Reliance Project Management System 10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐082

Portable Ladders Date: 07/05/2013, Rev. 0

RECORD OF REVISIONS

Date Revision Details Revision

Number
07.05.2013 Issued for Approval 0
Reliance Project Management System 10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐082
Portable Ladders Date: 07/05/2013, Rev. 0

Contents
1. Purpose...................................................................................................................... 4
2. Scope ......................................................................................................................... 4
3. Application ................................................................................................................ 4
4. Abbreviations ............................................................................................................ 4
5. Definitions ................................................................................................................. 4
6. General Requirements .............................................................................................. 4
7. Selection and Use ...................................................................................................... 6
8. Inspection and Maintenance..................................................................................... 8
9. Training .................................................................................................................... 10
10. Resources ................................................................................................................ 10
11. References ............................................................................................................... 10
12. Attachments ............................................................................................................ 11
Reliance Project Management System 10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐082
Portable Ladders Date: 07/05/2013, Rev. 0

1. Purpose
This Procedure establishes the requirements and processes for purchasing,
building, selecting, using, and inspecting portable ladders.
2. Scope
This Procedure includes the following major sections:
• General Requirements
• Selection and Use
• Inspection and Maintenance
• Training
3. Application
This procedure applies to work activities and employees under the control of the
J3 Program Project Management Team (PMT) and its contractors /
subcontractors.
4. Abbreviations
PMT: Project Management Team
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
5. Definitions
Competent Person ‐ One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable
hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary,
hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt
corrective measures to eliminate them.
Three Points of Contact ‐ Term used for a method of safe ladder climbing where
between a climber’s two hands and two feet, at least three of them are in contact
with the ladder rungs/rails at all times while ascending or descending the ladder.
6. General Requirements
Managers and supervisors will ensure ladders meet the following requirements:
• Designed and constructed to meet American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) standards for ladders or equivalent Indian national standards :
Š ANSI A14.2, Portable Metal – Safety Requirements
Š ANSI A14.4, Safety Requirements for Job‐Made Ladders
Š ANSI A14.5, Portable Reinforced Plastic – Safety Requirements
Note: An ANSI approved ladder has a label stating that it meets the standard.
• Rated for either heavy duty or extra heavy‐duty use (Type I or Type IA).
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Reliance Project Management System 10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐082
Portable Ladders Date: 07/05/2013, Rev. 0

Note: ANSI Type IA ladders are recommended; however, a minimum rating of

ANSI Type I is required. Ladders rated less than ANSI Type I must not be used.
Note: Special ANSI rated ladders are necessary when access/use is required by
employees whose total weight (body weight, plus weight of tools/equipment
being carried on the employee) exceeds 113kilograms (300 pounds). Type IA
ladders are rated up to exceeds 113kilograms (300 pounds) .
Note: The use of job‐made ladders is discouraged. However, if there is a practical
need for a job‐made ladder, follow the ANSI A14.4 standard or applicable in
country standards.
• Have rungs and steps that are:
Š Slip resistant by design or coated with a skid‐resistant material
Š Fixed to prevent turning or rolling when stepped on
Š Uniformly spaced as follows:
Š For portable ladders — 25 to 30centimeters (10 to 12 inches)
Š For step stools — 20 to 30centimeters (8 to 12 inches)
• Have safety feet equipped with nonslip bases to help prevent slipping.
• Have components with smooth surfaces to prevent punctures and lacerations
and to prevent snagging clothing.
• Have metal spreaders or locking devices on stepladders to hold the ladder in
an open position during use.
• Are handled with care and not subjected to unnecessary abuse or misuse.
Managers and supervisors will ensure that ladders are inspected each quarter by
a Competent Person, in accordance with Attachment 01, Inspection
Requirements.
Ladders found to have defects must be withdrawn from service for repair or
destruction, or tagged out of service (refer to Attachment 01).
Trestle ladders are not designed for climbing and no one should be allowed to do
so. Trestle ladders support planks or scaffold boards. When using trestle ladders
for scaffold board supports, a separate ladder must be used to access the scaffold
deck.
Designation of Competent and Qualified Persons must be documented in
accordance with Procedure 10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐005, HSE General
Requirements.

