Safety Information

Click one of the topics below or scroll this page for ladder safety information.

• Regarding General Ladder Safety
• Instructions for the Safe Use of Scaffold Planks and Stages
• Instructions for the Safe Use of Ladder Jacks

The Green Bull Commitment To Ladder Safety

Every Green Bull ladder is built on a foundation of quality and safety. All of our products meet or exceed the applicable standards and requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Regarding OSHA Requirements

OSHA sets minimum national requirements for the use of ladders in business and industry. In addition, many states have their own regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act that may be even more stringent. The state codes will supersede the national OSHA standards within their own state. Users should check with their own state OSHA representatives for the appropriate requirements.

The adequacy of ladders and the work practices followed by employees using them are regulated by OSHA in four sections: Portable Wood (1910.25), Portable Metal (1910.26), Fixed Ladders (1910.27), and ladders used in Construction Industry (1926.1053). These sections specify the standards to which all portable ladders must be manufactured, care and placement of ladders in the workplace, and the safe use of ladders on the job.

Regarding ANSI Requirements

Depending on the material and type of ladder, different ANSI safety codes apply. The ANSI codes are as follows:

ANSI codes also have an established Duty Rating. This rating identifies which portable ladder is intended for the conditions under which the ladder can be safely used. The Duty Rating system is as follows:

Extensive testing and design requirements determine the appropriate Duty Rating for each ladder model. The rated load capacity includes the combined weight of the user, clothing, tools and any materials on the ladder. The ratings assume proper use of the ladder (especially relating to the placement angle) in order to support the specified load.

Regarding CSA International Certification

The CSA mark is your assurance that our products meet all applicable CSA safety standards. Representative samples of our product were examined and tested according to the applicable standard.

Products in the catalog carrying this mark are rated Grade 1 for Heavy-Duty.

Regarding General Ladder Safety

A ladder is a tool like any other. If it is used properly and according to safety guidelines, it will give many years of trouble-free service. However, if proper cautions are not taken, a ladder can be involved in an accident. Please read and follow all instructions and labels accompanying each ladder.

Two factors that deserve particular attention are proper ladder selection and electrical shock precautions:

• Pay close attention to the Duty Rating of the ladder and the combined weight of the user and materials. Select a ladder with the proper capacity. Also, be sure to select a ladder of proper height to reach the work area without overextending.
• Be aware of wires, electrical devices and live electrical circuits. Metal ladders conduct electricity and can create a danger of electrocution. Failure to read and follow instructions regarding electrical safety could result in serious personal injury or death.

Inspection Before Each Use

1. Inspect upon receipt and before each use. Never climb a damaged, bent or broken ladder: all working parts must be in good working order.
2. Make sure all rivets and joints, nuts and bolts are tight; feet, steps and rungs are secure; spreaders and pail shelf function properly (on step ladders); and rung locks, rope and pulley are in good condition (on extension ladders).
3. Keep ladder clean, free from grease, oil, mud, snow, wet paint and other slippery material. Keep your shoes clean.
4. Never make repairs of damaged or missing parts.
5. Destroy ladder if damaged, worn or if exposed to fire or chemical corrosion.

General Precautions Before Each Use

1. Read the instructions printed on the ladder and follow them. Ladders are designed for one person. Exceptions are Twin Stepladders, which may be used by two people, one on each side. Duty Ratings still apply for each side and should be carefully observed.
2. Never leave a ladder set up and unattended. Special care should be taken to keep children away from all ladders.
3. Always keep ladder clean of all foreign materials. Destroy if exposed to excessive heat or any corrosive agent.
4. You should never use a ladder if you are not in good physical condition.
5. Windy conditions require extra caution.
6. Stay focused on safety whenever you are on the ladder and keep your belt buckle between the side rails.

Proper Care & Storage of Ladders

1. Store ladders in a safe, dry place.
2. Hang ladders on racks, at intervals of 6 feet for support.
3. Properly secure and support ladders while in transit.
4. Keep ladders clean and free of foreign materials.
5. Never store materials on ladders.

Stepladders — Proper Set Up

1. DANGER! Metal Conducts Electricity! Do not let ladders of any material come in contact with live electrical wires.
2. Always fully open ladder and lock spreaders before climbing.
3. Place on firm level surface with a secure footing. Do not use on slippery surfaces. Do not attach anything to or place anything under ladder to gain additional height. Do not place in front of door opening toward ladder.

