Ladder Safety Basics
The minimum number of contact points you should maintain while climbing a ladder.
What is three points of contact?
Ladders must be inspected at this frequency before use
What is before each use?
You should always face this direction when climbing or descending a ladder.
What is facing the ladder?
This ladder material is safest when working near energized electrical components.
What is fiberglass?
This rating indicates the maximum intended load a ladder can safely support.
What is duty rating?
Before ladder use in an active GMP or controlled area, this coordination step is required
What is notifying supervision and confirming area authorization?
This ladder type is self-supporting and does not require leaning against a structure.
What is a stepladder?
This condition automatically requires a ladder to be removed from service
What is cracked rails, missing rungs, or structural damage?
Carrying materials in your hands while climbing violates this key safety principle
What is maintaining three points of contact?
Aluminum ladders should never be used near this hazard.
What is live electrical equipment?
Type I ladders are rated for this maximum load capacity
What is 250 pounds?
Ladders used in GMP spaces must be inspected to ensure they are free of this contamination risk
What is debris, dust, or foreign material?
This angle (ratio) is required when setting up a non-self-supporting extension ladder
What is the 4:1 ratio?
Damaged ladders should be tagged with this designation until repaired or discarded
What is “Do Not Use” or “Out of Service”?
Overreaching beyond the side rails increases the likelihood of this event
What is ladder tip-over or loss of balance?
Wet, icy, or uneven ground increases the risk of this ladder failure mode
What is base slippage or instability?
This ladder type is rated for 300 pounds and is common on industrial job sites
What is Type IA?
When working above ceiling tiles at GSK, ladders may trigger this additional hazard control requirement
What is a ceiling permit or above-ceiling authorization?
This angle (ratio) is required when setting up a non-self-supporting extension ladder.
What is the 4:1 ratio?
This contaminant on ladder rungs significantly increases slip risk and must be removed.
What is oil, grease, or wet residue?
When working from an extension ladder, your belt buckle should remain within this boundary
What is between the side rails?
High winds can create this specific risk when using an extension ladder outdoors
What is lateral displacement or blow-over?
Exceeding the duty rating increases the risk of this structural failure.
What is rung or rail failure?
If ladder work impacts egress paths, this temporary control must be implemented
What is barricading and maintaining compliant access/egress routes?
The top step and top cap of a stepladder are prohibited from being used for this reason
What is because they are not designed for standing and increase fall risk?
Field repairs using tape, wire, or makeshift fasteners are prohibited because ladders must meet this OSHA requirement.
What is manufacturer design specifications and structural integrity requirements?
Standing on a bucket, box, or pallet instead of using a ladder creates this OSHA classification of hazard.
What is an unapproved elevated work platform / fall hazard?
Working within close proximity to exposed energized conductors without proper controls can result in this OSHA-defined high-severity event
What is electrocution?
When calculating total load, you must include body weight plus this additional factor.
What is tools, equipment, and materials being carried or worn?
At GSK, ladder use in proximity to active utilities may require this formal energy control process
What is Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)?