PROCEDURE NO.

VVGSAF014

PAGE 1 OF 9

LADDERS and STAIRWAY SAFETY

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ORIGINAL ISSUE:

DATE: NOVEMBER 2008

AUTHOR: DAVID C. ROBERTS

DEPARTMENT: EH&S

CONTROLLED COPIES:

Master Set –HS&E DEPT.

VVG INTRANET

REVISION HISTORY:

REV. / DATE / Reviewed
By / CHANGE DESCRIPTION (SECTION, PARAGRAPH, REASON)
12/29/2015 / RLC / Annual review
3/9/2018 / DKB / Annual Review

1.0 Purpose

This procedure is intended to prescribe rules and establish minimum requirements for the construction, care, and use of the common types of portable ladders and stairways, in order to insure safety under normal conditions of usage.

2.0 Scope

This Safety Procedure will apply to the Velocity Vehicle Group facilities.

3.0 Reference Documents

3.1This Program is designed to comply with the following:

3.1.1Cal-OSHA Construction Safety Orders, Title 8, Article 25 Sections 3276-3280.

3.1.2Federal OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1910.25-1910.27.

4.0 Responsibilities

4.1Responsibilities under this procedure are:

4.1.1Site Safety Representatives are responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of this procedure.

4.1.2Managers and Supervisors are responsible for execution and performance of this procedure.

5.0Definitions

5.1Extension Ladder. An extension ladder is a non-self-supporting portable ladder adjustable in length. It consists of two or more sections traveling in guides or brackets so arranged as to permit length adjustment. Its size is designated by the sum of the lengths of the sections measured along the side rails.

52.Extension Trestle Ladder. An extension trestle ladder is a self-supporting portable ladder, adjustable in length, consisting of a trestle ladder base and a vertically adjustable single ladder, with suitable means for locking the ladderstogether. The length of the trestle ladder base designates the size.

5.3 Ladders. A ladder is an appliance usually consisting of two side rails joined at regular intervals by crosspieces called steps, rungs, or cleats, on which a person may step in ascending or descending.

5.4Sectional Ladder. A sectional ladder is a non-self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, consisting of two or more sections of ladder so constructed that the sections may be combined to function as a single ladder. The overall length of the assembled sections designates its size.

5.5Side-Rolling Ladder. A side-rolling ladder is a semi-fixed ladder, nonadjustable in length, supported by attachments to a guide rail, which is generally fastened to shelving, the plane of the ladder being also its plane of motion.

5.6Single Ladder. A single ladder is a non-self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, consisting of but one section. The overall length of the side rail designates its size.

5.7Special-Purpose Ladder. A special-purpose ladder is a portable ladder, which represents either a modification or a combination of design, or construction features in one of the general-purpose types of ladders previously defined, in order to adapt the ladder to special or specific uses.

5.8Stepladder. A stepladder is a self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, having flat steps and a hinged back. Its size is designated by the overall length of the ladder measured along the front edge of the side rails.

5.9Trestle Ladder. A trestle ladder is a self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, consisting of two sections hinged at the top to form equal angles with the base. The length of the side rails measured along the front edge designates the size.

5.10Trolley Ladder. A trolley ladder is a semi-fixed ladder, nonadjustable in length, supported by attachments to an overhead track, the plane of the ladder being at right angles to the plane of motion.

6.0Construction Requirements Wood Ladders

6.1Wood ladders will be constructed as follows:

6.1.1All wood parts shall be free from sharp edges, splinters, irregularities and defects that affect the ladders structural integrity.

6.1.2Safety requirements for portable wood ladders placed in service after April 18, 1999, shall meet the requirements of ANSI A14.1-1994. Ladders put into service before April 18, 1999 shall be based on the provisions in effect at the time such ladders were placed in service.

6.2Portable Stepladders.

6.2.1Portable stepladders shall meet the listed requirements.

6.2.1.1Stepladders longer than 20 feet shall not be used. Stepladders as hereinafter specified shall be of three types, as follows:

6.2.1.2Type I - Industrial stepladder, 3 to 20 feet for heavy duty, such as utilities, contractors, and industrial use

6.2.1.3Type II - Commercial stepladder, 3 to 12 feet for medium duty, such as painters, offices, and light industrial use

6.2.1.4A uniform step spacing shall be employed which shall be not more than 12 inches. Steps shall be parallel and level when the ladder is in position for use.

6.2.1.5The minimum width between side rails at the top, inside to inside, shall be not less than 11 1/2 inches. From top to bottom, the side rails shall spread at least 1-inch for each foot of length of stepladder. Rungs shall be continuous members between rails.