Proper Climbing & Use

1. Face ladder when climbing up or down; keep body centered between side rails.
2. Always face ladder and maintain a firm grip while on it.
3. Never climb a ladder from the side or climb from one ladder to another unless ladder is secured against sideways movement.
4. Do not over reach; move ladder when needed.
5. Do not "walk" or "jog" ladder when standing on it.
6. Do not stand, climb or sit on ladder top, pail shelf, braces, or back section.
7. Do not overload. Do not exceed duty rating of ladder. Do not use as a brace, platform or plank.
8. Keep ladder close to work; avoid pushing or pulling off to the side of ladders.

Extension Ladders — Proper Set Up

1. DANGER! METAL CONDUCTS ELECTRICITY! BE CAREFUL! Use care when using near power lines and electrical circuits.
2. Secure base when raising extension and never set up ladder when it is extended.
3. Set ladder at proper angle by placing your toes against the bottom of the ladder. Stand erect. Extend your arms straight out. When palms of your hands contact the top of the rung, which is about shoulder level, ladder is at approximately the proper angle (Check with other labels.) Use only at proper angle.
4. Set ladder on firm ground. Do not lean sideways. Do not use on ice or snow or slippery surface without non-skid device or securing feet.
5. Erect ladder with minimum 1 ft. extending above roof line or 3 ft. above roof line when accessing roof.
6. Extend top section only from ground, never by "bouncing" or from the roof.
7. Do not overextend — maintain maximum required overlap of sections as follows:
   

   Ladder size up to and including 32' - 3' overlap Ladder size over 32' up to and including 36' - 4' overlap Ladder size over 36' up to and including 48' - 5' overlap Ladder size over 48' - 6' overlap

8. Place on a firm surface and a secure footing. Do not use on slippery surfaces. Never attach anything to or place anything under a ladder to gain height.
9. Do not place in front of door opening toward ladder.
10. Where possible, use second person to hold ladder.

Proper Climbing & Use

1. Securely engage ladder rung locks before climbing. Check that top and bottom ends of ladder rails are firmly supported.
2. Face ladder when climbing up or down; keep body centered between the rails.
3. Maintain a firm grip. Use both hands in climbing.
4. Never climb a ladder from the side or climb from one ladder to another unless ladder is secured against sideways motion.
5. Do not stand higher than 3 ft. from the top of the ladder.
6. Windy conditions require extra caution.
7. Never use ladder as a platform, plank or hoist. Never use ladder on a scaffold.
8. Do not overload. Ladders are meant for one person.
9. Keep ladder close to work; avoid pushing or pulling off to the side of ladders.
10. Never drop or apply an impact load to ladder.
11. Do not "walk" or "shift" ladder when standing on it.

Instructions for the Safe Use of Scaffold Planks and Stages

Proper Selection

1. Use only planks, platforms, stages, scaffolds or ladders which are manufactured and are erected in accordance with the appropriate ANSI standard.
2. Select plank with proper load rating such that the combined total weight of all persons, tools, and materials does not exceed the rated working load. Planks and stages are designed with rated working loads of 250, 500 and 750 pounds (113, 227, and 340 kg.) Do Not Overload.
3. Select only planks or stages of the proper width and length.

Inspection Before Each Use

1. Inspect upon receipt and before each use. Check all parts for proper function and for damage to component parts. Do not use a damaged or improperly functioning plank or platform.
2. A plank or platform exposed to excessive heat, as in the case of a fire, should be immediately removed from service and destroyed due to the loss of structural strength.
3. Do not use the product if the decking surface is damaged or has deteriorated. Do not paint.

Proper Set-Up & Use

1. Before using, refer to manufacturer's instructions.
2. Do not permit oil, grease, or any slippery material to accumulate on climbing or gripping surfaces.
3. Do not use this product for cantilever applications. Never stand on that portion of the product that extends beyond the supporting point.
4. Planks and stages are designed with rated working loads of 250, 500 and 750 pounds (113, 227, and 340 kg.) The combined total weight of all persons and materials should not exceed the rated working load. Do Not Overload
5. Erect the plank or platform so that the working or standing surface is level.
6. Support plank or platform ends by stirrups, scaffold bearer members, trusses, or other equipment intended for this purpose.
7. Use guard rails, mid rails and toeboards as required by local, state and federal regulations. Their use is recommended in all cases.
8. Do not allow unstable objects, such as barrels, boxes, loose brick, tools or debris to accumulate on the work surface.
9. Do not use a ladder or other device on a plank or platform to gain greater heights.
10. Never climb onto a stage from a ladder unless both the stage and the ladder are secured from movement in all directions.
11. Do not ride on a moving plank or platform. Tools, materials, and equipment should not be stored on planks or platforms that are being moved.
12. Do not apply impact loads to a plank or platform. Never attempt to straighten a deformed side rail, rung or decking member.
13. Do not use acids or other corrosive substances without consulting the plank or platform manufacturer for specific instructions.
14. Do not use a metal plank or platform near electrical circuits.
15. Use only 250, 300 or 375 pound duty-rated ladders when using planks or platforms with ladder jacks.

