This section gives technicians a clear overview of the Safe Work Procedures for setting up and working on ladders. The full PDF provides the detailed steps, hazards, and responsibilities, while this page highlights what the procedure is about and why it matters when accessing elevated work areas on RedBlue job sites.

What This Procedure Covers

The ladder safety SWP outlines the hazards, controls, and safe‑use expectations for step‑ladders, extension ladders, and access/egress ladders. It’s designed to prevent falls, struck‑by injuries, electrical contact, and other common ladder‑related incidents. Inside the PDF, you’ll find guidance on:

• Common Hazards
  Falls from height, unstable ladders, electrical hazards, struck‑by risks, and slips or trips around the ladder base

• Required Equipment
  Step‑ladders, extension ladders, and appropriate PPE such as steel‑toe footwear, hard hats, high‑viz, gloves, and safety glasses

• Setup Requirements
  Inspecting ladders for defects, ensuring stable ground, locking braces, tying off access ladders, maintaining the 4:1 ratio for extension ladders, and using only ladders rated 1AA or better

• Operational Steps
  Keeping your belt buckle between the rails, maintaining three points of contact, selecting the right ladder height, avoiding overreaching, and keeping tools off the top plate

• Hierarchy of Controls
  Eliminating ladder use where possible, substituting lifts or scaffolds, using engineering controls like ladder cages or lifelines, ensuring proper training, and wearing appropriate PPE

  
  

Why It Matters

Ladders are used constantly in HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, and electrical work — and most ladder incidents are preventable. This Safe Work Procedure ensures every tech understands how to set up ladders correctly, work from them safely, and choose the right equipment for the job. It also reinforces the responsibilities of workers, supervisors, and the company in keeping job sites safe.

The full PDF linked here provides the complete procedures, checklists, and detailed instructions you’ll need before working on any ladder.

➜ Open Safe Work Procedures: Ladder Safety