The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration was first formed with a view of reducing occupational injuries and deaths. The construction industry involves the use of ladders. Injuries and fatalities occur due to the use of these fixed ladders and thus OSHA has laid down certain requirements to ensure that ladders are safe to use. OSHA 10 hour construction training courses teach all about the ladders and their proper use.
Every fixed ladder should have rungs of a certain diameter depending upon its material. For example, in case of wood, the rung should have a diameter 1 1/8th of an inch. This will ensure that the rungs don't get damaged during use. The rungs should also have a uniform distance of no less than twelve inches. Similarly, every point on the ladder should be able to withstand at least a 200 pound load.
The maintenance of fixed ladders is a must. To resist rust and corrosion, metal ladders should be painted and treated. Likewise, the wooden ladders should be treated with a substance that prevents rotting and thus avoids accidents. The landing boards on either end of the ladder should be positioned within twelve inches from the rung that is closest to it. They should also have toe-boards and railings to alert a climber that he is nearing a ladder.
Every fixed ladder should have rungs of a certain diameter depending upon its material. For example, in case of wood, the rung should have a diameter 1 1/8th of an inch. This will ensure that the rungs don't get damaged during use. The rungs should also have a uniform distance of no less than twelve inches. Similarly, every point on the ladder should be able to withstand at least a 200 pound load.
The maintenance of fixed ladders is a must. To resist rust and corrosion, metal ladders should be painted and treated. Likewise, the wooden ladders should be treated with a substance that prevents rotting and thus avoids accidents. The landing boards on either end of the ladder should be positioned within twelve inches from the rung that is closest to it. They should also have toe-boards and railings to alert a climber that he is nearing a ladder.
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