Type I-A: Extra Heavy Duty - up to 300 lbs*
Type I-AA: Special Duty - up to 375 lbs*

* If you and your load are getting close to or above 300 lbs, consider renting a lift.

Inspect Before Each Use

    * Check all bolts and rivets

    * Be sure the rungs are clean

    * Be sure the feet are secure and the rubber soles will grip

    * Check the rails and rungs for cracks or other damage

    * Check the movement and springs of the rung locks

    * Check the rope for fraying

    * Check the operation of the pulley

    * Check aluminum ladders for burrs - wood and fiberglass for splinters

Setting a Aluminum step ladder

First, read the labels on the ladder.  Second, watch out for overhead electric wires.

The most frequent injuries to inspectors is from setting the ladder on slippery decks, patios or walks.  I look for level, dry, compacted soil.  If there’s mulch, I’ll scrape it away.  If your house is on a slope, install adjustable levelers at the base of your ladder.

Getting the angle of the ladder is important.  Too steep and it could tip back.  Too low of a slope and it could kick out.  The ladder should be set 1 foot out for every 4 feet in height.  With your toes touching the feet of the ladder, hold out your arms straight.  Your finger tips should just touch the rails.

Working from a household step ladder

Don’t wear slippery or muddy shoes.  Use both hands while climbing or descending.  If your project involves using both hands, it shouldn’t be done from a ladder – one hand always needs to be holding on.  Always stay centered.  Don’t reach or lean to the sides.

If you need to climb onto a roof, the ladder should extend above the roof edge by at least three rungs.  Strap or clamp the ladder securely to the roof edge or gutter.  Always step on or off the roof using a rung well below the point where the ladder meets the edge.Stepping above the edge and the bottom of the ladder can kick out.

Unless you have the right equipment, never set a ladder on a roof to get to a higher roof.  Finally, never leave a ladder up unattended.

from:oldhouseweb

Why use a Household ladder ? Because the most important thing to notice, is that there are different levels of participation, ranging from full participation to fake participation, from being in-control to being under control.

After this one, other ladders of participation have been described: for example the
Ladder of Children’s Participation (also called the Ladder of Youth Participation), from (1997) Roger Hart, Children’s Participation: The Theory And Practice Of Involving Young Citizens In Community Development And Environmental Care
MOBILE AND SAFETY STAIRS – Mobile Stairs for access to mezzanine floors or for use in warehouse applications. There are flexible top platform configurations to allow exit ‘to front’ or ‘to side’ off the top platform.

WAREHOUSE STEPS – Also known as Ladder stabilizers or rolling ladders they have a large stable platform at the top from which to work. These ladders are fitted with wheels to allow them to be moved easily and the wheels have some form of locking mechanism. The top platform has a guardrail to protect the operator. These steps are also available as folding steps which can be flat packed when not in use.

RETAIL/OFFICE STEPS – There are very few height access products which don’t look like they belong on a building site. The one exception to this is the Stepmobile Range of retail stepladders. This product is available in a range of 5 bright colors and can be easily cleaned. There are a range of platform heights available from 0.5m to 1.25m. The units have a very small turning circle allowing them to be used even in the most confined situations. Perhaps the cleverest element of these Aluminum step ladders is the wheels. The unit will move freely until weight is applied then the wheels retract and the unit locks into position.

FIRE ESCAPE LADDERS – Emergency escape ladder that provides a safe way to exit your home in the event of fire. Escape ladders are available in wire, chain, and webbing or in rope ladder format.

LADDER ACCESSORIES – Everything from new rubber feet to ladder racks for storage. Ladder Locks, Ladder Stabilisers, Little Giant Work Platforms and ladder stand-offs. The two most popular accessories we sell are the Roof Hook Kits which convert a standard aluminium ladder into a roof ladder and the ladder clamps used to secure a ladder to the roof rack of a vehicle.

LITTLE JUMBO SAFETY STEPS – This range of small step ladders is available as a 2 step, 3 step and 4 step. Ideal for retail outlets or offices, this folding step ladder is one of the best safety steps in the marketplace.

CUSTOM LADDERS AND FIXED LADDERS – We can solve your Aluminum fixed ladder access problems with a range of custom made ladders manufactured to customer’s specifications. Typically these fixed ladders are installed to gain access to flat roofs or to service equipment like air conditioning units located at height. In order to quote for these products we require a suitable drawing of the project. We can then generate a quotation and timescale for the custom ladder or walkway.

MOBILE ALUMINIUM PLATFORMS – This is a relatively recent development in height access equipment. Looking like a standard work platform where the operator is completely enclosed by guard rails this unit is fitted with a foot operated drive unit. Once the operator is on the platform they can then move the platform into other positions using the steering handle and foot pedal. The are 4 models in the range from a maximum platform height of 1.2m to 2.1m. Each model has 3 platform height settings. Most importantly with this mobile work platform there is no certified training required. The maximum workload capacity is 200kg.

