16: Stairways and Ladders
“Carefulness costs you nothing. Carelessness may cost you your life.” – Safety saying, early 1900s
Overview
Slips, trips, and Falls account for 20% of all accidents, injuries, and fatalities in the workplace and over 35% in the construction industry. In chapter 11 the focus was on fall hazards that must be managed when work must occur on elevated surfaces. In this chapter the focus will be on the structural design standards for stairways and also the design and performance characteristics of ladders. Ladders are portable and very important to construction activities. Falls may occur from ladders and it is important to ensure this special category of safety equipment is up to the task.
Chapter Objective:
- Identify the Do's & Don'ts of Ladder Safety.
- Understand the Requirements of Subpart X-Ladders & Stairways.
- Understand the Construction Requirements for Temporary Ladders & Stairways.
Learning Outcome:
- Apply the hierarchy of controls to ladder safety standards.
- Determine how to select the proper ladder for the job.
Standards: 1926 Subpart X-Stairways and Ladders
Key Terms:
Double-Cleated Ladder, Pan Stairs, Rungs
Mini-Lecture: Ladder Safety
Topic Required Time: 1 hrs; Independent Study and reflection 3/4 hour.
Thumbnail: Fixed Ladder, attribution Bluesnap, Pixabay