Rolling ladders, also called platform ladders, come equipped with casters that can swivel in any direction and can be moved from one place to another. Composed of noncorrosive, lightweight metals such as aluminum and steel, these ladders can be used in multiple applications within industrial settings. Equipment access, maintenance areas, and stock rooms are among the many places where platform ladders can be used to boost efficiency and task safety.
Rolling ladders come in a variety of widths and lengths and must comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulations for Walking-Working Surfaces under 29 CFR 1910. This regulation outlines the maintenance and design requirements for rolling ladders in addition to workplace safety standards.
OSHA compliant rolling ladders must be able to support up to four times their maximum load and have slip-resistant working surfaces and steps.
When Rolling Ladders Should Be Used?
Rolling ladders are often used in manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and warehouses, but can be used almost anywhere. For instance, the iron, railroad, and aviation industries also depend on the use of rolling ladders to complete tasks at elevated levels.
Places like libraries, schools, hospitals, and offices store a lot of resources in multilevel storage areas which often require rolling ladders to access them. Rolling ladders provide increased levels of stability and safety when compared to a folding ladder.
- Locking devices make sure that the ladder doesn’t move out of position when it’s in use.
- Optional tool trays that are attached to the handrail around the top platform provide staff with easy and quick access to tools they may need for their work.
- Handrails located around the top platform and along the length of the steps protect employees from falls and offer protection for anyone climbing or descending the steps.
These features are even more important when someone is attempting to move bulky items or needs to stand on a ladder for long periods of time to complete a task.
Rolling Ladder Best Practices
Platforms are an efficient, safe way to accomplish many tasks, but when they are used carelessly or incorrectly, they can pose potential risks or hazards. We have compiled five tips that offer a general overview of the types of best practices facilities should execute to ensure that people are using rolling ladders safely and appropriately.
1. Select the Correct Size
Prior to purchasing a rolling ladder, you should determine where and how it will be used. If you know this information well in advance, this will help you select a platform ladder that is sized correctly. Rolling ladders that are sized correctly will keep personnel safe while they are completing tasks and prevent falls and overreaching injuries. Cantilevered rolling ladders provide a large working platform that works well with elevated maintenance operations.
2. Inspect the Ladder for Damage
Platform ladders must be inspected prior to use. This will protect staff from death or injury and reduce the likelihood of damaging nearby equipment or property.
Personnel should check for any corrosion, cracks, or rust that may compromise the structural integrity of the ladder prior to stepping foot onto one. Rivets and bolts should be secured tightly and the locking mechanism should be inspected to guarantee it is fully functional. Rolling ladders marked with “do not use” should be taken seriously.
3. Make Sure the Ladder Is Correctly Positioned
When a platform ladder is correctly positioned before it is used, you are keeping yourself safe. Rolling ladders must be placed on level ground to prevent rolls or slips from occurring. Rolling ladders are constructed with metal which is why personnel must be aware of all electrical sources that may be nearby so they can respond appropriately.
Whenever you are moving items to or from storage or performing work that requires you to be elevated for long periods of time, make sure you position the ladder as closely as possible to your task. This will decrease the risk of overreaching injuries.
4. Store and Maintain Properly
Equipment and tools work best when they are stored and maintained properly, especially with regard to rolling ladders. As rolling ladders are often used in industrial settings, it isn’t uncommon for one to come in contact with caustic substances or oils. They can make the surface of the ladder slippery and unsafe to climb and also damage the metal, reducing its lifespan. The ladder should always be kept clean and stored in a dry, secure place so that owners can expect dividends on this valuable investment.
5. Require Training
Personnel who may require the use of a platform ladder must receive training on best practices. Without proper training, an employee may think they know how to ascend or descend a platform ladder safely when in reality, these incorrect safety notions can put equipment and the individual unintentionally in harm’s way.
For example, a best practice would include important information about how to correctly face a platform ladder by keeping an individual’s body centered between the rails whenever they are climbing up or down. Implementing an all-encompassing training program that includes dozens of topics will ensure that facilities can protect their investments in both property and employees.
It is very important to follow these tips to ensure that personnel stays safe while also accomplishing the many tasks that may need to be done on a daily basis.