LOFT LADDER AND ATTIC LADDERS – A retractable attic ladder will provide access to a loft or attic and slides or folds away when not required. Available as a sliding aluminium ladder or as a folding ladder in wood. There are also telescopic and concertina attic ladders Types and the full specifications and Attic Ladder Fitting Instructions are on the web site. Attic ladders are covered by two BS standards.

from:blog.ladders

Handrails
Requirements for handrails are as follows:
 Handrails and top rails of the stair rail systems must be able to withstand, without failure, at least 200 pounds (890 n) of weight applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge.
 Handrails must not be more than 37 inches (94 cm) high nor less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread.
 Handrails must provide an adequate handhold for employees to grasp to prevent falls.
 Temporary handrails must have a minimum clearance of 3 inches (8 cm) between the handrail and walls, stair rail systems and other objects.
 Stairways with four or more risers, or that rise more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height— whichever is less—must have at least one handrail.
 Winding or spiral stairways must have a handrail to prevent use of areas where the tread width is less than 6 inches (15 cm).

Midrails
Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members or equivalent intermediate structural members must be provided between the top rail and stairway steps to the stair rail system. When midrails are used, they must be located midway between the top of the stair rail system and the household step ladders .

Employers must train all employees to recognize hazards related to ladders and stairways, and instruct them to minimize these hazards. For example, employers must ensure that each employee is trained by a competent person in the following areas, as applicable:
 Nature of fall hazards in the work area;
 Correct procedures for erecting, maintaining and disassembling the fall protection systems to be used;
 Proper construction, use, placement and care in handling of all stairways and household ladders ; and
 Maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used.
Note: Employers must retrain each employee as necessary to maintain their understanding and knowledge on the safe use and construction of ladders and stairs.

cleat —A ladder crosspiece of rectangular cross section placed on edge upon which a person may step while ascending or descending a ladder.
double-cleat ladder —A ladder with a center rail to allow simultaneous two-way traffic for employees ascending or descending.
failure — Load refusal, breakage or separation of components.
fixed ladder — A aluminium step ladder that cannot be readily moved or carried because it is an integral part of a building or structure.
handrail — A rail used to provide employees with a handhold for support.
job-made ladder — A ladder that is fabricated by employees, typically at the construction site; noncommercially manufactured.
load refusal — The point where the structural members lose their ability to carry the load.
point of access — All areas used by employees for work-related passage from one area or level to another.

portable ladder — A ladder that can be readily moved or carried.
riser height — The vertical distance from the top of a tread or platform/landing to the top of the next higher tread or platform/landing.
side-step fixed ladder — A fixed ladder that requires a person to get off at the top to step to the side of the ladder side rails to reach the landing.
single-cleat ladder — A step ladder consisting of a pair of side rails connected together by cleats, rungs or steps.
stair rail system — A vertical barrier erected along the unprotected sides and edges of a stairway to prevent employees from falling to lower levels.
temporary service stairway — A stairway where permanent treads and/or landings are to be filled in at a later date.
through fixed ladder — A fixed ladder that requires a person getting off at the top to step between the side rails of the ladder to reach the landing.
tread depth — The horizontal distance from front to back of a tread, excluding nosing, if any.

from:osha.gov

The rules covering stairways and their components generally depend on how and when stairs are used. Specifically, there are rules for stairs used during construction and stairs used temporarily during construction, as well as rules governing stair rails and handrails. Stairways Used During Construction The following requirements apply to all stairways used during construction:

 Stairways that will not be a permanent part of the building under construction must have landings at least 30 inches deep and 22 inches wide (76 x 56 cm) at every 12 feet (3.7 m) or less of vertical rise. Stairways must be installed at least 30 degrees
—and no more than 50 degrees—from the horizontal.
 Variations in riser height or stair tread depth must not exceed 1/4 inch in any stairway system, including any foundation structure used as one or more treads of the Aluminum step ladder .
 Doors and gates opening directly onto a stairway must have a platform that extends at least 20 inches (51 cm) beyond the swing of the door or gate.
 Metal pan landings and metal pan treads must be secured in place before filling.
 Stairway parts must be free of dangerous projections such as protruding nails.
 Slippery conditions on stairways must be corrected.
 Workers must not use spiral stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure.

Temporary Stairs
The following requirements apply to stairways used temporarily during construction. Except during construction of the stairway,
 Do not use stairways with metal pan landings and treads if the treads and/or landings have not been filled in with concrete or other materials unless the pans of the stairs and/or landings are temporarily filled in with wood or other materials. All treads and landings must be replaced when worn below the top edge of the pan.
 Do not use skeleton metal frame structures and steps (where treads and/or landings will be installed later) unless the stairs are fitted with Ladder stabilizer and landings.
Note: Temporary treads must be made of wood or other solid material and installed the full width and depth of the stair.

