TITLE:	ES&H Manual
DOCUMENT ID:	6132 Ladders and Scaffolds

1.0 Introduction

Many operations at Jefferson Lab require ladders or scaffolds. The safety of these operations is dependent on the strength, design, type, and condition of the ladder or scaffold used, as well as the training, awareness, and experience of the user.

According to a 1998 Dept. of Labor report, on-the-job falls accounted for 702 workplace fatalities, making falls the second leading cause of occupational fatalities. Almost 50% of all fatal falls in the workplace are from scaffolds and ladders.

People frequently use ladders unsafely despite conspicuous, specific, and easy-to-understand warnings displayed on the ladder side rails.

Scaffolds appear to many to be unsophisticated and easily erected work platforms. In fact, they are engineered systems and must be properly erected and used correctly to be safe.

2.0 Hazard Avoidance

• Do not mount a ladder or scaffold if you are dizzy, prone to dizziness, or are taking medication that may impair your sense of balance.
• Before mounting a ladder or scaffold, verify that it is structurally sound and properly placed.
• Since metal ladders conduct electricity do not use them within 10 ft of exposed energized electrical circuits or equipment, or in places where they may come in contact with electrical circuits. Instead, use a fiberglass ladder.
• Check the ladder’s rated load capacity, and don’t exceed it. Remember to combine your weight with anything you carry up the ladder.
• Never climb above the safe working height of a ladder. This is marked on the side rails.
• Never lean to one side of a ladder. Keep your body centerline between the ladder rails.
• Wear a hard hat if you work near or beneath people working on scaffolds or ladders.
• Do not erect or authorize others to use a scaffold unless you are competent in that scaffold system, and you have made certain that the users understand the hazards and limitations of the scaffold systems.

3.0 Required Safety Practices

3.1 Ladders

Maintain ladders in usable condition. Withdraw ladders from service that have developed defects. Destroy any defective ladder or tag it “Dangerous, Do Not Use,” and send it to Facilities Management for repair with parts available from the manufacturer. Do not improvise your own repair of a ladder.

Use only the following types of portable step and extension ladders:

· Type I, IA Industrial, for heavy duty: 250/300 lbs.

· Type II Commercial, for medium duty: 225 lbs.

· Type II Folding ladder/stools for office use only – these must be equipped with grab rails

· Do not splice two short ladders together to produce a long ladder

· Do not stand above the second step from the top of a ladder

· Do not place a ladder in front of a door which opens towards the ladder unless the door is blocked open, locked, or guarded

· Do not place ladders on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height

· Do not purchase or use Type III – household/light duty – ladders at Jefferson Lab

3.1.1 Ladder setup and use

· Do not carry a ladder upright near electric power lines. Contact can be lethal. Use only fiberglass ladders near electrical hazards.

· Fully extend a step ladder prior to use. Do not use it folded or propped up against a vertical surface.

· Place the extension ladder base a distance from the vertical wall equal to one-fourth the working length of the ladder.

· Face the ladder when ascending or descending.

· Do not carry anything in your hands when ascending or descending. Use a hand line to raise or lower equipment or tools.

· Store portable ladders in protected places so that they do not become hazards.

· When using a ladder to gain access to a roof or elevated platform, tie it off or secure it in place.

o Ensure that the ladder extends at least 1 meter (3 ft.) beyond the point of support (roof line).

o The first person going up the ladder needs a safety spotter who will keep the ladder stable at the base.

o No more than one person shall be on a ladder at a time except for specially constructed, double-sided step ladders.

3.2 Scaffolds

A scaffold is a temporary elevated platform and its supporting structure, are used for supporting workers and/or materials. Scaffolds appear to be uncomplicated and easy to erect. In fact, they are an engineered system and require proper erection, maintenance, and use.

· Only qualified personnel may erect and use scaffolds at Jefferson Lab. Obtain assistance from Jefferson Lab’s Environmental, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) staff, or the Material Handling Safety Representative.

· Do not use unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick, or concrete blocks to support scaffolds or planks

· Do not alter or move a non-rolling scaffold horizontally while in use

· Do Not use any damaged or weakened scaffold – tag out the access ladder immediately

3.2.1 Scaffold setup and use

· Scaffolds must be capable of supporting at least four times the maximum intended load.

· Provide a ladder or equivalent safe access to all levels. The “ladder-like” rungs on some brands of commercial scaffolding are not to be used as a ladder. Note that a ladder leaned against scaffolding on unlocked casters could cause the scaffolding assembly to roll away from the ladder.

· Ensure planks extend between 6 and 18 inches over their end supports unless they are secured from movement, such as being attached with wire to the metal supports.

· Use a tag line when hoisting equipment onto a scaffold.

· Do not allow tools, materials, and debris to accumulate and cause a falling hazard.

· Wire or fiber rope used for scaffold suspension must be in good condition and capable of supporting at least six times the intended load.

· Install guardrails and toeboards at all open sides more than 3 m (10 feet) above the ground or floor. Guardrails are not less than 5 x 10 cm (2 x 4 inches) cross section, or the equivalent, and 0.9 to 1.1 m (36 to 42 inches) high. Diagonal or X-bracing can only be used as part of a guardrail system in some specific situations. The minimum height for a toeboard is 4 inches (10 cm).

· Working on scaffolds is not only potentially hazardous for workers on the platforms, but for people working below. Objects can fall on them despite the presence of toeboards and the best intentions of the workers on the scaffold. Restrict access and/or require hard hats for those below.

· Ensure all wheel brakes are engaged except when movement is required.

For more information on Scaffolds, see ES&H Manual Chapter 6132 Appendix T3 Scaffold Guidelines.

ISSUING AUTHORITY	CHAPTER AUTHOR	APPROVAL DATE	EFFECTIVE DATE	EXPIRATION DATE	REV.
ESH&Q Division	Ned Walker	06/01/01	06/01/01	06/01/04	0

This document is controlled as an on line file. It may be printed but the print copy is not a controlled document. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the document is the same revision as the current on line file. This copy was printed on 8/25/2009.