Page 99 - Safety Memo

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D. General safety requirements are as follows: Ladders
1. No worker shall be required or permitted to work in an
unsafe workplace. 1511(a) Falls are the most common cause of worker injury associated
with ladder use. Falls are mostly caused by the: (1) use of
2. Before starting work the employer shall survey the jobsite faulty ladders; (2) improper set-up of a ladder; or (3) incorrect use
for hazards and use necessary safeguards to ensure that of ladders.
work is performed safely. 1511(b)
Except where either permanent or temporary stairways or
E. Specific requirements are as follows:
suitable ramps or runways are provided, ladders shall be used to
If an employer is subject to specific safety orders, the give safe access to all elevations. 1675(a)
requirements of these SOs must be considered when
developing the employer’s IIP Program. These SOs may A. General requirements for ladders:
include specific procedures or processes as well as 1. Portable ladders shall comply with T8 CCR 3276, 1675(b).
requirements for reporting, training, exposure limits, personal
protection, and registration and certification. 2. Design and construction of portable ladders shall comply
with T8 CCR 3276(c).
F. Employees have numerous rights under the IIP Program,
including the following: 3203(a) 3. Fixed ladders shall comply with T8 CCR 3277 and 3278,
1675(c).
1. The right to work in a safe and healthy workplace
4. Wood parts of fixed ladders shall meet the requirements of
2. The right to inform the employer of workplace hazards T8 CCR 3276(c), 3277(c)(5).
without fear of reprisal
5. Extension ladders shall comply with 3276(e)(16).
3. The right to receive training that is readily understandable
6. Portable metal ladders shall comply with 3276.
G. To ensure the effectiveness of the IIP Program:
7. Portable wood ladders shall comply with 3276.
1. Supervisors should be qualified in safety procedures and
held accountable. 8. Portable reinforced plastic ladders shall comply with
3276(c),(e).
2. The effectiveness of the safety program should be
monitored. 9. Single–rail ladders shall not be used.
H. Create your written IIP Program using the following resources: B. Portable ladders are generally designed for one-person use
to meet the requirements of the person, the task, and the
1. The IIP Program eTool (www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/ environment. When selecting a ladder for use, consider the
09-031/index.htm) at Cal/OSHA’s website is provided ladder length, height, the working load, the duty rating, worker
to help you develop or improve your IIP Program. To position, and how often the ladder is used. 3276(d)(1)(B)
develop a written IIP Program customized to your
workplace, answer the IIP Program questions in the C. Double-cleat ladders are required for two-way traffic or when
eTool. Each question you answer will automatically 25 or more employees are using a ladder. Double-cleat ladders
shall not exceed 24 ft. in length. 1629(c)
appear underlined in your IIP Program.
D. Maximum lengths of portable ladders shall not exceed the
2. “The Guide to Developing Your Workplace Injury and following: 3276(e)(16)(D)
Illness Prevention Program” is available online at
www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/09-031/index.htm. Ladder Type Maximum Length (Feet)
Step ladder 20
Two-section extension ladder (wood) 60
Two-section extension ladder (metal) 48
Three-section extension ladder (metal) 60

86 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2015 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2015 87