All Louisville Ladder products have been designed and built to meet or exceed the application standard and requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
OSHA sets minimum national requirements with respect to the use of ladders in business and industry. However, many states have enacted their own regulations under the Occupational Safety & Health Act that establish more severe requirements. The more demanding state codes will supercede OSHA standards within their respective states. Therefore, users should check with their own state OSHA representatives.
ANSI codes have established a Duty Rating which identifies the use for which a portable ladder is intended and the conditions under which the ladder can be used safely. These are as follows:
- Type IAA – Extra heavy duty industrial capable of supporting 375 lbs.
- Type IA – Extra heavy duty industrial capable of supporting 300 lbs.
- Type I – Heavy duty industrial capable of supporting 250 lbs.
- Type II – Medium duty commercial capable of supporting 225 lbs.
- Type III – Light duty household capable of supporting 200 lbs.
An extensive series of tests and design requirements determines which Duty Rating label a particular ladder may receive. The total load supported included the combined weight of the user, clothing, tools and any materials on the ladder. However, ladders must be used properly in order to support the intended load.
Proper Selection – Select ladder of proper duty rating and length to safely reach desired height.
Inspection Before Each Use
- Inspect thoroughly for missing of damaged components. Never use a damaged ladder and never make temporary repairs.
- Inspect thoroughly for loose fasteners. Make sure all working parts are in good working order (lubricate if necessary).
- Clean ladder of all foreign material (wet paint, mud, snow, grease, oil, etc).
- Destroy ladder if damaged, worn, or exposed to fire or chemicals.
Consider Before Each Use
- Metal ladders conduct electricity. Keep away from electrical circuits.
- Consult manufacturer for use in chemical or other corrosive environments.
- Use ladder only as outlined in instructions. Ladders are designed for one person only. Do not overload.
- Do not use in high winds or during storm.
- Do not use if in poor health, if taking any drugs or alcoholic beverages, or if physically handicapped.
- Keep shoes clean, Leather soles should not be worn.
- Never leave ladder set up and unattended.
- Pay close attention to what you are doing.
STEPLADDERS - Proper Set up and Use
- Use help in setting up ladder, if possible.
- Make sure ladder is fully open and spreaders locked.
- Set all feet on firm, level surface. Do not place on unstable, loose or slippery surfaces. Place ladder where access is not obstructed. Do not place in front of unlocked doors. Ladders are not intended to be used on scaffolds.
- Secure ladder from movement where possible.
- Make sure spreaders are locked and ladder is stable before climbing.
- Climb only front side of ladder. Face ladder when climbing up or down. Maintain a firm grip. Use both hands in climbing.
- Keep body centered between side rails. Do not overreach. Get down and move ladder as needed.
- Do not climb, stand, or sit above second step from top. Do not climb, stand, or sit on spreader braces, ladder top, or pail shelf.
- Do not straddle front and back. Do not climb from one ladder onto another.
- Avoid pushing or pulling off to side of ladder. Do not “walk” or “shift” ladder while on it.
- Mechanic ladders and extension trestle ladders may be climbed from either side.
Stepladder Height Selection Guide
| Stepladder Size |
Approx. Highest Standing Level |
| 4' |
1' 11" |
| 5' |
2' 10" |
| 6' |
3' 9" |
| 7' |
4' 9" |
| 8' |
5' 8" |
| 10' |
7' 7" |
| 12' |
9' 6" |
| 14' |
11' 5" |
| 16' |
13' 4" |
| 18' |
15' 3" |
| 20' |
17' 2" |
SINGLE & EXTENSION LADDERS - Proper Set up and Use
- Use help in setting up ladder, if possible.
- Set base of ladder on firm, level surface. Ladder leveling devices are available for use on uneven ground. Place ladder where access is not obstructed.
- Do not place on unstable, loose, or slippery surfaces. Do not place in front of unlocked doors. Ladders are not intended to be used on scaffolds.
- Secure base section before raising ladder to upright position. Do not raise or lower with fly section extended.
- Extend fly section and engage rung locks. Make sure rope does not create a tripping hazard or interfere with activity near ladder. Recommend tying bottom fly rung to adjacent base rung.
- Extend or retract fly section only from ground and when no one is on ladder.
- Do not overextend. A minimum overlap of sections is required as follows:
- ladder size up to and including 32’ – 3’ overlap;
- over 32’ up to and including 36’ – 4’ overlap;
- over 36’ up to and including 48’ = 5’ overlap;
- sizes over 48’ – 6’ overlap.
- Position ladder against upper support surface. Make sure ladder does not lean to side. Ladder must make a 75-1/2 degree angle with the ground.
- To establish if a ladder is at proper angle: Determine the distance along the rail between the top and bottom support points of the ladder. Divide this distance by 4. The result will be the norizontal distance between the top and bottom support points.
- Erect ladder with approximately 3 feet extending above the rood line or working surface.
- Secure top and bottom of ladder from movement where possible.
- Check that top and bottom of ladder are properly supported. Make sure rung locks are engaged before climbing.
- Face ladder when climbing up or down. Maintain a firm grip.
- Use both hands in climbing.
- Keep body centered between side rails. Do not overreach. Get down and move ladder as needed.
- Do not climb above top support point. Do not climb from one ladder to another.
- Do not straddle or sit on rungs.
- Avoid pushing or pulling off to side of ladder. Do not “walk” or “shift” ladder while on it.
Extension Ladder Length Selection Guide
| Ladder Size |
Max. Extended Length |
Working Range to Top Support* |
Max. Accessible Roof Height Range** |
16'
|
13' |
7-1/2' - 12-1/2'
|
4-1/2' - 9-1/2'
|
| 20' |
17' |
9-1/2' - 16-1/2'
|
6-1/2' - 13-1/2'
|
| 24' |
21' |
11-1/2' - 20'
|
8-1/2' - 17'
|
| 28' |
25' |
13-1/2' - 24'
|
10-1/2' - 21'
|
| 32' |
29' |
15-1/2' - 28'
|
12-1/2' - 25'
|
| 36' |
32' |
17-1/2' - 31'
|
14' - 28'
|
| 40' |
35' |
19' - 33-1/2'
|
16' - 30-1/2'
|
| 44' |
39' |
21' - 37-1/2'
|
18' - 34-1/2'
|
| 48' |
43' |
23' - 41-1/2'
|
20' - 38-1/2'
|
60' **
|
48' |
23' - 46-1/2'
|
20' - 43-1/2'
|
* When set up at the proper 75-1/2
o angle. Top support point is where the top of ladder lays against the building.
** When set up at the proper 75-1/2
o angle. Top support point becomes the edge of the roof. The ladder must extend approx. 3 feet above top support point (i.e., 3 feet above roof line or working surface).
*** Three-section extension
Proper Care and Storage
- Hang ladder on racks at intervals of 6’ for support.
- Never store materials on ladder.
- Never drop or apply an impact load to ladder.
- Securely support ladder in transit.
- Never paint a wood ladder. Treat with wood preservative.
- Protect wood ladder from exposure to the elements, but allow good ventilation. Keep away from heat and moisture.