Ladder Safety Program
Montana State University
Ladder Safety Program
MSU Safety and Risk Management Office
Effective Date: 2023
1. Purpose
The purpose of this Ladder Safety Program is to provide clear, practical guidance for university employees who use ladders in the course of their work—whether it’s routine maintenance, changing ceiling tiles, cleaning upper-story windows, or adjusting AV equipment in a lecture hall. We’ve built this program with input from our own facilities and custodial crews to make sure it reflects the real conditions and needs we face here in the mountain west.
2. Scope
This program applies to all university employees who use portable ladders as part of their job duties, including:
•Maintenance technicians
•HVAC and electrical trades
•Custodial services
•Groundskeepers
•Lab and research support staff
•Construction or remodeling staff
It covers step ladders, extension ladders, platform ladders, and fixed ladders under OSHA’s General Industry standards (29 CFR 1910 Subpart D). Employees working under a construction contract must also follow applicable 1926 standards.
3. Key Regulations and Standards
This program is built around the following federal safety standards and best practices:
•OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 – Ladders (General Industry)
•OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1053 – Ladders (Construction)
•ANSI A14 Series – Portable Ladder Standards (reference only)
•Manufacturer guidelines and labeling
4. Definitions
•Portable Ladder: A ladder that can be easily moved or carried, including step, extension, and articulated
ladders.
•Fixed Ladder: A ladder permanently attached to a structure, such as those on rooftops or storage
tanks.
•Working Height: The highest point a person can safely reach from the ladder platform or rung.
•Three Points of Contact: Having either two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the
ladder at all times.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
Safety and Risk Management
•Maintain this program and ensure it aligns with current regulations.
•Provide or approve ladder safety training content.
•Assist in incident investigations involving ladders.
Supervisors and Department Heads
•Make sure ladders provided to staff are serviceable and suited to the job.
•Confirm employees have completed required training.
•Take defective ladders out of service and arrange repair or replacement.
Employees
•Inspect ladders before use—every time.
•Use the right ladder for the job and setup conditions.
•Follow safe climbing practices and report unsafe conditions.
6. Ladder Selection
Use a ladder rated for at least the weight of the user plus tools/materials. Common types and ratings include:
| Ladder Type | Duty Rating | Weight Capacity |
| Type IAA | Extra Heavy Duty | 375lbs |
| Type IA | Heavy Duty | 300lbs |
| Type I | Industrial Use | 250lbs |
| Type II | Commercial Use | 225lbs |
| Type III |
Household Use (Not approved for University work) |
200lbs |
Note: Type II and III ladders should not be used for university maintenance or trades
work.
7. Inspection and Maintenance
Pre-Use Inspection (Required Before Each Use):
Check the following:
•Side rails for cracks, dents, or bends
•Steps and rungs are secure and clean
•Feet are intact and gripping surface is functional
•Hardware (spreaders, pulleys, locks) operates properly
•Labels are intact and readable
•No signs of corrosion or warping (especially in wood ladders)
If the ladder fails any of the above checks:
•Tag it “Do Not Use”
•Remove it from service
•Notify your supervisor
Ladders may not be field-modified or “rigged” to compensate for damage or wear.
8. Safe Use Procedures
Here are rules and practices to follow every time, no exceptions:
General Rules
•Face the ladder when climbing or descending.
•Keep your body between the side rails—don't lean or reach.
•Maintain three points of contact.
•Don’t climb higher than the second step from the top on a stepladder, or the fourth
rung from the top on an extension ladder.
•Do not move a ladder while someone is on it.
•Set ladders on stable, level ground. Never place on boxes, bricks, or other “make-do”
setups.
•Keep ladders at least 10 feet from power lines.
Extension Ladder Angle Rule
Follow the 4-to-1 Rule:
For every 4 feet of ladder height, the base should be 1 foot away from the wall.
Example: A 20-foot ladder should be set up 5 feet away from the structure.
Stepladders
•Fully open the ladder and lock the spreaders.
•Never use the top cap as a step.
•Keep both feet on the same step when working.
9. Ladder Storage and Transportation
•Store ladders indoors or under cover to protect from UV damage and weather.
•Don’t hang heavy items from stored ladders.
•Carry ladders with care—watch for corners, doorways, and people nearby.
•Use two-person carry for large extension ladders.
10. Training Requirements
All employees who use ladders must complete ladder safety training before their first use and every three years thereafter, or when:
•There is a change in ladder type or job task,
•An incident occurs involving a ladder,
•Unsafe ladder use is observed.
Training includes:
•Ladder selection
•Setup and use
•Hazard recognition
•Inspection and storage
•Fall prevention basics
Training is hands-on and conducted by a qualified person approved by Safety and Risk Management. Completion must be documented.
11. Incident Reporting
All ladder-related incidents—including near misses—must be reported to the supervisor within 24 hours and to the Safety and Risk Management Office. This helps identify hazards, prevent recurrence, and ensure our program stays grounded in real-world conditions.
12. Program Review and Updates
This program will be reviewed every two years or following:
•An incident involving ladder use
•Changes in OSHA or ANSI ladder safety standards
•Observed deficiencies in field practices