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© 2013 Reliance Industries Ltd.
Reliance Project Management System 10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐082
Portable Ladders Date: 07/05/2013, Rev. 0

7. Selection and Use

Managers and supervisors will ensure that employees know how to select ladders
in accordance with the following:
• The ladder is the right height for elevated work.
• The ladder has no limitations that would interfere with performance of the
work.
• The ladder is specifically designed for the task.
Note: If the ladder has attachments, such as braces to span windows or planks
used for work platforms, the attachments must be designed for the particular
type of ladder and purchased and used as 1 unit.
Employees will observe the following in the handling and using ladders:
• Ensure location or ownership markings are placed in a manner that avoids
compromising the structural strength of the ladder.
• Use fall protection when working off of a ladder 1.8 meters (6 feet) or more
above the work surface when appropriate (refer to Procedure 10080‐1‐HSEF‐
DWP‐CN‐042, Fall Protection). (Does not apply when using a ladder [less than
24 feet/7.3 meters in height] for access only.)
Note: Document fall protection details in a prejob planning document if the
employee has to use personal fall arrest systems while using a ladder (refer to
Procedure 10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐042).
• Handle ladders with care and do not subject them to abuse or misuse.
• Metal ladders must not be used around electrical equipment or circuits of any
kind where there is a possibility of coming in contact with the electricity.
Metal ladders should be marked with reading
“CAUTION: DO NOT USE NEAR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT”.
Note: Avoid using metal ladders to all possible extent
• Attach a 1.5 centimeter ( 0.5 inch) diameter (minimum) rope to the top rung
of stepladders or to the third rung from the top of straight and extension
ladders to provide a tie off rope (if feasible) when the ladder is set up (applies
to ladders more than 1.8 meters (6 feet )in height).
• Use ladders only for short duration jobs with a limited work scope.
• If the use of ladder is essential during strong winds, it should be securely
lashed in position.
• Extend ladders used to access another work surface a minimum of 1 meter (3
feet) past the level you are accessing.

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Reliance Project Management System 10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐082
Portable Ladders Date: 07/05/2013, Rev. 0

• Position ladders only on stable and level surfaces; do not place a ladder on
items such as boxes or barrels to reach additional height.
• When placed in “working position,” ensure that the rungs, cleats, and steps
are parallel to the surface and uniformly spaced.
• Do not use ladders for braces, skids, levers, runways, platforms, scaffolds, or
other uses for which they were not intended.
• Do not overreach or use excess force while working at heights on a ladder. A
rule of thumb is to not stretch so far that your belt buckle is outside the rails
of the ladder.
• Place the ladder so the work is at chest level and horizontally positioned so
the work is either centered or as near to the side rails as possible.
• Do not work with another employee on the same ladder unless the ladder is
specifically designed for 2 people.
• Keep the area around the top and bottom of a ladder clear to prevent
tripping or slipping while the ladder is in use.
• When a building or structure has 2 or more points of access between levels,
keep at least 1 point of access clear to permit free passage.
• Set up ladders so the weight is evenly distributed between the vertical
members. For extension ladders, evenly distribute the weight between the
rails.
• Do not tie or fasten ladders together to provide longer sections, unless they
are designed for this application.
• Face the ladder when ascending or descending and always keep 3 point
contact with the ladder. Carry tools or equipment in a work belt or fanny
pack, or hoist them to the work area using a rope and bucket.
• Do not “load” the ladder beyond the rated capacity.
• Do not place ladders in a doorway unless the door is blocked open or locked,
or the area is barricaded.
• A ladder having a missing, defective rung or a ladder which depends for its
support solely on nails shall not be used.
• Ensure that shoes, hands, gloves, and the ladder steps are free of grease,
mud, or anything that could cause an employee to slip while climbing.
• Do not place ladders against any structure or equipment that is not strong
and rigid enough to support the ladder, or that is not sufficiently anchored.
7.1. Straight/Extension Ladders
Employees will observe the following when using straight or extension ladders:

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© 2013 Reliance Industries Ltd.
Reliance Project Management System 10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐082
Portable Ladders Date: 07/05/2013, Rev. 0

• Place straight or extension ladders so that the horizontal distance from the
support is equal to 1/4 of the height from the working surface to the top
contact.
Š Example: Place a 3.7 meter (12 foot) ladder so that the bottom is 1
meter (3 feet) from the object against which the top is leaning).
• Secure straight ladders by holding or lashing while in use. Nonslip bases are
not a substitute for care in positioning, lashing, or holding the ladder.
• Before climbing an extension ladder, ensure locking clips (stops) are securely
in place.
• Do not use independent straight ladders longer than 6 meters (20 feet).
• Do not use independent extension ladders longer than 9 meters (30 feet)
when fully extended.
7.2. Stepladders
Employees will observe the following when using stepladders:
• Tie off or have someone hold stepladders when working.
Note: Observe the limits imposed on self‐supporting ladders (stepladders and
platform ladders) by the manufacturer, such as not using the top 2 steps or the
top platform as a step and fully extending and locking the braces. Use stepladders
on clean, level surfaces. Self‐supporting ladders are more stable if you lean
forward or back than if you lean to the side.
• Use stepladders in the fully open position with the locking devices set.
• Do not use folded stepladders as a straight ladder or to access another work
surface.
• Do not step or stand on the top step or (top) platform.
• Do not use the cross bracing on the rear section of stepladders for climbing
unless the ladder is designed for such use (that is, has steps for climbing on
both front and rear sections).
• Do not use step and platform ladders that are longer than 3.7 meters (12
feet) as determined by the front rail.
8. Inspection and Maintenance
8.1. Employees
Employees will observe the following when inspecting and maintaining
ladders:
• Maintain ladders so that they are in good condition.

