Ladder Safety & Inspection — Workplace Safety

Duration: 2 Hours

Course Description:

This two-hour course is designed to equip industrial workers at all levels with the knowledge and practical skills required to select, inspect, set up, and use portable ladders safely in the workplace. The training is fully aligned with the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3276 (Portable Ladders) and satisfies the mandatory training topics prescribed under §3276(f).

The course addresses topics required by CalOSHA including the frequency and severity of ladder-related injuries, selection by duty rating and material, proper setup and angle, three-point contact technique, behavioral safety factors, prohibited uses, and periodic inspection requirements. Supervisors of employees who routinely use ladders are required to attend this training per §3276(f).

Target Audience:

General industry employees, supervisors, managers, and new hires — all levels

Course Objectives:

• Identify the frequency and severity of ladder-related injuries and the leading causes of falls
• Select the correct ladder type, duty rating, and material for the task and environment
• Inspect a portable ladder using a CalOSHA-compliant inspection checklist
• Remove defective ladders from service using correct regulatory tag language
• Set up and secure extension and stepladders correctly, including proper angle and landing extension
• Demonstrate three-point contact technique and correct working position on a ladder
• Identify all prohibited uses under CalOSHA Title 8 CCR §3276(e)(16)
• Recognize behavioral safety factors that contribute to ladder falls

Topics Covered:

Module 1 — Welcome & Course Overview

• Why ladder safety matters — frequency and severity of injuries (§3276(f)(1))
• CalOSHA regulatory framework: Title 8 CCR §3276, §1675, §3277, ANSI A14 series
• Leading causes of ladder falls — improper setup, overreaching, slippery surfaces
• Behavioral factors: haste, sudden movement, lack of attention, footwear, physical condition
• Employer and supervisor responsibilities under §3203 IIPP and §3276(f)

Module 2 — Ladder Types & Selection

• How to read ladder labels — duty rating, load capacity, ANSI standard references
• Duty classifications: Type IAA (375 lbs.) through Type III (200 lbs.) per §3276(d)(2)
• Ladder materials: wood, fiberglass (preferred near electrical), aluminum (prohibited near electrical)
• Non-self-supporting ladders: single, extension/section — maximum lengths and minimum overlaps
• Self-supporting ladders: stepladder, two-way, platform, orchard, trestle
• Special-purpose ladders and selecting the right ladder for the job
• Electrical hazards — §3276(e)(18): non-conductive ladder requirements

Module 3 — Using Ladders Safely

• Pre-use preparation — selecting and inspecting before beginning a task
• Ladder placement: 1:4 angle ratio, footing support, securing top and base per §3276(e)(7)–(11)
• Proper climbing technique: face the ladder, 3-point contact at all times per §3276(e)(15)(C)
• Working position: body centered, hips within rails, no overreaching per §3276(e)(15)(A)
• Stepladder safety: top cap and step below top cap restrictions per §3276(e)(15)(E)
• Extension ladder setup: 1:4 rule, 36-inch extension above landing per §3276(e)(11)
• Prohibited uses: cross-bracing, tying ladders, using as platform per §3276(e)(16)
• Behavioral safety factors contributing to falls per §3276(f)(6)

Module 4 — Inspection, Maintenance & Storage

• Pre-use inspection — rails, rungs, feet, hardware, labels, extension locks
• Removing defective ladders from service: tag ‘Dangerous, Do Not Use’ per §3276(e)(3)
• Slip resistance maintenance — mud/grease, footwear inspection, anti-slip coatings
• Repairing wooden ladders and when to remove metal ladders from service
• Periodic inspection by a qualified person — documentation requirements per §3276(e)(2)
• Transporting and storing ladders to prevent damage and maintain serviceability

Module 5 — Advanced Inspection & Hands-On Activity

• Video: How to Inspect Portable Ladders (embedded demonstration)
• CalOSHA Portable Ladder Inspection Form — understanding what to document
• Hands-on demonstration: students inspect assigned ladders and complete inspection forms
• Group debrief — identifying defects, tagging out of service, discussing corrective actions
• Knowledge check: cumulative review of all modules

Please Note – This course satisfies the initial and refresher ladder safety training requirements under CalOSHA Title 8 CCR §3276(f). It is not a substitute for job-specific fall protection training, confined space entry certification, or any other specialized safety program required by the employee’s role or worksite conditions. Employees with questions about specific safety programs or additional training requirements should contact their supervisor or NATEC International, Inc.