Step Ladder Safety

Stepladders

The Stepladder is a self-supporting portable ladder that is non-adjustable in length, with flat steps and a hinged design for ease of storage. It is intended for use by one person.

Stepladders range in size from 3 ft. to 20 ft in length along the side rail. Stepladders shorter than 3 ft are considered Step Stools. The highest standing level on a stepladder is slightly more than 2 ft from the top of the ladder. The highest standing level is required to be marked on the specifications label on the side rail of the product. Therefore, when planning your job, the maximum work height is established by adding the user’s height and reach to the highest standing level of the stepladder.

Proper Use

A Stepladder requires level ground support for all four of its side rails. If this worksite condition does not exist, a stepladder should not be selected for the job.
A Stepladder must not be used unless its base is spread fully open and the Spreaders locked. Stepladders are not to be used as Single Ladders or in the partially open position.
In order to prevent tipping the ladder over sideways due to over-reaching, the user must climb or work with the body near the middle of the steps. The ladder should be set-up close to the work. Never attempt to move the ladder without first descending, relocating the ladder, and then re-climbing. Do not attempt to mount the ladder from the side or step from one ladder to another unless the ladder is secured against sideways motion.
In an effort to avoid losing your balance and falling off the stepladder, the user must not step or stand higher than the step indicated on the label marking the highest standing level. The user must also not step or stand on the Top Cap or bucket/pail shelf.
When ascending or descending the ladder, always face the ladder and maintain a firm hand hold. Do not attempt to carry other objects in your hand(s) while climbing.
The braces on the rear of a stepladder are not intended for climbing or standing and must not be used for that purpose. Note, however, that special stepladders are available with steps on both the front and rear and are intended for two users at the same time.
The anti-slip feet at the bottom of the stepladder side rails must be present and in good condition prior to using the ladder. The ladder must not be used on ice, snow or slippery surfaces unless suitable means to prevent slipping is employed.
A stepladder must never be placed upon other objects such as boxes, barrels, scaffolds, or other unstable bases in an effort to obtain additional height.

Proper Care

A thorough inspection must be made when the ladder is initially purchased and each time it is placed into service. Clean the climbing and gripping surfaces if they have been subjected to oil, grease or slippery materials. Working parts, bolts, rivets, step-to-side rail connections, and the condition of the anti-slip feet (safety shoes) shall be checked. If structural damage, missing parts, or any other hazardous defect is found, the ladder must not be placed into service and either discarded or competently repaired.
Ladders exposed to excessive heat, as in the case of fire, may have reduced strength. Similarly, ladders exposed to corrosive substances such as acids or alkali materials may experience chemical corrosion and a resulting reduction in strength. Remove these ladders from service.
Ladders with bent or broken side rails must be destroyed.
In the event a ladder is discarded, it must be destroyed in such a manner as to render it useless. Another person must not be afforded the opportunity to use a ladder that has been deemed unsafe.
When transporting ladders on vehicles equipped with ladder racks, the ladders must be properly supported. Overhang of the ladders beyond the support points of the rack should be minimized. The support points should be constructed of material such as wood or rubber-covered pipe to minimize the effects of vibration, chafing and road shock. Securing the ladder to each support point will greatly reduce the damaging effects of road shock.
Storage racks for ladders not in use should have sufficient supporting points to avoid sagging which can result in warping the ladder. Other materials must not be placed on the ladder while it is in storage.

Stepladder Safety Standards

Safety requirements for Construction, Performance, Use and Care of stepladders can be found in the following standards:

• ANSI A14.1 (Portable Wood Ladders)
• ANSI A14.2 (Portable Metal Ladders)
• ANSI A14.5 (Portable Reinforced Plastic Ladders)

Fall Protection Residental Roofing

Fall Protection in Residential Construction

The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
issued a directive rescinding the Interim Fall Protection Compliance Guidelines for Residential Construction
(STD 03-00-001).

Before issuance of this new directive, STD 03-00-001 allowed employers engaged in certain residential construction activities to use specified alternative methods of fall protection (e.g., slide guards or safety monitor systems) rather than the conventional fall protection (guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems) required by the residential construction fall protection standard (29 CFR1926.501(b)(13)).

With the issuance of the new directive, all residential construction employers must comply with 29CFR 1926.501(b)(13). Residential construction employers generally must ensure that employees working six feet or more above lower levels use guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems DIRECTIVE NUMBER: STD 03-11-002

EFFECTIVE DATE: December 16, 2010

ENFORCEMENT DATE: June 16, 2011

OSHA Issues Memo About Fall Protection on Aerial Lifts

OSHA Issues Memo About Fall Protection on Aerial Lifts

On January 14, 2009, OSHA issued a letter of interpretation regarding the use of a particular shock absorbing lanyard to satisfy the requirements found in §1926.453(b)(2)(v).  The Directorate of Construction has received inquiries from regional offices, area offices, and the public asking if the January 2009 letter banned the lanyard in question.

