Page 267 - Safety Memo

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 job site 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 suitable
E. Specific requirements are as follows:
ramps or runways are provided, ladders shall be used to give safe
If an employer is subject to specific safety orders, the 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 IIPP,
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 healthful 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 IIPP:
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 IIPP 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 IIPP eTool (www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/09- environment. When selecting a ladder for use, consider the
031/index.htm) at Cal/OSHA’s website is provided to ladder length, height, the working load, the duty rating, worker
help you develop or improve your IIPP. To develop a position, and how often the ladder is used. 3276(d)(1)(B)
written IIPP customized to your workplace, answer the
IIPP questions in the eTool. Each question you answer C. Double-cleat ladders are required for two-way traffic or when
will automatically appear underlined in your IIPP. 25 or more employees are using a ladder. Double-cleat ladders
shall not exceed 24 ft. in length. 1629(c)
2. “The Guide to Developing Your Workplace Injury and
Illness Prevention Program” is available online at D. Maximum lengths of portable ladders shall not exceed the
www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/iipp.pdf. following: 3276(e)(16)(D)
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

92 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 93