Ladders and Stepladders for Canada
Ladders are tools commonly used to gain access to higher levels that are otherwise unreachable. When maintained properly and used according to safety guidelines, they are a simple and effective tool. However, each year thousands of workers are either injured or killed in ladder related accidents. This course describes different types of ladders, as well as ladder construction, ladder selection, height requirements, weight capacity, hazardous conditions, inspections, ladder setup, safe practices when using ladders, storage, and maintenance. [course outline] Overview General Ladder Construction Types of Ladders 1 of 2 Types of Ladders 2 of 2 Fixed Ladder Safety Systems Ladder Selection Height and Pitch Requirements 1 of 2 Height and Pitch Requirements 2 of 2 Calculating Height and Pitch – Approximation 1 of 3 Calculating Height and Pitch – Approximation 2 of 3 Calculating Height and Pitch – Approximation 3 of 3 Calculating Height and Pitch – Pythagorean Theorem 1 of 2 Calculating Height and Pitch – Pythagorean Theorem 2 of 2 Weight Capacity Portable Ladders 1 of 2 Portable Ladders 2 of 2 Surface Condition and Extra Support Hazardous Conditions Ladder Inspection 1 of 2 Ladder Inspection 2 of 2 Ladder Setup 1 of 3 Ladder Setup 2 of 3 Ladder Setup 3 of 3 Ladder Use Rules 1 of 2 Ladder Use Rules 2 of 2 Ladder Storage and Maintenance 1 of 2 Ladder Storage and Maintenance 2 of 2
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Learning Objectives
• State the general construction of ladders
• Differentiate between the types of ladders
• Select a ladder appropriate for accessing a work area
• Set up a correct ladder height and pitch
• Identify equipment damage and proper ladder functionality
• Define proper ladder storage and maintenance
• Identify safe ladder setup locations on a worksite
Specs
Course Level | Intermediate |
Languages | English, French |
Compatibility | Audio, Video |
Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
What are the different parts of a typical ladder?
They usually consist of two side rails and are joined at regular intervals by crosspieces called steps or rungs. In general, ladders have very few working parts. However, extension ladders usually have pulleys, ropes, and ladder locks. In some cases, ladders may be equipped with roof hooks or adjustable feet to provide added stabilization..
What is a stepladder?
Stepladders are self-supporting portable ladders that are not adjustable in length. They are commonly used in areas where items need to be reached but there is not an accessible structure to provide ladder support.
What is a straight ladder?
Straight ladders are portable ladders that are not self- supporting. They are made of a single section that is not adjustable in length. They are used to reach items on a structure that is providing the support for the ladder.
What is an extension ladder?
Extension ladders are also not self-supporting ladders. They consist of two or more sections traveling in guides to allow height adjustment. The sections can be adjusted with pulleys, halyards, and ladder locks. Extension ladders are used like straight ladders, but allow for greater heights to be reached.
What is a fixed ladder?
Fixed ladders are straight ladders that are permanently fixed to a building structure or piece of equipment. These ladders may have additional structures attached, including rest platforms, cages, or wells.
Sample Video Transcript
When selecting a ladder, thoroughly inspect your job site for hazards, like exposed electrical equipment or power lines. If any electrical hazards exist in the working area, choose a non-conductive ladder, being a wood or reinforced plastic ladder. Maintain at least 3 meters of clearance from the hazard at all times. If you suspect that a structure may not be stable enough to support a leaning straight ladder then choose a self-supporting stepladder instead. Also, never use a stepladder as a straight ladder by leaning it against a supporting structure. Stepladders are not designed to function in this manner.
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