6.2.1.6A metal spreader or locking device of sufficient size and strength to securely hold the front and back sections in open position shall be a component of each stepladder. The spreader shall have all sharp points covered or removed to protect the user.

6.2.1.7Single ladders longer than 30 feet shall not be used.

6.2.1.8Two-section extension ladders longer than 40 feet shall not be used. All ladders of this type shall consist of two sections, one to fit within the side rails of the other, and arranged in such a manner that the upper section can be raised and lowered.

6.2.1.9Trestle ladders, or extension sections or base sections of extension trestle ladders longer than 20 feet shall not be used.

6.2.1.10Painter's stepladders longer than 12 feet shall not be used.

6.2.1.11A mason's ladder is a special type of single ladder intended for use in heavy construction work. Mason's ladders longer than 40 feet shall not be used.

6.2.1.12A cleat ladder is a special type of single ladder intended for general use in construction work. Cleat ladders longer than 30 feet shall not be used.

6.2.1.13Wood side rails of ladders having cleat steps shall not be less than 1 1/2 inches thick and 3 1/2 inches deep (2 by 4 inches nominal).

6.2.1.14Wood cleats shall be inset into side rails not less than 1/2-inch or shallbe attached directly to the edge of the side rails, in which case filler blocks of the thickness of the cleats shall be securely attached to the edge of the rail for the full length between cleats, or equivalent construction. The cleats shall be fastened to each rail by three 10-d wire nails or the equivalent thereof.

6.1.2.15A double cleat ladder is similar to a single cleat ladder, but is wider, with an additional center rail that will allow for two-way traffic for workers in ascending and descending. The cleats shall extend the full width of the ladder.

6.1.2.16Trolley ladders and side-rolling ladders longer than 20 feet shall not be used.

7.0Construction Requirements Portable Reinforced Plastic

7.1Safety requirements for portable reinforced plastic ladders placed in service after April 18, 1999, shall meet the requirements of ANSI A14.5-1992 or ANSI A14.10-2000. Portable reinforced plastic ladders placed in service on or before April 18, 1999, shall be based on the ANSIA14.5 provisions in effect at the time the ladders were placed in service.

8.0Construction Requirements Metal

8.1Safety requirements for portable metal ladders placed in service after April 18, 1999 shall meet the requirements of ANSI A14.2-1990 or ANSI 14.2-2000. Portable ladders placed in service on or before April 18, 1999, shall be based on the ANSI 14.2 provisions in effect at the time such ladders were placed in service.

8.2Specific design and construction requirements are not a part of this section because of the wide variety of metals and design possibilities. However, thedesign shall be such as to produce a ladder without structural defects or accidenthazards such as sharp edges, burrs, etc. The metal selected shall be of sufficient strength to meet the test requirements, and shall be protected against corrosion unless inherently corrosion-resistant.

8.3The spacing of rungs or steps shall be on 12-inch centers.

8.4Rungs and steps shall be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize the possibility of slipping.

8.5The minimum width between side rails of a straight ladder or any section of an extension ladder shall be 12 inches and:

8.6The length of single ladders or individual sections of ladders shall not exceed 30 feet. Two section ladders shall not exceed 48 feet in length and over two section ladders shall not exceed 60 feet in length.

8.7Stepladder length shall be measured by the length of the front rail. Step ladders shall not exceed 12 feet in length and:

8.8The bottoms of the rails are to be supplied with insulating non-slip material for the safety of the user.

8.9A metal spreader or locking device of sufficient size and strength to securely hold the front and back sections in the open position shall be a component of each stepladder. The spreader shall have all sharp points or edges covered or removed to protect the user.

8.10The length of a platform ladder shall not exceed 20 feet. The length of a platform ladder shall be measured along the front rail from the floor to the platform.

9.0Care and Use of Ladders

9.1Ladders shall be used and cared for as follows:

9.1.1Employees are prohibited from carrying equipment or materials that prevent the safe use of ladders.

9.1.2Employees are required to face the ladder when ascending or descending.

9.1.3Employees shall always use two hands when climbing up or down the ladder.

9.1.4Employees are prohibited from using single rail ladders.

9.1.5Employees shall not stand on the topcap or step below the topcap of a stepladder

9.1.6Ladders shall be tied off to structures when feasible to do so.

9.1.7Fall protection is not required by regulations when using portable ladders but should be considered based on a hazard evaluation conducted as part of the scope of work.

9.1.8Ladders shall be maintained in good condition at all times. The joint between the steps and side rails shall be tight. Hardware and fittings shall be securely attached, and the movable parts shall operate freely without binding or undue play.

