Last month, the use of attachable ladders was discussed as a method for gaining access to scaffold platforms. Of course, this isn’t the only way to get to the top of a scaffold, or for that matter, somewhere in between. Portable ladders are a popular choice for many users since they can be easily moved to various locations as the work requires.
Portable ladders, as the name implies, are intended to be a temporary means of access that can be used in a variety of applications. Portable ladders are categorized as either “self-supporting” or a “non self-supporting” ladders. Non self-supporting ladders can be further described as fixed length ladders (not to be confused with fixed ladders) and extension ladders. While self-supporting ladders, such as step ladders, can be used to gain access to a scaffold ladder, they are infrequently used due to their limited height. Consequently non self-supporting ladders are used and more specifically, extension ladders are the most prevalent. Therefore, let’s focus on the proper use of extension ladders in conjunction with a scaffold.
First, all scaffold platforms must have proper access. This means that if you are going to use an extension ladder, you must have one for each platform of the scaffold that you are using. All extension ladders, as is also true for the scaffold, shall comply with all applicable safety standards. We’ll focus on theU.S.federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration, OSHA, standards,. The primary regulations addressing the manufacture and use of extension ladders in construction is Subpart X of 29 CFR 1926. However, since the ladder is being used for scaffold access, there are also several scaffold standards that also must be met. Here are a few things you have to comply with when erecting the scaffold:
Here are a few things that apply as you use the ladder:
When using a portable ladder to access the scaffold, you have to contend with the guardrail system at the top. Don’t be tempted to leave the rails off since this will surely lead to disaster. Place the ladder so you can safely climb through the rails if possible, or better yet, provide a safe access at the platform level utilizing a guardrail system. This guardrail should not permit a direct (straight line) access to the ladder access opening and consequently a direct access off the platform. In other words, force the ladder user to step sideways in order to access the ladder or platform. This will force the user to stop and think about how he/she will get on the ladder.
Finally, if you use a portable ladder to access a scaffold platform that can vertically adjust in a continuous manner, such as a mast climbing platform or adjustable scaffold platform, do so with caution. Make sure the ladder is long enough for the maximum anticipated height of the platform!