There are two basic categories of ladders available for use at Jefferson Lab; fixed and portable. Fixed ladders are permanently attached to buildings or other structures. Portable ladders offer four distinct types: Step (self-supporting), Extension, Mobile-Ladder Stands, and Mobile-Ladder Platforms. ES&H Manual Chapter 6132 Appendix T1 Ladders provides appropriate actions for inspection, set-up, use, and storage of ladders available at Jefferson Lab.

Scaffolding is a temporary, engineered structure used to support people and material during construction or repair work. It is usually a modular system made up of metal tubing although it can be made out of other materials. The most common types of scaffolding used at Jefferson Lab are: fabricated tubular frame scaffolds, tube and coupler scaffolds, and manually propelled mobile scaffolds. Other types may be used as determined by the Industrial Safety. See ES&H Manual Chapter 6123 Appendix T2 Scaffolds for Jefferson Lab's requirements for the use of this equipment.

When a scaffold or other elevated work platform height is not adequate for a worker to safely reach a work area, the preferred method for elevating the worker is to add an additional level to the structure. When this is not feasible, Jefferson Lab allows a ladder to be used on the platform but only when specific requirements are met. ES&H Manual Chapter 6132 Appendix T3 Ladder Use on Scaffold or Elevated Platform provides these requirements.

Scaffold structures at Jefferson Lab are inspected by a trained and authorized Competent Person - Scaffold prior to first use; daily thereafter; and when there are concerns regarding repair/maintenance/use. ES&H Manual Chapter 6132 Appendix T4 Scaffold Inspection Process provides the process steps for performing initial and subsequent daily inspections; and how the findings from these inspections are communicated to Scaffold Workers and others who may be interested.