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Ladder use job hazard analysis (JHA) template

Ladder work carries fall, slide-out, tip-over and electrical contact hazards. OSHA requires portable ladder side rails to extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1)), and ladders to be used only on stable, level surfaces unless secured. Use this template to plan each climb.

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The task

Using a portable straight, extension or step ladder to reach a work area or landing, and doing short-duration work from it.

Steps, hazards and controls

Controls run from most effective to least. A citation beside a control means an OSHA paragraph requires it; with no citation it is good practice.

StepHazardControls
1. Decide if a ladder is the right toolLadder is not suited to the job or the load
  1. Eliminate: Bring the work down to the ground, or use a pre-assembled platform, so nobody has to climb.
  2. Substitute: Use a scaffold, scissor lift or stair tower when the job needs two hands, heavy tools or long time at height.
  3. Administrative control: Match the ladder type and duty rating to the person plus tools and materials, and do not exceed it. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(3))
  4. Administrative control: Use a ladder only for the purpose it was designed for. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(4))
Ladder or person could touch energized equipment
  1. Eliminate: De-energize and lock out nearby circuits before the ladder goes up.
  2. Engineering control: Choose a ladder with nonconductive side rails whenever contact with exposed energized equipment is possible. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(12))
2. Inspect the ladder before useDamaged rail, rung, step or foot gives way
  1. Eliminate: Pull any ladder with a structural defect from service and replace it with a sound one. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(16))
  2. Administrative control: Have a competent person inspect ladders for visible defects periodically and after any event that could affect safe use. As good practice, also check your own ladder before each climb. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(15))
  3. Administrative control: Tag or mark defective ladders so nobody picks them up by mistake. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(16))
Oil, grease or mud on rungs causes a slip
  1. Administrative control: Wipe the ladder clean and keep it free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(2))
  2. PPE: Wear dry, clean work boots with good tread.
3. Position and set the ladderBase slides out or ladder is too steep or too shallow
  1. Engineering control: Set a non-self-supporting ladder so the foot is about one-quarter of the working length from the top support. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(5)(i))
  2. Engineering control: Place the ladder on a stable, level surface, or secure it so it cannot move. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(6))
  3. Engineering control: On slippery surfaces, secure the ladder or use slip-resistant feet. The feet are not a substitute for care in placing, lashing or holding the ladder. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(7))
  4. Administrative control: Have a second person foot the ladder when ground conditions are poor, as good practice.
Ladder is struck by a door, vehicle or worker
  1. Engineering control: Secure ladders that sit in passageways, doorways or driveways, or put up a barricade. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(8))
  2. Administrative control: Keep the area at the top and the bottom of the ladder clear. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(9))
  3. Administrative control: Lock or guard the door and post a sign when the ladder is near a doorway.
4. Tie off and extend above the landingLadder shifts at the top or too short to step off safely
  1. Engineering control: Extend the side rails at least 3 feet above the upper landing. If the ladder is too short for that, secure the top to a rigid support and provide a grab rail. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1))
  2. Engineering control: Rest both rails evenly on the support, unless the ladder has a single support attachment. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(10))
  3. Engineering control: Tie the top of the ladder to the structure when stepping on or off a roof edge or landing.
5. Climb up and downLoss of balance while climbing
  1. Administrative control: Face the ladder going up and down. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(20))
  2. Administrative control: Keep at least one hand on the ladder while you climb. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(21))
  3. Administrative control: Do not carry anything that could make you lose your balance. Hoist tools with a hand line or tool belt. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(22))
  4. PPE: Wear boots that are clean and in good shape.
6. Work from the ladderOverreach or standing on the wrong step
  1. Eliminate: Climb down and move the ladder instead of leaning out. Keep your belt buckle between the rails.
  2. Administrative control: Never use the top or top step of a stepladder as a step. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(13))
  3. Administrative control: Do not climb on the cross-bracing of the back section unless the ladder is built with steps on both sides. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(14))
  4. Administrative control: Do not move, shift or extend the ladder while someone is on it. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(11))
Stepladder closes or folds
  1. Engineering control: Lock the spreader or locking device fully open before climbing. (29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(8))
  2. Administrative control: Check that all four feet sit flat and that nobody climbs the rear section.
7. Move, store and tag outDamaged ladder goes back into service
  1. Administrative control: Repair a damaged ladder only so it meets its original design criteria before it goes back into use. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(18))
  2. Administrative control: Store ladders where they will not be crushed, bent or left in the weather.

Required PPE

  • Hard hat when overhead work or falling objects are possible
  • Slip-resistant work boots
  • Work gloves for hoisting and carrying
  • Safety glasses for overhead work

What the standard says

  • Portable ladder side rails must extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing, or the ladder must be secured and a grab rail provided. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1))

    “When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access”

  • Set non-self-supporting ladders at the one-quarter angle. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(5)(i))

    “Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder”

  • Use ladders only on stable, level surfaces unless secured. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(6))

    “Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement.”

  • Face the ladder when going up or down. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(20))

    “When ascending or descending a ladder, the user shall face the ladder.”

  • Do not carry loads that could make you fall. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(22))

    “An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall.”

  • Use a nonconductive-rail ladder where contact with live equipment is possible. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(12))

    “Ladders shall have nonconductive siderails if they are used where the employee or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment, except as provided in § 1926.955(b) and (c) of this part.”

  • A competent person must inspect ladders periodically and after any event that could affect safe use. (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(15))

    “Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.”

Training

Each employee using ladders must be trained by a competent person. Training covers fall hazards, correct use and placement of ladders, the maximum intended load, and the ladder standards (29 CFR 1926.1060(a)(1)). Retrain as needed (29 CFR 1926.1060(b)).

Frequently asked questions

Does OSHA require a JHA for ladder use?
OSHA does not require a written JHA for ladder use. OSHA does require employers to train workers to recognize and avoid hazards (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)) and requires ladder training (29 CFR 1926.1060). A JHA is a good way to meet both.
What goes in a ladder use JHA?
Your JHA should list the climb steps, such as inspecting, setting the angle, securing the ladder, climbing and moving it. For each step list the hazard, then the controls in order from stronger to weaker. Add the crew names, date and the competent person who checked the ladder.
How far should a ladder extend above the landing?
Side rails must extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface. If the ladder is too short for that, it must be secured at the top to a rigid support and a grab rail provided (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1)). As a habit, mark the ladder with tape at that height before you set it.

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