Portable ladders

How to use them so they wont let you down

Oregon

OSHA

About this guide

Portable ladders: How to use them so they wont let
you down is an Oregon OSHA Standards and Technical Resources
publication. Thanks to the following individuals for advice and
technical assistance:

Ron Haverkost, Oregon OSHA

Ron Preece, Oregon OSHA

Thanks to the following individuals for crafting the final document:

Layout and design: Patricia Young, Oregon OSHA

Editing and proofing: Mark Peterson, DCBS Communications

Questions and comments. Wed like to hear from you. Contact

Ellis Brasch at ellis.k.brasch@state.or.us or call 503-947-7399.
Piracy notice. Reprinting, excerpting, or plagiarizing any part of
this publication is fine with us! Please inform Oregon OSHA of your
intention as a courtesy.
Topic category: Ladders

Contents
Portable ladders: Dont let them let you down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
How to select your ladder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
How to set up your ladder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
How to work safely on your ladder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
How to inspect your ladder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
How to store your ladder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
How to transport your ladder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Safe practices checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Oregon OSHAs requirements for portable ladders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Oregon OSHA Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Portable ladders: Dont let them let you down

We take portable ladders for granted because theyre so easy to use. Yet more
workers are injured in falls from ladders than from any other elevated surface
roofs, scaffolds, balconies, even stairs. Why do workers fall from ladders?
Most falls happen because workers select the wrong type of ladder for their job
or they set up the ladder improperly and the ladder shifts or slips unexpectedly.
Workers also fall when theyre not working safely on the ladder their foot
slips, they lose their balance, they overreach, or something knocks the ladder
over.
This guide tells you key practices for using portable ladders safely; theyre not
difficult to understand but theyre easy to ignore. If you use the right type of
ladder for your work, if you set it up properly, and if you know how to work
safely when youre on a ladder you can be pretty confident that it wont let
you down. Take a few minutes and learn about how to use a portable ladder
in this guide!
Construction-industry employers. If you have employees who
use ladders, make sure that a competent person has trained them. Their
training must cover ladder hazards, how to use ladders, ladder capacities, and
Oregon OSHAs requirements for the ladders they use. A competent person is
one who can identify existing and predictable hazards where employees work
and who has authority to correct the hazards promptly.

How to select your ladder

Which ladder is the right one for your job? Youll save
time and energy and reduce your risk of injury if you
know how to select the correct one. Key factors are type
and style, length, duty rating, and the material from
which the ladder is made.

Choose the right type and style

Most portable ladders are either non-self-supporting,
such as an extension ladder, or self-supporting, such as
a standard stepladder. But there are also combination
ladders that convert quickly from a stepladder to an extension ladder. Youre likely to find the right size, shape,
and type of ladder to accomplish your task within one of
these categories.

FLY SECTION

PULLER

ROPE
RUNG

Extension ladders (non-self-supporting)

Extension ladders offer the greatest length in a general
purpose ladder. The ladder consists of two or more sections that travel in guides or brackets, allowing adjustable lengths. The sections must be assembled so that
the sliding upper section is on top of the lower section.
Each section must overlap its adjacent section a minimum distance, based on the ladders overall length.
The overall length is determined by the lengths of the
individual sections, measured along the side rails. The
table below shows the minimum overlap for two-section
ladders up to 60 feet long.

Ladder length

Overlap

Up to 36 feet
36 to 48 feet
48 to 60 feet

3 feet
4 feet
5 feet

LOCK
ASSEMBLY

Extension ladder


Most extension ladders are made of wood, aluminum, or reinforced fiberglass.
Wood ladders cant have more than two sections and must not exceed 60 feet.
Aluminum and fiberglass ladders can have as many as three sections; however,
the overall length must not exceed 72 feet. Individual sections of any extension
ladder must not be longer than 30 feet. Extension ladders can be used only by
one person at a time.

Is it necessary to tie off an extension ladder to prevent it from slipping?

You dont have to tie off the ladder but you do have to ensure that the ladder
cannot be accidentally moved or displaced. Tying off the top or bottom of a
ladder is one way to ensure that it cannot be accidentally moved or displaced.

Standard stepladders (self-supporting)

The standard stepladder has flat steps and a hinged back. It is self-supporting
and nonadjustable. Standard stepladders should be used only on surfaces that have a firm, level footing PAIL SHELF
FRONT RAIL
such as floors, platforms, and slabs.
Theyre available in aluminum,
wood, or reinforced fiberglass and
REAR RAIL
are intended to support only one
worker at a time. Remember not to REAR
SLIP-RESISTANT
stand on the top step. Stepladders HORIZONTAL
STEPS
must have metal spreaders or lockDIAGONAL
ing arms and cant be longer than
BRACE
20 feet, measured along the front
edge of the side rails.