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© 2013 Reliance Industries Ltd.
Reliance Project Management System 10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐082
Portable Ladders Date: 07/05/2013, Rev. 0

• Store ladders where they are protected from damage with good ventilation
and away from excessive heat.
Š Storage racks shall have sufficient support points to prevent sagging.
Š Ladders shall be supported every 1.8 meters (6 feet) during storage so as
to avoid sagging and permanent set.
• Do not place materials on stored ladders.
• All ladders must be correctly Inspected daily and/ or prior to use.
• All ladders must be inspected quarterly by competent trained personnel,
dated and colour coded for each quarter of the year.
• Ensure that a quarterly inspection has been performed and documented
before issuing or using a ladder. Ladders that have not been inspected should
be tagged with a Danger – Don’t Use It – Unsafe Tag (Form 10080‐1‐HSEF‐
FMT‐CN‐062) and returned for required inspection and tagging in accordance
with this Procedure.
• Inspect ladders for structural defects such as broken or missing rungs, cleats,
or steps; bent, broken, or split side rails; corroded or missing components;
worn bolts, rivets, and the holes in the ladder where the bolts or rivets pass
through.
• Inspect mechanical features of the ladder to ensure that they are in good
working order as follows:
Š Clean and lubricate moving parts such as hinge points, pins, or pulleys.
Š Make sure that ropes on the ladder are not frayed, worn, or weather‐
damaged.
Š Ensure that feet operate effectively through their full range of motion.
Š Ensure that extension ladder latches or stepladder locking braces are not
bent or damaged and operate correctly.
• Immediately remove defective ladders from service and tag or label the
ladder as defective. The tag or label should say
“DANGER – DO NOT USE.”
Š Destroy ladders destined for disposal.
Š Repair ladders to design conditions before returning them to service.
Š Repair according to manufacturer’s directions.
• Ladders should be properly supported during transport by motor vehicles.
Support points should be made of a material (such as wood or rubber coated
and iron pipe) that will minimize chafing and the effects of road shock.

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© 2013 Reliance Industries Ltd.
Reliance Project Management System 10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐082
Portable Ladders Date: 07/05/2013, Rev. 0

• Metal rungs should be cleaned to prevent accumulation of materials which

may destroy nonslipping properties.
8.2. Competent Person
A Competent Person will perform a general inspection of ladders for visible
defects at least once each calendar quarter, and following any occurrence that
could affect the safe use. Ladders with no visible defect must have a Colour
coded tag (or equivalent) prominently affixed according to Attachment 01.
9. Training
Employees will be trained by a Competent Person in the following areas, as
applicable:
• The nature of fall hazards in the work area
• The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall
protection systems to be used (refer to Procedure 10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐
042)
• The proper construction, use, placement, care, and handling of ladders
• The maximum intended load‐carrying capacities of ladders used
• The information in this Procedure
Retrain as necessary. Training must be documented.
10. Resources
Global Standards
India Government Bureau of Indian Standards
Australian Government Safety and Compensation Council; List of National
Codes of Practice
Safety and Compensation Council; List of National
Standards
European Union European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
United Kingdom Construction Regulations 2007
11. References
Document ID Document Title
10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐005 HSE General Requirements
10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐042 Fall Protection

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© 2013 Reliance Industries Ltd.
Reliance Project Management System 10080‐1‐HSEF‐DWP‐CN‐082
Portable Ladders Date: 07/05/2013, Rev. 0

Forms:
10080‐1‐HSEF‐CHK‐CN‐032 Ladder Inspection Register
10080‐1‐HSEF‐FMT‐CN‐062 Danger – Don’t Use It – Unsafe Tag
Non‐J3 Program Documents
ANSI A 14.2 Portable Metal – Safety Requirements
ANSI A 14.4 Safety Requirements for Job‐Made Ladders
ANSI A 14.5 Portable Reinforced Plastic – Safety Requirements
IS 3696.i Part 2 : 1991 Scaffolds and Ladders Code of Safety
12. Attachments
Attachment 01 Inspection Requirements

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© 2013 Reliance Industries Ltd.