Procedure - Safe Steps
Section: Human Resource Procedure
Procedure Owner: Ignition633 Ministries Nigeria Human Resources
Procedure Name: Safety Rules Procedure
Origination Date: October 2024
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to establish clear safety guidelines for the use of stepladders to prevent accidents, injuries, and equipment damage. It aims to educate personnel on identifying and mitigating common stepladder hazards, ensuring that ladders are used correctly and safely in compliance with manufacturer instructions.
Scope
This procedure applies to all employees, contractors, and personnel who are required to use stepladders in the course of their work. It covers the identification of common hazards, proper use, and handling of stepladders in various workplace settings, including those with unstable surfaces, high-traffic areas, or proximity to electrical wiring or equipment.
Common Step-Ladder Hazards
- Damaged stepladder
- Ladders on slippery or unstable surface
- Unlocked ladder spreaders
- Standing on the top step or top cap
- Loading ladder beyond rated load
- Ladders in high-traffic location
- Reaching outside ladder side rails
- Ladders in close proximity to electrical wiring/equipment
Do
- Read and follow all the manufacturer’s instructions and labels on the ladder.
- Look for overhead power lines before handling or climbing a ladder.
- Maintain a 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) when climbing/ descending a ladder.
- Stay near the middle of the ladder and face the ladder while climbing up/down.
- Use a barricade to keep traffic away from the ladder.
Do Not
- Use ladders for a purpose other than that for which they were designed. For example, do not use a folded stepladder as a single ladder.
- Use a stepladder with spreaders unlocked.
- Use the top step or cap as a step.
- Place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases.
- Move or shift a ladder with a person or equipment on the ladder.
- Use cross bracing on the rear of stepladders for climbing.
- Paint a ladder with opaque coatings.
- Use a damaged ladder.
- Leave tools/materials/equipment on stepladder.
- Use a stepladder horizontally like a platform.
- Use a metal stepladder near power lines or electrical equipment
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This procedure will be reviewed annually and is subject to change. Any changes will be communicated to all employees promptly.
For any questions or further assistance regarding this procedure, employees should contact the HR department at hr.nigeria@ignition633.org.