Can I use a standard stepladder

SPREADER
BAR

FOOT PAD

like a straight ladder?

Stepladder
Using a standard stepladder in a
closed position is not a safe practice because its more likely to slip on surfaces
such as concrete and wood than a straight ladder. Standard stepladders are
designed to be used only when the spreader arms are open and locked. If a
standard stepladder doesnt meet you needs, choose an appropriate straight
ladder or a combination ladder.
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Other types of stepladders include:
Two-way stepladder. The two-way stepladder
is similar to the standard stepladder; however, each
side of this ladder has a set of steps. One person can
work from either side or two people can work from
the ladder at the same time one on each side.
Platform ladder. The platform ladder is a
special-purpose ladder that has a large, stable work
platform. The ladders length is determined by the
length of the front edge of the side rail from the
bottom of the ladder to the base of the platform;
it cant exceed 20 feet.
Orchard ladder. The orchard ladder is a specialpurpose ladder for pruning and harvest work. It
has a flared base and a single back leg that offers
support on soft, uneven ground. Orchard ladders
are intended for use by only one person at a time
and cant be longer than 16 feet. Wood, aluminum,
and reinforced fiberglass versions are available. A more
rigid orchard ladder, the so-called double base version,
incorporates a triangular box brace with stub rails attached
to the bottom step. The ladder is available in wood or
with a combination wood or fiberglass rail and metal
step. Maximum length is 16 feet and it is intended for
use by one person. Do not stand on the top step of
an orchard ladder.

Two-way
stepladder

Platform
ladder

Orchard
ladder

Can orchard ladders be used on construction sites? Yes.

In fact, orchard ladders are often safer on uneven or sloped
ground than conventional stepladders. An orchard ladder is
designed to be used on soil or turf so that each leg slightly
penetrates the ground. Orchard ladders should never be
used on concrete or hard surfaces. Tripod ladders that
have spreader braces also called electricians ladders
are common on construction sites, too.


Trestle ladder. A trestle ladder is a self-supporting
portable ladder that has two sections hinged at the top,
forming equal angles with the base. A variation of the
trestle ladder, the extension trestle ladder includes a
vertically adjustable single ladder that can be locked
in place. (The single extension section must lap at
least 3 feet into the base section.) Trestle ladders are
used in pairs to support planks or staging. The rungs
are not intended to be used as steps. The angle of
spread between open front and back legs must
be 5 inches per foot of length. The length cant
be more than 20 feet, measured along the front
edge of the side rails. Rails must be beveled at the
top and have metal hinges to prevent spreading.
Metal spreaders or locking devices are required
to keep the rails in place.

Extension
trestle ladder

Combination ladders and multipurpose ladders

These ladders share many of the features of stepladders and extension ladders.
Most quickly convert from standard stepladders to extension ladders, and many
can be used in three or more variations such as a stairway ladder, two-way
stepladder, or a self-supporting scaffold base.

Determine the proper length

Standard stepladders
You should be able to reach about 4 feet above the top of the ladder when
youre standing two steps down from the top. For example, you should be able
to reach an 8-foot ceiling on a 4-foot ladder. Never use the top of a stepladder
as a step.

Extension ladders
The total length of an extension ladder should be 7-10 feet longer than the vertical distance to the upper contact point on the structure a wall or roofline,
for example. Never stand on the ladder rungs that extend above a roofline.


Determine the duty rating
Manufacturers give ladders duty ratings, based on the maximum weight they
can safely support. The workers weight plus the weight of any tools and materials that are carried onto the ladder must be less than the duty rating. Before
you purchase a ladder consider the maximum weight it will support. Dont subject it to a load greater than its duty rating. Duty ratings for portable ladders:
Special duty (IAA) 375 pounds
Extra heavy duty (I-A) 300 pounds
Heavy duty (I) 250 pounds
Medium duty (II) 225 pounds
Light duty (III) 200 pounds

Determine the right material

Wood
Wood provides a natural feel and good insulation against heat and cold. However, untreated wood ages quickly; wood ladders need a protective coat of clear
varnish to keep the wood from drying and splitting. Also, wood ladders are
heavy, particularly longer ones.

