Entering a Dumpster

Q: We sometimes have an employee enter the dumpster on the jobsite to rearrange it. What would be the proper protection for this employee?

A: Proper PPE would need to be worn while performing this task. Cut/puncture resistant gloves, safety glasses, steel toes, etc. would need to be worn. Also, since there could be boards that have nails sticking out of them footwear with puncture resistance/steel reinforced soles would need to be worn. If the dumpster is 6 feet or higher and the worker needs to access it when it’s full proper fall protection would be required as well. To eliminate the need for fall protection, a company policy should be put in place that prohibits the worker from accessing the dumpster if the material is less than 42 inches from the top of the dumpster. Ladders can also be used outside of the dumpster if possible.

Mobile Ladder Platform

Q:  Does a mobile ladder platform need to have fall protection?

A:  Yes, OSHA considers these types of ladders working surfaces and they need to have fall protection if they are 4’ or taller.

Portable Ladders

Q: When employees are climbing ladders to do job tasks such as changing a light bulb do they need to be tied off?

A: No, fall protection is not required for employees climbing or working on portable ladders.

Ladders

Q: Does it matter if you use a fiberglass ladder or an aluminum ladder when doing framing on a house when there is no electrical work being done?

A: No, it does not matter as long as each ladder has the proper warning labels on them.

Fixed Ladders

Q: If you have a fixed ladder with a cage or well around it would you also need to have a safe access hatch?

A: This would actually fall under the 1910.23 (Guarding floor and wall openings and holes standard) instead of the 1910.27 (Fixed ladder standard).  If there is a potential that the employee can free fall 4 or more feet the fixed ladder will need a safe access hatch. 

Step Ladders

Q: Do you need to use a fall protection system when climbing a step ladder that is greater than six feet high?

A: No, you do not need to use fall protection when climbing the step ladder.  You only need to use fall protection if you are climbing a fixed ladder.

Ladders

Q: We have a “V-type” free standing step ladder, can we fold it and lean it against a wall? Some extension ladders are too tall.

A: No, because that is not how the ladder is designed, that will affect the stability of the step ladder.


For more information on buying the proper ladder, please click here.

Ladder Labels

Q:  Some of the decals on the ladders are worn off or illegible. Do we have to go back to the manufacturer of the ladder to get replacement decals or can we get them from somewhere else?

A:  Any applicable information specific to the ladder type, warnings or ratings shall be legible to the user.  The type of label would be specific to each manufacturer since products may differ.  Manufacturers may offer replacement labels.  However, due to liability concerns, it is doubtful that a ladder manufacturer will distribute ladder warning labels when they have no idea what their customer is putting them on.  This is why ladders should be kept clean, free of damage, stored properly and inspected prior to use.  Having a proper ladder inspection/safety program in place will prevent the labels from getting damaged. 

Class of Ladders

Q: Is there a minimum class that the ladders have to be rated? Can the ladders be wooden, aluminum and/or steel?

A:  This all depends on the type of ladder, where the ladder will be used, and the type of forces exerted on the ladder.  Typically ladders have several different ratings. Consider factors such as proximity of electrical lines or systems, contaminants such as chemicals and how they will have an effect on the ladder material, weight of the average individual who will be using the ladder, the weight of the objects which may be handled while on the ladder.  Examples of a ladder classification system are as follows: 

• Type III, light duty ladder is rated for 200lbs, red in color
• Type II, medium duty ladder is rated for 225lbs, green in color
• Type I, heavy duty industrial ladder is rated for 250lbs, blue in color
• Type IA, extra heavy duty industrial ladder is rated for 300lbs, orange in color
• Type IAA, special duty ladder is rated for 375lbs, yellow in color

Ladders

Q. I have a ladder 103" platform to platform. Does OSHA require this ladder to be caged?  What is the required distance between the platform and the bottom of a ladder cage?

A. The answer to your fist question is OSHA’s standard 29 CFR 1910.27(d)(1)(ii) states that cages or wells (except as provided in subparagraph (5) of this paragraph) conforming to the dimensions shown in figures D-7, D-8, and D-9 shall be provided on ladders of more than 20 feet to a maximum unbroken length of 30 feet.  If you click on this link it will take you to an interpretation that deals with this requirement: click here

The answer to your second question is 29 CFR 1910.27(d)(1)(iv) states that cages shall extend down the ladder to a point not less than 7 feet nor more than 8 feet above the base of the ladder, with bottom flared not less than 4 inches, or portion of cage opposite ladder shall be carried to the base.