Ladders & Scaffolds
Ladders and scaffolds cause a large share of falls, so the numbers here come up often.
Ladder angle: 4:1 (1 out per 4 up) · Rails above landing: 3 ft · Climbing: 3 points of contact, face the ladder · Scaffold fall protection: 10 ft · Scaffold capacity: 4× the max intended load · Inspection: competent person, before each shift.
Ladders
- Set extension ladders at a 4:1 angle and extend the side rails 3 feet above the landing.
- Keep three points of contact and face the ladder — never carry tools in your hands while climbing.
- A ladder with a structural defect must be tagged out of service or removed until repaired.
Scaffolds
- A scaffold must support its own weight plus 4× the maximum intended load, on firm footing (base plates and mud sills).
- Provide fall protection at 10 feet — guardrails or a personal fall arrest system.
- A competent person inspects the scaffold for defects before every work shift and after anything that could affect its integrity.
Practice: Ladders & Scaffolds
Frequently asked
What angle should an extension ladder be set at?
When do scaffold workers need fall protection?
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