Aluminum
Aluminum ladders are lightweight and corrosion resistant. Aluminum will not
crack or chip with rough handling; however, aluminum doesnt insulate well
against heat and conducts electricity. Never use aluminum ladders for work
near energized electrical lines.

Fiberglass
Fiberglass is durable, weather resistant, and nonconductive when clean and
dry. Unlike wood, fiberglass wont dry out or split and provides better insulation against heat than aluminum. However, fiberglass ladders are heavier than
comparable aluminum or wood ladders and can chip or crack with improper
handling.
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Fiberglass ladders must also be handled and maintained with more care than
wood ladders. After a few years, the reinforcing fibers in fiberglass rails may
become exposed, resulting in a condition known as fiber bloom. High humidity and exposure to strong sunlight can accelerate the condition. Fiber bloom
doesnt affect a ladders strength but it will affect the appearance and may
cause users mild discomfort if exposed fibers penetrate their skin. Regular washing and waxing with a commercial non-slip paste wax will protect the ladder
and reduce the potential for fiber bloom. Periodically coating the ladder with
acrylic lacquer or polyurethane also will protect it.

10

How to set up your ladder

Setting up the ladder
Move the ladder near your work. Get help if the ladder is too heavy
to handle alone.
Lock the spreaders on a stepladder. Secure the lock assembly on
extension ladders.
Make sure there are no electrical wires overhead.
Use traffic cones or other barriers to protect the base of the ladder if
vehicles or pedestrians could strike it.
Make sure that a non-self-supporting ladder extends at least 3 feet above
the top support point for access to a roof or other work level. Do not step
on rungs above the upper support.
Angle non-self-supporting ladders properly. The length of the side rails from
the ladders base to the top support points (the working length) should be
four times the distance from ladders base to the structure (the set-back
distance). Done correctly, this results in a 4:1 set-up angle.

Achieving a 4:1 set-up angle

A non-self-supporting ladder should have a
set-up angle of about 75 degrees a 4:1 ratio
of the ladders working length to set-back
distance.
Heres how to achieve it: Stand at the base of
the ladder with your toes touching the rails.
Extend your arms straight out in front of you.
If the tips of your fingers just touch the rung
nearest your shoulder level, the angle of your
ladder has a 4:1 ratio.

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Five steps for setting up an
extension ladder
1. The ladder should be closed. Position
the ladder with the base section on
top of the fly section. Block the bottom
of the ladder against the base of the
structure.

1.

2. Make sure there is clearance and no

electrical lines are overhead. Carefully
walk the ladder up until it is vertical.
Keep your knees bent slightly and your
back straight.

2.

3. Firmly grip the ladder, keep it vertical,

and carefully move back from the structure about one quarter the distance of
the ladders working length. This allows
you to place it at the correct angle
against the structure.
4. Raise the fly section. After the bottom rung of the fly section clears the
bottom rung of the base section, place
one foot on the base rung for secure
footing.
5. Lean the ladder against the structure.
The distance from the base of the
ladder to the structure should be one
quarter the distance of the ladders
working length. Make sure the ladder
extends 3 feet above the top support
points for access to a roof or other work
level. Both rails should rest firmly and
securely against the structure.
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3.

4.

5.

How to work safely on your ladder

Wear shoes that have non-slip soles; make sure they are free of mud, oil,
or anything else slippery.
Climb facing the ladder. Center your body between the rails and keep your
hips square to the rungs. Hold the side rails with both hands; you have a
better chance of avoiding a fall if a rung or step fails.
Hold the ladder with one hand and work with the other hand whenever
possible.
Attach light, compact tools or materials to the ladder or to yourself.
Raise and lower heavy, awkward loads with a hand line or a hoist.
Use extreme caution when youre pushing or pulling materials.

13

How to inspect your ladder

Neglected ladders quickly become unsafe ladders. Step bolts loosen, sockets
and other joints work loose, and eventually the ladder becomes unstable. Periodic maintenance extends a ladders life and saves replacement costs. Maintenance includes regular inspection, repairing damage, and tightening step bolts
and other fastenings.
Inspect your ladder each time you use it. (A competent person must
periodically inspect ladders for defects and after any occurrence that could
make them unsafe.)
Replace lower steps on wooden ladders when one-fourth of the step
surface is worn away. Typically, the center of a step receives the most wear.
Mineral abrasive or other skid-resistant material reduces wear.
Dont paint wood ladders; paint conceals defects.
Clean and lightly lubricate moving parts such as spreader bars, hinges,
locks, and pulleys.
Inspect and replace damaged or worn components and labels according
to the manufacturers instructions.
Inspect the rails of fiberglass ladders for weathering, fiber bloom, and
cracks.
Keep the ladder away from heat sources and corrosive materials.

