583-Personal Safety / 748
P
ersonal Safet
y
BOS-PRD-03.900906
A secure, well-made ladder is necessary for safe ladder use. Ladders come in different styles, including step,
straight, and extension. They also vary in construction and may consist of wood, aluminium, or fibre-glass.
Choose the correct type and size ladder for the job.
Follow these guidelines for safe ladder usage:
x
Always inspect a ladder before you climb it. Make sure the steps are sturdy and the locking
mechanisms are in good working order;
x
Carry ladders horizontally with the front end slightly higher than the back end;
x
To open a stepladder, make sure the spreader is locked and the pail shelf is in position. To open an
extension ladder, brace the bottom end and push the rungs or rails out;
x
Place ladders on a solid, level surface to ensure safety;
x
Watch for overhead obstructions;
x
Position a straight or extension ladder so that the base of the ladder is one foot/30cm away from the
vertical support for every four feet/1.22m of working ladder height (e.g. if you are working with eight
feet/2.44m of ladder, place the base of the ladder two feet/61cm from the wall);
x
Do not place the top of a ladder against a window or an uneven surface;
x
When possible, tie the top of a straight or extension ladder to supports. Stake and tie the feet of the
ladder;
x
An extension ladder used for access to a high deck
shall
extend at least 1 meter beyond the support
point;
x
Use a wooden or plastic ladder if you
shall
work near electrical sources;
x
Do not place a ladder in front of a door unless you lock and barricade the door and post a warning
sign on the opposite side of the door;
x
Use common sense when climbing or working on ladders;
x
Wear safety shoes with slip-resistant soles and make sure they are dry before climbing;
x
Never allow more than one person on a ladder;
x
To climb or descend a ladder, face the ladder and firmly grip the rails, not the rungs, with both hands;
x
Keep your body between the rails at all times. Do not shift your weight to one side;
x
Have somebody steady the ladder if it cannot be secured otherwise;
x
Do not stand on the top four rungs of an extension ladder or the top two rungs of a step ladder;
x
When working on a ladder, keep two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times;
x
Do not stand on the bucket shelf of a ladder;
x
When working on a ladder, carry small tools on a tool belt. Use a rope to raise and lower heavy tools;
x
Never leave a raised or open ladder unattended. Store ladders away from heat and moisture;
x
Destroy damaged or unsafe ladders.
4.
6 P
o
w
er tools
Power tools can be extremely dangerous if used improperly. Common incidents associated with power tools
include abrasions, cuts, lacerations, amputations, burns, electrocution, and broken bones. These accidents
are often caused by the following:
x
Touching the cutting, drilling, or grinding components;
x
Getting caught in moving parts;
x
Suffering electrical shock due to improper grounding, equipment defects, or operator misuse;
x
Being struck by particles that normally eject during operation;
x
Touching hot tools or work areas;
x
Falling in the work area;
x
Being struck by falling tools;
x
When working around power tools, you
shall
wear personal protective equipment and avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewellery that could catch in moving machinery.
4.
6
.1
G
eneral
g
uid
el
i
nes
x
Use the correct tool for the job. Do not use a tool or attachment for something it was not designed to
do;
Version 04. Original date: 25/05/2012. Version date: 31/12/2014. Valid version only on QMS site. Uncontrolled when printed.
Procedure prepared by: BOS Deputy QHSE Manager. Approved by: BOS QHSES Manager. Validated by: BOS Quality Representative
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