2.1 Prevention and Control
2.1.1 Site Ladder Safety Plan
Each Microsoft location included in the scope of this program must develop a Site-specific Ladder Safety Plan (Site Plan). The Site Plan must be made available to any personnel potentially affected by the procedure, including employees, external staff, or regulatory agency personnel. The Site Plan must include the following:
Site Plan purpose and scope.
Applicable federal, state, or local regulatory requirements.
Personnel roles and responsibilities.
Definitions of terms critical to an understanding of the program.
Summary of the workplace survey and risk assessments.
Site control procedures, including safe work practices.
A description of required training and topics to be discussed.
Ladder inventory and inspection checklist.
A record of accidents, incidents, and near-misses related to ladders.
2.1.2 Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment is an evaluation of health and safety hazards in a work task and determining the likelihood of personnel injury or property damage resulting from those hazards. These analyses will usually include:
Interviewing supervisors, employees, and external staff.
Observing work practices.
Reviewing supporting documents that may include applicable regulations and guidelines and SOPs.
Conducting air and/or surface sampling, where occupational exposure limits are in question or as otherwise necessary.
Engaging process experts to review the tasks and develop safe work practices for operation and maintenance.
The Plan Administrator will provide recommendations of appropriate engineering controls, administrative controls, work practices, PPE, or corrective action items. Supervisors must notify the Plan Administrator when:
For more information on the risk assessment process, consult the Microsoft Exposure Assessment Program.
2.1.3 Hazards Related to Ladder Use
Improper use of ladders or using the wrong ladder for the job can put the user at risk of a fall. Falling from a ladder or being hit by falling objects are two of the major hazards associated with ladder use. Common causes of ladder hazards include:
Inappropriate use
Using ladders to form a makeshift scaffold or sawhorse.
Not fully extending spreaders on a step ladder.
Standing on the top step of a step ladder.
Using the top step to hold equipment or supplies.
Over-reaching or extending the body outside the side rails.
Improper placement
Placing the ladder base too close to or too far from the supporting wall.
Not adequately securing the base.
Placing the ladder on an uneven or unstable surface (wet, icy, or greasy).
Damaged equipment
Slipping due to improper shoes or worn skid-resistant material on the rungs or steps.
Damage to the footers, spreaders, or base members that affects the load capacity of the ladder.
2.1.4 Workplace Survey
A Site Plan begins with a survey of the workplace for ladders used at the Site. A workplace survey must include the following considerations:
Identification of types and sizes of ladders being used at the facility.
Identification of areas where personnel might be exposed, or might expose others, to falling objects
Designated areas for ladder storage.
The type of work environment where ladders will be used (e.g., outside vs. inside, open vs. congested).
Specific hazards associated with the use of ladders.
General housekeeping requirements related to ladder use.
2.1.5 Ladder Types
There are many types of ladders that may be suitable for a task. Typical ladder types include:
Rolling Ladders
Mobile Ladder Stands
Extension Ladders
Standard step ladders
Platform ladders
Two-way step ladders
Trestle Ladders
Fixed Ladders
2.1.6 Ladder Materials
Ladders can be constructed from various materials, including fiberglass, wood, and metal
The material used in the ladder construction is an important consideration when selecting a ladder for a task. For instance, metal ladders cannot be used when working around electricity. The Site Plan should provide procedures for selecting the appropriate type of ladder.
2.1.7 Safe Work Practices
Safe Work Practices Checklist can be found in Appendix B. Before starting a job, the worker should assess their work environment prior to using a ladder.
Identify problems and address them before beginning work (e.g., operating in a high foot traffic area).
Keep work area clean and cleared of any obstructions or tripping hazards.
Users must face the ladder and always maintain three-points-of-contact when ascending or descending.
Never stand on chairs, shelves, or stacked objects.
Special precautions must be taken when working around electrical hazards.
Always assess the surrounding area for electrical hazards that may come into contact with the ladder.
Keep all ladders a minimum of 10 feet away from electrical lines unless the lines have been de-energized. For more information on working around electrical hazards, refer to the Microsoft Electrical Safety Program.
Proper ladder setup is imperative for safe ladder use.
Ladders should always be placed on level and stable surfaces.
Do not use ladders on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental movement.
Ladders must not be placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.
A simple rule for setting up an extension ladder at the proper angle is to place the base a distance from the vertical wall equal to one-fourth the working length of the ladder, commonly referred to as the 4:1 ratio.
Ladders must not be loaded beyond the manufacturer’s rated capacity, also known as duty rating.
When evaluating whether a ladder’s duty rating is adequate, consider the weight of the user, the weight of the tools and equipment being used and stored on the ladder, and the weight of the user’s clothing and personal protective equipment (i.e. respiratory protection).
2.1.8 Ladder Storage and Inventory
The Lab Manager must designate a ladder control area for storage.
Ladders should never be left leaning upright against a wall.
Hang ladders on racks or chain to walls to prevent them from falling onto equipment and to prevent materials from being stored on the ladder. The racks should have enough support to prevent the ladder from sagging.
Ladders should be kept in a dry place away from excessive heat, sunlight, and moisture.
Ladders should be kept clean and free of foreign materials, especially oil and grease that could make the rungs slippery.
Ladders must be properly secured and supported while in transit.
2.1.9 Worker Protection
Personnel must wear appropriate PPE when using ladders.
Other PPE required will be dependent upon the hazards of the task being performed (safety glasses, dust mask, hard hat, etc.).
PPE should not create a snag or trip hazard while ascending, working on, or descending the ladder.
2.1.10 Audits
The Site Plan must be audited annually and updated as needed to correct identified deficiencies. The Plan Administrator must also review any past incidents related to machine guarding that occurred since the previous audit.
Managers and supervisors should be consulted about program improvement opportunities and involved in implementation of needed compliance improvements. The Site Plan should be updated as needed to reflect regulatory changes and improvements resulting from the annual audit.
2.1.11 Inspections
Inspect all ladders on a regular and frequent basis, removing from use any ladder that shows damage. Follow the inspection criteria table below:
| When the ladder is | Do the following |
| First placed into service and periodically while in service |
|
| Damaged by impacts or tips over |
|
| Exposed to excessive heat such as a fire |
|