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How to store your ladder

Youll extend a ladders life by storing it properly:
Use a well-ventilated storage area.
Store wood and fiberglass away from excessive moisture, heat, and sunlight.
Keep them away from stoves, steam pipes, or radiators.
Store non-self-supporting ladders in flat racks or on wall brackets that will
prevent them from sagging. Store stepladders vertically, in a closed position, to reduce the risk of sagging or twisting.
Secure them so that they wont tip over if they are struck.
Keep material off ladders while they are stored.

15

How to transport your ladder

When you carry a ladder, keep the front end elevated, especially around blind
corners, in aisles, and through doorways. Youll reduce the chance of striking
another person with the front of the ladder.
When you transport a ladder in a truck or a trailer, make sure that its properly
supported parallel to the bed. Pad the support points with soft, nonabrasive
material such as rubber or carpeting and tie the ladder securely to eliminate
chafing and road shock.

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Safe practices checklist

o When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing, the side

rails extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing. When this is not
possible, the ladder is secured to a rigid support at its top and a grab rail is
available to help employees get off the ladder.

o Ladders are free of oil, grease, and other hazards that could cause slips.
o Ladders are not loaded beyond the manufacturers duty rating.
o Ladders are used only for the purpose for which they were designed.
o Extension ladders are placed so that the working length of the ladder is

four times the horizontal distance from the ladders base to the structure
a 4:1 ratio.

o Ladders are used on stable, level surfaces or they are secured so that they
cannot be displaced.

o Ladders are not used on slippery surfaces unless they are secured or they
have slip-resistant feet.

o All ladders, except stepladders, have non-slip safety feet.

o Employees are prohibited from placing ladders on boxes, barrels, and other
unstable objects.

o Ladders used near passageways, doorways, or driveways are protected so

that vehicles or pedestrians do not strike them.

o The area around the top and bottom of a ladder is free from slipping and
tripping hazards.

o The top of a non-self-supporting ladder is placed so that both rails are

supported equally.

o Ladders are not moved, shifted, or extended when they are occupied.
o Ladders that could contact exposed energized electrical equipment have
nonconductive side rails.

o Portable aluminum ladders have legible signs reading CAUTION: Do Not

Use Around Electrical Equipment or equivalent wording.

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Safe practices checklist continued

o The top step of a stepladder is not used as a step.

o Cross bracing on the rear section of a stepladder is not used for climbing
unless the ladder is designed for that purpose.

o Employees are prohibited from using ladders that are missing steps,
rungs, cleats, or have broken side rails or other faulty parts.

o A competent person inspects ladders periodically for defects and after

any occurrence that could damage them.

o Defective ladders are marked as defective, or are tagged Do Not Use

and removed from service until they are repaired.

o Repaired ladders meet their original design criteria before they are
returned to service.

o Employees face ladders while climbing or descending.

o Employees use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when they are
climbing and descending.

o Employees do not carry objects or loads that could cause them to lose
their balance.

o Employees who use ladders receive training by a competent person in

proper use, placement, and handling.

o Employees know the hazards associated with ladder use and follow
procedures that minimize the hazards.

o Retraining is provided periodically to ensure that employees maintain

their knowledge of proper ladder use, placement, and handling.

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Oregon OSHAs requirements

for portable ladders
General Industry 2/D - Walking-working surfaces
437-002-0026 Portable Ladders
Construction 3/X - Ladders and stairways

1926.1051 General requirements

1926.1053 Ladders

1926.1060 Training requirements

437-003-0065 Extension ladders

Appendix A - Ladders (non-mandatory guidelines)

Agriculture 4/D - Work surfaces

437-004-0340 Portable Ladders

437-004-0350 Orchard Ladders

Ladder requirements frequently cited by Oregon OSHA

1926.1053(b)(1), Portable ladders do not extend 3 feet above

an upper landing.

1926.1053(b)(4), Ladders not used for their designed purpose.

1926.1053(b)(13), Top of ladder may not be used as a step.

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Definitions
Check

A lengthwise separation of the wood that occurs across

the rings of annual growth.

Cleat

A rectangular ladder crosspiece placed on edge, upon

which a person may step while ascending or
descending.

Competent person

One who can identify existing and predictable hazards

where employees work and who can take prompt
corrective measures to eliminate the hazards.

Decay

Disintegration due to action of wood-destroying fungi.

