Help understanding ladder use?
Asking for guidance.
I am trying to understand how ladders are used in general industry?
1. Can a ladder be used for maintenance for example exit signs or emergency light battery replacement over 4 feet and not require fall protection while being compliant?
2. Can ladders be used as working platforms for welding operations that exceeds 4 foot requirement?
Reason for the confusion is ladder envelope requirements.
Thank you.
Comments (6)
Hi Philip!
1. Maintenance can absolutely replace a battery in an emergency light above 4ft without fall protection. In fact, in general industry, fall protection is not required on fixed ladders 24ft or less, or on portable ladder of ANY height! However, remember this is what the OSHA standard says. Your company can always go above and beyond to protect workers!
2. I would highly recommend not preforming welding operations from a portable or fixed ladder of any height. For many reasons, welding helmet causing blind spots/distraction, two hands to weld = no three points of contract, and keep in mind if you were to electric arc weld on a metal ladder it might not end well! Instead, I would erect some scaffolding. Much safer!
Maintenance can be performed from a ladder if there's no need to exert force, no need to lean off center from the step, and both feet are kept on the step. I'd say welding from a ladder would be a poor idea due to the helmet, long gloves, and lack of space to set down the tools and equipment involved.