Proper Care & Storage

1. Support planks and platforms on racks when stored.
2. Never store material on planks or platforms.
3. Properly support planks and platforms in transit.

For Additional Information See ANSI A10.8

Instructions for the Safe Use of Ladder Jacks

Warning: Failure to read and follow instructions on the use of ladder jacks could result in personal injury or death.

General Safety Instructions

1. DANGER! Metal Conducts Electricity! Do not let ladder jacks come in contact with live electrical wires.
2. Use only 375 pound (Type IAA), 300 pound (Type IA) or 250 pound (Type I) duty-rated ladders with ladder jacks.
3. Do not overload platform or ladders.
4. Not recommended for use with wood runged ladders.
5. Recommended for one man use. Not for use with more than 2 men spaced at least 8 feet apart. Only one man on a 250 pound rated platform.
6. If platform is 10 ft. or more above the ground, use a body harness secured to a lanyard, fall prevention device and a lifeline secured to a solid structural member. Do not attach lifeline to the ladder, ladder jack, or platform.
7. Set ladders on a firm, non-skid surface.
8. The maximum length and width for a fabricated metal platform when used with ladder jacks is 32 feet long by 20 inches wide.
9. Contact plank manufacturer for proper use of laminated wood planks.
10. Use of natural wood planks is not recommended.

Proper Angle Set-Up

Set ladder at proper angle by placing placing your toes against the bottom of the ladder. Stand erect. Extend your arms straight out. When palms of your hands contact the top of the rung, which is about shoulder level, ladder is at approximately the proper angle (Check with other labels.) Use only at proper angle.

Inspection Before Each Use

1. Inspect thoroughly for missing or damaged components, including fasteners. Never use damaged ladder jacks, ladder or planks. Never make repairs.
2. Keep equipment clean of all foreign material (wet paint, mud, snow, grease, oil, etc.)
3. Destroy equipment if damaged, excessively worn or exposed to fire or chemicals.

General Precautions Before Each Use

1. Never leave a ladder set up and unattended. Special care should be taken to keep children away from all ladders.
2. Always keep ladder and ladder jacks clean of all foreign materials. Destroy if exposed to excessive heat or any corrosive agent.
3. You should never use a ladder if you are not in good physical condition.
4. Windy conditions require extra caution.
5. Stay focused on safety whenever you are on the ladder, and keep your body weight between the rails.
6. Keep shoes clean.

Proper Set-Up & Use

1. Use only 375 pound (Type IAA), 300 pound (Type IA) or 250 pound (Type I) duty-rated ladders with ladder jacks.
2. Follow instructions provided with platforms and ladders.
3. Use ladders only at proper angle.
4. Secure top and bottom of ladder to prevent movement before attaching ladder jacks.
5. Make sure every hook engages a rung when placing jacks on ladders.
6. Adjust the brace until the platform surface is horizontal. Make sure the adjusting mechanism is fully engaged and locked.
7. Minimum platform width required: Fabricated platform = 12". Wood platform = 18".
8. Maximum platform height shall be 20 ft. above the ground.
9. Platform must overhang support by at least 12 in. and no more than 18 in. Do not use this overhang. Securely fasten platform to jacks to prevent movement — this is especially critical when using guardrail systems.
10. Use guardrails and toeboard whenever platform is 10 ft. or more above the ground.
11. Set-up must comply with applicable ANSI, OSHA, state and local codes.

    A. Ladder Jack Scaffolds;	ANSI A10.8
    B. Fall Prevention Equipment;	ANSI A10.14
    C. Ladders;	ANSI A14.1, A14.2, A14.5
    D. Platforms;	ANSI A10.8

12. A separate ladder secured in place to access platform is recommended.
13. Use extreme caution when mounting and dismounting platforms.

For more information, visit the Werner Ladder Safety page.