9.1.9Metal bearings of locks, wheels, pulleys, etc., shall be frequently lubricated.

9.1.10Frayed or badly worn rope shall be replaced.

9.1.11Safety feet and other auxiliary equipment shall be kept in good condition to insure proper performance.

9.1.12Ladders shall be inspected frequently and those that have developed defects shall be withdrawn from service for repair or destruction and tagged or marked as "Dangerous, Do Not Use."

9.1.13Rungs shall be kept free of grease and oil.

9.1.14Portable rung and cleat ladders shall, where possible, be used at such a pitch that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the length along the ladder between the foot and the top support). The ladder shall be so placed as to prevent slipping, or it shall be lashed, or held in position. Ladders shall not be used in a horizontal position as platforms, runways, or scaffolds.

9.1.15More than one man should not use ladders for which dimensions are specified herein at a time nor with ladder jacks and scaffold planks where use by more than one man is anticipated. In such cases, specially designed ladders with larger dimensions of the parts shall be procured.

9.1.16Portable ladders shall be so placed that the side rails have a secure footing. The top rest for portable rung and cleat ladders shall be reasonably rigid and shall have ample strength to support the applied load.

9.1.17Ladders shall not be placed in front of doors opening toward the ladder unless the door is blocked open, locked, or guarded.

9.1.18Ladders shall not be placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.

9.1.19Ladders with broken or missing steps, rungs, or cleats, broken side rails, or other faulty equipment shall not be used.

9.1.20Short ladders shall not be spliced together to provide long sections.

9.1.21Ladders made by fastening cleats across a single rail shall not be used.

9.1.22Ladders shall not be used as guys, braces, or skids, or for other than the intended purposes.

9.1.23Tops of the ordinary types of stepladders shall not be used as steps.

9.1.24On two-section extension ladders the minimum overlap for the two sections in use shall be as follows:

Size of LadderOverlap

(Feet)(Feet)

Up to and including 36 3

Over 36 up to and including 48 4

Over 48 up to and including 60 5

9.1.25No ladder shall be used to gain access to a roof unless the top of the ladder extends at least 3 feet above the point of support at eave, gutter, or roofline.

9.1.26VVG shall equip all portable rung ladders with non-slip bases when there is a hazard of slipping. Non-slip bases are not intended as a substitute for care in safely placing, lashing, or holding a ladder that is being used upon oily metal, concrete, or slippery surfaces.

9.1.27Portable metal ladders shall not be used in the vicinity of electrical circuits in places where they may come in contact with them. Portable metal ladders shall be legibly marked with signs reading "CAUTION - Do Not Use around Electrical Equipment," or equivalent wording.

10.0 Stairways

10.1Stairways shall be designed and constructed to support a load of 5 times the anticipated load but not less 1,000 pounds and:

10.2Stairways shall have a minimum usable width of 22 inches. No chute or open conveyor shall be parallel to and adjoin a stairway unless the usable width of thestairway is at least 22 inches and the stairway is equipped with a stair railingseparating the chutes and open conveyors from the stairway.

10.3Chutes shall not be hinged or otherwise constructed or used so as to coverstairways.

10.4Stairs shall be installed at angles to the horizontal of between 30 and 50 degrees.

10.5Any uniform combination of rise-tread dimensions may be used that will result in a stairway at an angle to the horizontal within the permissible range.

10.6Each tread and the top landing of a stairway, where risers are used, shall have a nose which extends one-half-inch to one-inch beyond the face of the lower riser. Noses shall have an even leading edge.

10.7All treads should be slip-resistant.

10.8Welded bar grating treads without nosings are acceptable providing the leading edge can be readily identified by personnel descending the stairway and provided the tread is serrated or is of definite non-slip design.

10.9Rise height and tread width shall be uniform throughout any flight of stairs including any foundation structure used as one or more treads of the stairs.

10.10The maximum variations in the height of risers or the width of treads in any one flight shall be one-fourth-inch.

10.11Stairway platforms shall be not less than the swing radius of the door plus 20 inches in length measured in the direction of travel.

10.12Stair railings shall be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways.

10.13Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of closed stairways, preferably on the right side descending.

10.14Standard guardrails shall be installed on stairway platforms.

10.15Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction shall be at least 6 feet 6 inches measured from the leading edge of the tread. In existing installations where the overhead clearance is less than six (6) feet six (6) inches, the obstruction shall be removed, or if this is impracticable, a suitable warning shall be placed near the obstruction so as to notify employees of its presence. Where the nature of the hazard is such that padding it will increase safety, this also shall be done.

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VELOCITY VEHICLE GROUP – VVGSAF014 Page1 of 9