Also known as dote or rot.

Extension ladder

A non-self-supporting portable ladder that is adjustable

in length. It consists of two or more sections in guides or
brackets that permit length adjustment. Length
is designated by the sum of the lengths of each section,
measured along the side rails.

Extension trestle
ladder

A self-supporting portable ladder that is adjustable in

length, consisting of a trestle ladder base and a vertically
adjustable single ladder with means for locking the
ladders together. Length is designated by the length of
the trestle ladder base.

Fastening

A device that attaches a ladder to a structure, building,

or equipment.

Platform ladder

A self-supporting ladder of fixed size with a platform at

the working level.

Rungs

Ladder crosspieces on which a person steps when

ascending or descending.

Sectional ladder

A non-self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable

in length, consisting of two or more sections that
function as a single ladder. Its length is designated by
the overall length of the assembled sections.

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Single (or straight) A single section non-self-supporting portable ladder,
ladder
nonadjustable in length. Its length is measured along a

side rail.
Special-purpose
ladder

A general-purpose portable ladder with modified

features for specific uses.

Stepladder

A self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in

length, that has flat steps and a hinged back. Length is
measured along the front edge of a side rail.

Steps

The flat crosspieces of a ladder on which a person steps

when ascending or descending.

Tread

The horizontal member of a step.

Tread width

The horizontal distance from front to back of the tread,

including nosing.

Trestle ladder

A self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in

length, that consists of two sections hinged at the top
to form equal angles with the base. Length is measured
along the front edge of a side rail.

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OSHA Services

Oregon

Oregon OSHA offers a wide variety of safety and health services to

employers and employees:

Consultative Services

Offers no-cost, on-site safety and health assistance to help Oregon

employers recognize and correct workplace safety and health problems.
Provides consultations in the areas of safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics,
occupational safety and health programs, assistance to new businesses,
the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), and the
Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).

Enforcement

Offers pre-job conferences for mobile employers in industries such as

logging and construction.
Provides abatement assistance to employers that have received citations
and provides compliance and technical assistance by phone.
Inspects places of employment for occupational safety and health
hazards and investigates workplace complaints and accidents.

Appeals, Informal Conferences

Provides the opportunity for employers to hold informal meetings with

Oregon OSHA on concerns about workplace safety and health.
Discusses Oregon OSHAs requirements and clarifies workplace safety
or health violations.
Discusses abatement dates and negotiates settlement agreements to
resolve disputed citations.

Standards & Technical Resources

Develops, interprets, and provides technical advice on safety and

health standards.
Provides copies of all Oregon OSHA occupational safety and health
standards.
Publishes booklets, pamphlets, and other materials to assist in the
implementation of safety and health standards and programs.
Operates a Resource Center containing books, topical files, technical
periodicals, a video and film lending library, and more than 200 databases.

22

Public Education & Conferences

Conducts conferences, seminars, workshops, and rule forums.

Coordinates and provides technical training on topics such as confined
space, ergonomics, lockout/tagout, and excavations.
Provides workshops covering management of basic safety and health
programs, safety committees, accident investigation, and job safety
analysis.
Manages the Safety and Health Education and Training Grant Program,
which awards grants to industrial and labor groups to develop training
materials in occupational safety and health for Oregon workers.

For more information, call the Oregon OSHA office nearest you.
(All phone numbers are voice and TTY.)

Salem Central Office

350 Winter St. NE, Rm. 430
Salem, OR 97301-3882
Phone: 503-378-3272
Toll-free: 800-922-2689
Fax: 503-947-7461
en Espaol: 800-843-8086
Web site: www.orosha.org
Portland
1750 NW Naito Parkway, Ste. 112
Portland, OR 97209-2533
503-229-5910
Consultation: 503-229-6193
Salem
1340 Tandem Ave. NE, Ste. 160
Salem, OR 97303
503-378-3274
Consultation: 503-373-7819

Eugene
1140 Willagillespie, Ste. 42
Eugene, OR 97401-2101
541-686-7562
Consultation: 541-686-7913
Bend
Red Oaks Square
1230 NE Third St., Ste. A-115
Bend, OR 97701-4374
541-388-6066
Consultation: 541-388-6068
Medford
1840 Barnett Road, Ste. D
Medford, OR 97504-8250
541-776-6030
Consultation: 541-776-6016
Pendleton
721 SE Third St., Ste. 306
Pendleton, OR 97801-3056
541-276-9175
Consultation: 541-276-2353

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C
BS
440-3083 (3/08)

OR-OSHA