TITLE

ES&H Manual

 

DOCUMENT ID

6132 Appendix T3:

Ladder Use on Scaffolds or Elevated Platforms

 

1.0             Purpose

When a scaffold or other elevated work platform height is not adequate for a worker to safely reach their area of work, the preferred method for elevating the worker is to add an additional level to the structure. If this is not feasible, Industrial Safety allows a ladder to be used on the platform only when specific requirements outlined in Section 4.0 below are met.

2.0             Scope

The conditions specified in this appendix apply in the instance when a worker must perform jobs while on an elevated platform and is, by any means, elevated above the passive fall protection (e.g., guardrails) system provided. For further information regarding passive fall protection, refer to Chapter 6131, Fall Protection Systems.

This document is an extension of Chapter 6132, Ladder and Scaffold Safety; all relevant content within the chapter applies to the responsibilities and requirements outlined herein.

3.0             Responsibilities

Note:   Management authority may be delegated to a task-qualified TJNAF employee at the discretion of the responsible manager.

Training: Contact the Industrial Safety Group for questions regarding ladder and scaffold safety training.

3.1              Ladder and Scaffold Workers

·         complete SAF307 Ladder Safety training before using a ladder on an elevated platform

·         obtain authorization and scaffold training from the Competent Person – Scaffold or Supervisor before using a ladder on a scaffold

3.2              Competent Person – Scaffold and Supervisor

·         prior to authorizing ladder use on a scaffold or elevated platform, ensure an alternate method (for examples, adding a level or using a man-lift), is not feasible

·         ensure platform setup meets fall protection requirements (see 6131, Fall Protection System)

4.0             Requirements for Using a Ladder on Elevated Platforms

Unless stated otherwise, only trained and qualified ladder and scaffold workers may perform the following steps.  

4.1              Examine the Platform

·         all structures:  ensure passive fall protection system (such as a guardrail) on the working level of the platform meets or exceeds OSHA requirements; and, all sides of the platform are protected. Contact the Competent Person – Scaffold and/or supervisor if the system is inadequate.

·         scaffold structure:  ensure structure has been planned, selected, erected, and inspected in accordance with the requirements delineated in 6132, Appendix T2: Scaffolds.

4.2       Inspect Ladder Equipment & Ensure Proper Use

·         Inspect the ladder to be used in accordance with the requirements of ES&H Manual Chapter 6132 Appendix T1 Ladders. 

·         Ensure the “Highest Standing Level” (designated on the ladder’s Duty Rating Sticker) is adequate for the work.

4.3       Ladder Set-up

·         position ladder at desired location

·         measure the distance from the ladder’s base to the nearest platform edge

IF

THEN

the ladder’s highest standing level (D1) plus 6 feet is greater than or equal to (>) the distance from the ladder base to the nearest platform edge (D2),

Text Box: D1+ 6ft > D2

 

Competent Person – Scaffold or Supervisor

·      increase the top rail height of the guard rail to a distance adequate to the ladder’s highest standing level (D1)

OR

·      incorporate another method of fall protection as found in ES&H Manual Chapter 6131 Fall Protection Systems

 

the ladder’s highest standing level (D1) plus 6 feet is less than (<) the distance from the ladder base to the nearest platform edge (D2),

Text Box: D1+ 6ft < D2

 

 

the guardrail system, as designed, is considered adequate fall protection

 

Figure 1: Ladder on elevated platform

(Picture is not to scale)

5.0             Mitigation and Ladder Use on Scaffolds

In all cases, when a ladder is used on a scaffold platform, the following, according to 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L 451(f)(15) is required.

(15)      Ladders shall not be used on scaffolds to increase the working level height of employees, except on large area scaffolds where employers have satisfied the following criteria:

(i)     When the ladder is placed against a structure which is not a part of the scaffold, the scaffold shall be secured against the sideways thrust exerted by the ladder;

(ii)  The platform units shall be secured to the scaffold to prevent their movement;

(iii)            The ladder legs shall be on the same platform or other means shall be provided to stabilize the ladder against unequal platform deflection, and

(iv) The ladder legs shall be secured to prevent them from slipping or being pushed off the platform.

6.0             Revision History

rev

summary

date

1.0

periodic review

·   Section 3.0, updated Note and added Training statement; removed [1] footnote and corrected the second 3.1 bullet by changing it to 3.2

·   Section 5.0, reformatted and updated reference to 29 CFR 1910

·   Section 6.0, updated header to Revision History and changed to this tabular format

·   throughout – corrected misspellings; fixed acronyms and abbreviations as needed

·   changed TPOC from BManzlak to RKenney 

·   general editing to include format, header & footer (+color), hyperlinks, etc.  by JAllen, ES&H Manual Editor

12.06.2023

 

period review

- no changes per TPOC

08.09.2019

 

periodic review

- review cycle adjusted to reflect high risk category; no substantive changes   

08.12.2016

0.1

changed TPOC from NWalker to BManzlak

01.30.2014

0.0

new content

07.27.2011

 

ISSUING AUTHORITY

TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT

APPROVAL DATE

NEXT REVIEW DATE

REVIEW CYCLE

rev

 

 

ES&H Division

Rich Kenney

08.09.2019

12.06.2026

3 years

1.0

 

This document is controlled as an online 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 online file.  This copy was printed on 12/6/2023.