Safety Manual | 2024

something from a ladder. · If you are “walking” a ladder (carrying the ladder upright), pay attention to the surroundings and avoid contacting overhead electrical lines · When transporting a ladder, it shall not extend more than three feet (3’) past the end of the vehicle without a red marking flag. Selecting a ladder should be based on the expected load capacity (duty rating), the type of work to be done, and the correct height. There are five categories of ladder duty ratings.

Extension Ladders Use a ladder that can sustain at least four times the maximum intended load, or use an extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladder which can sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load. Also acceptable are ladders that meet the requirements set forth in (OSHA) Appendix A of Subpart X in 29 CFR 1926. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and labels on the ladder. To determine the correct ladder, consider your weight plus the weight of your load. Do not exceed the load rating and always include the weight of all tools, materials, and equipment. · A competent person must visually inspect all extension ladders before use for any defects such as: missing rungs, bolts, cleats, screws, and loose components. Where a ladder has these or other defects, it must be immediately marked as defective or tagged with “Do Not Use” or similar language and the BL Companies Facilities Manager is to be notified so that the ladder can be taken out of service/replaced. Damaged ladders shall not be used and shall be discarded and not repaired. · Allow sufficient room to step off the ladder safely. The top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step. The highest step is the second step from the top of the step ladder. Keep the area around the bottom and the top of the ladder clear of equipment, materials, and tools. If access is obstructed, secure the top of the ladder to a rigid support that will not defect, and add a grasping device to allow workers safe access. · Set the ladder at the proper angle. When a ladder is leaned against a wall, the bottom of the ladder should be one quarter of the ladder’s working length away from the wall. For access to an elevated work surface, extend the top of the ladder three feet (3’) above that surface or secure the ladder at its top. · Before starting work, survey the area for potential hazards, such as energized overhead power lines. Ladders shall have nonconductive side rails if they are used where the worker or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment. Keep all ladders and other tools at least 10 feet away from any power lines. · Set the base of the ladder so that the bottom sits securely and so both side rails are evenly supported. The ladder rails should be square to the structure against which it is leaning with both footpads placed securely on a stable and level surface. When possible, a spotter should be used to a spotter should be used to stabilize a ladder or stepladder when someone is climbing. The spotter shall foot the ladder to prevent slipping. · Secure the ladder’s dogs or pawls before climbing. · When using a ladder in a high-activity area, secure it to prevent movement and use a barrier to redirect workers and equipment. If the ladder is placed in front of a door, always block off the door. · No tool or object shall be brought up a ladder if it compromises the ability to keep contact with the ladder rails with both hands. If an object prevents this, it shall be raised to the roof or working area by using a rope. Never reach past shoulder width when reaching for something or passing

Fixed Ladders · Each fixed ladder that extends more than 24’ above a lower level that is installed before November 19, 2018, should be equipped with a personal fall arrest system, cage or well. Prior to this date, the height at which a form of fall protection was required was 20’. · All fixed ladders (that extend more than 24 feet) installed on and after November 19, 2018, are to be equipped with a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system. Please note that cages sold or installed after November 19, 2018 are no longer considered a form of fall protection. Cages installed prior to this date are still accepted as a form of protection (until the final deadline comes into effect). · When a fixed ladder, cage, or well, or any portion of a section thereof, is replaced, a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system is required to be installed in at least that section of the fixed ladder, cage, or well where the replacement is located. · All fixed ladders (that extend more than 24 feet) are required to be equipped with a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system. · Use of fall-arrest systems requires the user to be outfitted with a full body harness with a front mounted D-ring (Class L Harness). The user should be trained in the use of a full body harness and ensure that all straps are properly secured and snug to the body. · If an existing fixed ladder is found damaged or shows signs of deterioration that might render the ladder unsafe, DO NOT attempt to use the ladder. · When use of a temporary construction stair or ladder is required on a construction site, permission to do so should first be requested and granted by the Contractor who manages that Stair/ladder. All of the Contractor’s stair/ladder safety procedures are to be followed.

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Section 8 // safety practices & procedures //