[Major revision–posted 12/12/25 (replaces 5/19/25 edition)]
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Operating Policy and Procedure

OP 60.12: Ladder Safety Program

DATE: December 12, 2025

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Operating Policy/Procedure (OP) is to ensure that training is provided for each employee who is required to use a ladder during the performance of their job. The training will cover the safe operation and pre-use inspection of the portable or fixed ladder.

REVIEW: This OP will be reviewed every two years after publication by the Assistant Vice President for Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) with substantive revisions forwarded through the Associate Vice President for Research and Integrity to the Vice President for Research & Innovation.

POLICY/PROCEDURE

1.  Intent

This policy/procedure applies to any department on campus, at research sites off campus, or on leased property of Texas Tech University (TTU) where any type of ladder three feet or more in length/height is used. Employees’ safety will be accomplished by complying with the guidelines in 29 CFR 1910.23, 29 CFR 1926.1053, and ANSI ASC A14.3-2008.

2.  Roles/Responsibilities

a.    Department Manager(s)/Supervisor(s) or Departmental Safety Officer(s) Responsibilities

(1)    Ensure that ladders purchased/used in the department are appropriate for the work being performed;

(2)    Inspect annually and maintain all departmental ladders;

(3)    Render unusable and then dispose of any ladders that are damaged or unserviceable;

(4)    Ensure that fixed ladders that are damaged or unsafe to use are identified and appropriate signage is used to alert TTU employees and contractors;

(5)    Provide training to all personnel using ladders; and

(6)    Keep records of all training.

b.    Employee Responsibilities

(1)    Be trained to:

(a)    Select the appropriate type of ladder;

(b)    Inspect ladders prior to use and;

(c)    Safely use ladders.

(2)    Select an appropriate type of ladder for the work being performed;

(3)    Inspect ladders before use and alert department management/supervisor when ladders are damaged or unserviceable;

(4)    Never use a ladder that is damaged or found to be unserviceable;

(5)    Never attempt to modify or repair a portable ladder;

(6)    Always use a ladder in the manner that it was designed for; and

(7)    Never use ladders that do not belong to TTU.

c.    Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Responsibilities

(1)    May provide training and periodic audits to assist departments in complying with this OP; and

(2)    Maintain and update this OP, as needed, or as compliance codes change.

3.  Definitions

a.    A-Frame Ladder – A versatile, self-supporting ladder shaped like the letter “A,” designed for stability and ease of use in various tasks.

b.    Articulating Ladder – Also known as a combination ladder, sectional ladder, or a multi-position ladder, this ladder is capable of being used as a stepladder, single ladder, or an extension ladder. It may also be capable of being used as a trestle ladder or stairwell ladder.

c.    Cage – A guard that may be referred to as a cage or basket guard. It is an enclosure fastened to the side rails of a fixed ladder or to the structure, and it encircles the climbing space of the ladder to ensure the safety of the person climbing it.

d.    Cleats – Ladder crosspieces of rectangular cross section placed on edge upon which a person may step while ascending or descending (also known as ladder rungs).

e.   Duty Rating – Describes the type of ladder and its weight capacity. Duty rating is found on the ladder’s labels affixed to the ladder’s side rail.

f.    Extension Ladder – The extension ladder is a non-self-supporting, portable ladder that is adjustable in length. It consists of two or more sections that travel in guides or brackets, so arranged as to permit length adjustment.

g.    Feet – The component of ladder support that is in contact with the lower supporting surface.

h.    Fixed Ladder – A ladder that is permanently attached to a structure, building, or equipment.

i.    Grab Bars – Individual handholds placed adjacent to or as an extension of fixed ladders for the purpose of providing safe handholds above the top of the ladder.

j.    Individual-Rung Ladder – A fixed ladder with each rung individually attached to a structure, building, or equipment.

k.    Ladder Stand – A mobile fixed size self-supporting ladder consisting of a wide flat tread ladder in the form of stairs. The assembly may include handrails but does not include a platform.

l.    Rungs – Ladder crosspieces upon which a person may step while ascending or descending. Rungs are usually round in cross-section, while cleats are rectangular in cross-section.

m.    Single Ladder – A non-self-supporting portable ladder, non-adjustable in length and consisting of one section.

n.    Side Rails – The side members joined at intervals by rungs, steps, cleats, or rear braces.

o.    Step Stool – A self-supporting, foldable, portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, 32 inches or less in size, with flat steps and designed so that the ladder top cap as well as the steps can be climbed on. The side rails may continue above the top cap.

p.    Top Cap – The uppermost horizontal member of a portable stepladder or step stool.

4.  Selection of Ladders

Ladders should be selected based on the type of work being performed. If an alternative means, such as scaffolding, a scissor lift, or an articulating boom lift, is not feasible, the individuals tasked with performing work requiring a ladder should assess the location, the surface on which the ladder will be placed, and any possible hazards associated with the work being performed. The selected ladder should be:

a.    Serviceable, clean, free of damage, and should have all manufacturer labels attached;

b.    Rated for the weight capacity of the user and any tools and/or equipment the user is using while working from the ladder;

c.    The appropriate height or length for the work being performed;

d.    Constructed of non-conductive materials such as fiberglass when working on or near electrical equipment; and

e.    Designed for the intended use. Manufacturer labels on the ladder will instruct on the proper use of the ladder.

5.  Portable Ladder User’s Safe Work Practices

a.    Select an appropriate ladder type that is the proper length and duty rating for the work being performed.

b.    Inspect ladder for damage and serviceability before use.

c.    Inspect work area for hazards such as overhead power lines or overhead electrical or mechanical equipment.

d.    Ensure ladders are placed on a firm, level surface and ensure step ladder legs are fully spread and spreader arms are locked in place.

e.    Apply the 4-to-1 rule when using extension ladders, for every four feet of height, the base of the ladder should be positioned one foot away from the base of the structure or wall it is leaning against.

f.    When using a portable ladder to access an upper landing surface, the ladder must extend 36 inches above the landing.

g.    Do not place ladders in a location where they can be accidentally struck or displaced. In areas with pedestrian traffic, cordon off the work area with a visual barrier or physical barrier.

h.    Ladders must not be placed in passageways, doorways, driveways, or any location where they may be displaced by activities being conducted on any other work, unless barricades or guards protect them.

i.    When possible, extension ladders should be secured to the structure or equipment that requires a ladder by using a rope secured to an anchor point or a ladder clamp.

j.    Always face the ladder while ascending and descending using three points of contact. Never use the cross-bracing of step ladders as steps.

k.    Always use a tool belt and other hands-free carrying devices when ascending and descending a ladder.

l.    Do not stand on the top cap or the top two steps of a stepladder or the top two rungs of an extension ladder.

m.    Never lean out of the ladder rails; always keep your torso between the rails of the ladder.

n.    Do not use ladders as scaffolding unless they are designed for that purpose.

o.    Do not lean an A-frame ladder on a structure or wall or in a manner intended for an extension or straight ladder.

6.  Fixed Ladders

Fixed ladders should be designed and constructed in accordance with ANSI ASC A14.3-2008 and 29 CFR 1910.23. Individuals using fixed ladders will:

a.    Visually inspect fixed ladders prior to use and report damaged or unsafe ladders to a manager/supervisor, building coordinator, or EHS;

b.    Fall protection is required for employees working on fixed ladders that exceed 24 feet in height. This includes the use of ladder safety systems, cages, or personal fall arrest systems;

c.    Use three-point contact when ascending or descending fixed ladders; and

d.    Use tool belts or tool lift buckets to carry tools, equipment, or materials to the landing or roof of the structure where the work is being performed.

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