Stair Rails
The following general requirements apply to all stair rails:
 Stairways with four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height— whichever is less—must be installed along each unprotected side or edge. When the top edge of a stair rail system also serves as a handrail, the height of the top edge must be no more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread.
 Stair rails installed after March 15,1991, must be not less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) in height.
 Top edges of stair rail systems used as handrails must not be more than 37 inches (94 cm) high nor less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail system to the surface of the tread. (If installed before March 15, 1991, not less than 30 inches [76 cm]).
 Stair rail systems and handrails must be surfaced to prevent injuries such as punctures or Household ladder and to keep clothing from snagging.
 Ends of stair rail systems and handrails must be built to prevent dangerous projections, such as rails protruding beyond the end posts of the system. In addition,
 Unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings must have standard 42-inch (1.1 m) guardrail systems.
 Intermediate vertical members, such as balusters used as guardrails, must not be more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart.
 Other intermediate structural members, when used, must be installed so that no openings are more than 19 inches (48 cm) wide.

from:osha.gov

Cages for Fixed Ladders
The requirements for cages for fixed ladders are as follows:
 Horizontal bands must be fastened to the side rails of rail ladders or directly to the structure, building or equipment for individual-rung ladders. Vertical bars must be on the inside of the horizontal bands and must be fastened to them.
 Cages must not extend less than 27 inches (68 cm), or more than 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the step or rung and must not be less than 27 inches (68 cm) wide.
 Insides of cages must be clear of projections.
 Horizontal bands must be spaced at intervals not more than 4 feet (1.2 m) apart measured from centerline to centerline.
 Vertical bars must be spaced at intervals not more than 9.5 inches (24 cm), measured centerline to centerline.
 Bottoms of cages must be between 7 feet (2.1 m) and 8 feet (2.4 m) above the point of access to the bottom of the ladder. The bottom of the cage must be flared not less than 4 inches (10 cm) between the bottom horizontal band and the next higher band.
 Tops of cages must be a minimum of 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top of the platform or the point of access at the top of the ladder. There must be a way to access the platform or other point of access.

Wells for Fixed Ladders
The requirements for wells for fixed ladders are as follows:
 Wells must completely encircle the ladder.
 Wells must be free of projections.
 Inside faces of wells on the climbing side of the ladder must extend between 27 inches (68 cm) and 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the step or rung.
 Inside widths of wells must be at least 30 inches (76 cm).
 Bottoms of wells above the point of access to the bottom of the ladder must be between 7 feet (2.1 m) and 8 feet (2.4 m).

Ladder Safety Devices and Related Support Systems for Fixed Ladders
The connection between the carrier or lifeline and the point of attachment to the body belt or harness must not exceed 9 inches (23 cm) in length. In addition, ladder safety devices and related support systems on fixed ladders must conform to the following:
 All safety devices must be able to withstand, without failure, a drop test consisting of a 500-pound weight (226 kg) dropping 18 inches (41 cm).
 All safety devices must permit the worker to ascend or descend without continually having to hold, push or pull any part of the device, leaving both hands free for climbing.
 All safety devices must be activated within 2 feet (.61 m) after a fall occurs and limit the descending velocity of an employee to 7 feet/second (2.1 m/sec) or less.

Requirements for Household ladder Safety Devices for Fixed Ladders
The requirements for mounting ladder safety devices for fixed ladders are as follows:
 Mountings for rigid carriers must be attached at each end of the carrier, with intermediate mountings spaced along the entire length of the carrier, to provide the necessary strength to stop workers’ falls.
 Mountings for flexible carriers must be attached at each end of the carrier. Cable guides for flexible carriers must be installed with a spacing between 25 feet (7.6 m) and 40 feet (12.2 m) along the entire length of the carrier, to prevent wind damage to the system.
 Design and installation of mountings and cable guides must not reduce the strength of the ladder.
 Side rails and household step ladders or rungs for side-step fixed ladders must be continuous in extension.

Defective Ladders
Ladders needing repairs are subject to the following rules:
 Portable ladders with structural defects—such as broken or missing rungs, cleats or steps, broken or split rails, corroded components or other faulty or defective components—must immediately be marked defective or tagged with "Do Not Use" or similar language and withdrawn from service until repaired.
 Fixed ladders with structural defects—such as broken or missing rungs, cleats or steps, broken or split rails or corroded components— must be withdrawn from service until repaired.
 Defective fixed ladders are considered withdrawn from use when they are immediately tagged with "Do Not Use" or similar language, or marked in a manner that identifies them as defective, or blocked—such as with a plywood attachment that spans several rungs.
 Ladder repairs must restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria before the ladder is returned to use.

from:osha.gov