OSHA did not ban the particular lanyard but stated, based on the manufacturer's instructions, which stipulated a minimum anchor point height of 18.5 feet, that it was likely that the lanyard's use would not comply with OSHA standards at lower heights.

In such cases, use of the lanyard below 18.5 feet would apparently not provide adequate fall protection.  This determination has raised questions about the use of body harnesses, typically married with appropriate lanyards, for fall protection in aerial lifts.  To help avoid any confusion on the issue, DOC is rescinding the January 2009 letter, #20070823-7896.

Under subpart L, employers must ensure that employees tie off at all times when working from an aerial lift [§1926.453(b)(2)(v)].  Employers must ensure that employees using personal fall arrest systems while working on aerial lifts at heights six feet or more above a lower level comply with §1926.502(d) of subpart M, specifically:

Personal fall arrest systems, when stopping a fall, shall:
(iii) be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level.  [§1926.502(d)(16)(iii)]

However, §1926.502(d) does not require employers to comply with manufacturer's instructions when using personal fall arrest systems.  To cite §1926.502(d)(16)(iii), the facts must show that the personal fall arrest system would permit a free fall of more than six feet or would permit contact with a lower level - and not base this conclusion solely on information provided by the manufacturer.

As has been the Agency's longstanding policy, an employer may comply with OSHA's fall protection requirements for aerial lifts in one of three ways:

1. Use of a body belt with a tether anchored to the boom or basket (fall restraint system),
2. Use of a body harness with a tether (fall restraint system), or
3. Use of a body harness with a lanyard (fall arrest system).

Greenbull Ladder replacement parts

Bird Ladder in now stocking Greenbull Ladder replacement parts.  For Greenbull extension ladders we carry flipper kits, rung lock kits and feet kits.  You need to know the model number for your ladder to order the correct parts. For step ladders we have available the plastic tops and feet kits.  Again all parts are ladder specific and once ordered they are not returnable.

Keller Ladder Parts

Werner Ladder purchased the assets of Keller Ladder and we know have replacement parts for Keller Ladders Manufactured after 2000.  We now have available rung locks and feet for extension ladders and feet for step ladders.  To order you need the model number of your ladder and the year it was manufactured.  Replace parts are supplied with hardware to attach them to your ladders.

Werner Attic Ladder Replacement Parts

Looking to fix your wood Werner attic ladder?  Bird Ladder offers on their web site replace arms that have a tendency over time to become damaged.  They are sold as a set of two.  The part fits Werner attic ladders manufactured prior to 2006.  We also have available a spring replacement kit.  There are thee kits available depending on the attic ladder you have.  Each kit comes with instructions on how to replace the parts. 

Werner Ladder Replacement Parts

Bird Ladder is now your stocking distributor for Werner , Louisville, Keller and Greenbull ladder replacement parts.  These kits are from the manufacturers and are ladder specific.  To order you need to know the manufacturers part number for your ladder and in some cases the year the ladder was manufactured.  Keller replacement parts are only for ladders manufactured after the year 2000.  Most kits are sold as sets of two.  It is best to replace both parts at the same time.

ReachCraft PowerLift One Man Portable Lift

ReechCraft has developed a go anywhere lift that has a working height of 20'6", weight 287 lbs. and will fit through a 30" opening.  Powered by a drill (corded or cordless) with no expensive controls, sensors or switches to go wrong or repair.  Powerlift is perfect for locations where access is difficult for other lifts such as down stairs and tight spaces.  It is easy to transport from one location to another and also can be moved easily form one location to another on its casters. 
We have a video on You Tube showing how easy it is to transport, set up and use.

Specially designed coupler system allows for quick and easy attachment of extensions.  Lock levelers prohibit the advancement of the basket unless they are securely locked in place.
Unmatched simplicity, portability and performance at a remarkable price.

OSHA Residential Construction Fall Protection

Just a reminder that the three month phase in period for the OSHA residential construction fall protection is over.  It is know required and non compliance can mean large fines.  A simple solution is the use of a roofers bucket safety kit that complies with the OSHA requirements.  Another solution would be guard rail roof brackets that are installed at the roof edge to eliminate a fall.  For larger jobs system guardrail packages are available from Bluewater Manufacturing.  Avoid fines that could be crippling to you business.

Werner Aluminum Planks

It was brought to my attention that customers think that Werner is making their aluminum planks in Mexico.  The truth is they are made in Louisville, KY.  made in the USA.  It is a fact that Titan Planks are made in China.  Werner is a company trying its best to keep as much production that is feasible in the USA.  Lets try and support manufactures that are making product here in the USA.  When you think about buying a foreign made product ask your distributor about product liability on the product in writing.  Werner has it and will give you a printed copy.  There is a cost for insurance which is reflected in the price.  If something happens to you on an imported plank who will protect you, China, your distributor?