Job Made Ladder Inspection

1. Is construction-grade lumber used for all components?

2. Are side rails of single-cleat ladders up to 24 ft. (7.3 m) long made with at least 2 in. (3.8 cm) x 6 in. (14 cm) nominal stock lumber?

3. Are side rails continuous? Or, if splices are used, are splices the same strength as a continuous rail of equal length?

4. Is the width of single-rung ladders at least 16 in. (41 cm), but not more than 20 in. (51 cm) between rails measured inside to inside?

5. Side rails should extend above the top landing between 36 in. (91.5 cm) and 42 in. (1.1 m) to provide a handhold for mounting and dismounting, and cleats must be eliminated above the landing level.

6. The side rails of ladders which could contact energized electrical equipment should be made using nonconductive material. Keep ladders free of any slippery materials. Only put ladders on a stable and level surface that is not slippery.

7. Cleats should be equally spaced 12 inches on center from the top of one cleat to the top of the next cleat. They should be fastened to each rail with three 12d common wire nails which are nailed directly onto the smaller surfaces of the side rails. Making cuts in the side rails to receive the cleats is not advisable. Cleats should be at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) x 4 in. (8.9 cm) for ladders 16 ft. (41 cm) to 24 ft. (7.3 m) in length.

8. Filler Blocks should be 2 in. (3.8 cm) x 2 in. (3.8 cm) wood strips. Insert filler between cleats. Nail filler at the bottom of each side rail first. Nail the ends of a cleat to each side rail with three 12d common nails. One nail is placed 1-1/2 inch in from each end of the filler block. Nail the next two fillers and cleat, and then repeat. The ladder is complete when filler is nailed at the top of each rail. Make all side rails, rungs and fillers before the ladder is assembled.

9. Upon inspecting ladders a competent person must visually inspect job- made ladders for defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. Defects to look for include: structural damage, broken/split side rails (front and back), missing cleats/steps, and parts/labels painted over. Ladders should be free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards.

10. When using safe Ladder do: Secure the ladder’s base so that it does not move. Smooth the wood surface of the ladder to reduce injuries to workers from punctures or lacerations and to prevent snagging of clothing. Use job-made wooden ladders with spliced side rails at an angle so that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is one-eighth the working length of the ladder.

11. To use ladders safely do: Ensure that job-made wooden ladders can support at least four times the maximum intended load. Only use ladders for the purpose for which they were designed. Only put ladders on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental movement.

12. For safe ladder use do ensure that the worker faces the ladder when climbing up and down. Maintain a 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) when climbing a ladder. Keep ladders free of any slippery materials. Maintain good housekeeping in the areas around the top and bottom of ladders.

13. Don'ts for safe ladder use do not: Paint a ladder with nontransparent coatings. Carry any object or load that could cause the worker to lose balance and fall. Subject a job-made wooden ladder to excessive loads or impact tests.

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