Ladder Safety for Electricians: 11 Tips for Avoiding Shocks and Falls

Of all the tools electricians and electrical contractors use, few are as essential as a ladder. Whether you’re pulling wire through conduit in a ceiling or installing a light fixture, a ladder gets you where the task is. You may think you know all there is to know about ladder safety, including the OSHA ladder safety rules, but it’s easy to get careless, and accidents can happen, even to pros.

More than 100 workers die from ladder injuries every year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and thousands are injured. Don’t let a ladder accident keep you off the job -- or worse. Follow these tips to help avoid ladder-related shocks and falls

Choose a fiberglass ladder

Why do electricians use fiberglass ladders? Yes, these ladders cost more, but unlike aluminum, fiberglass is highly non-conductive, which means electricity can’t pass through it. That protects workers from electric shock in the event that the ladder touches a live wire.

Dry wood is also non-conductive, but wooden ladders can conduct electricity when wet. Fiberglass ladders also have other advantages over wooden ladders: They’re more rigid, durable and weather resistant. Some fiberglass ladders are designed with electricians in mind and offer features such as hooks, pole grips and plastic trays for tools.

Place ladders on stable, even ground

Don’t set up a ladder on uneven ground or you’ll increase the risk of the ladder tipping over while you’re on it. If the ground is uneven and you must place the ladder there, use a quality ladder leveler.

Keep ladders away from electrical lines

According to OSHA ladder safety guidelines, a ladder should be positioned far enough away from electrical lines so that it can’t make contact even if it tips or falls. Never use a metal ladder near power lines or any exposed electrical equipment.

Pay attention to the duty rating

The duty rating defines the maximum weight the ladder can support. That weight includes you, your PPE and any supplies or tools you’re carrying. Ladders are available in five duty ratings, with maximum load capacities as indicated below. Most electricians will want at least a Type II ladder.

 

• Type IAA (extra heavy duty): 375 pounds
• Type IA (extra heavy duty): 300 pounds
• Type I (heavy duty): 250 pounds
• Type II (medium duty): 225 pounds
• Type III (light duty): 200 pounds

Inspect the ladder before each use

Look for structural damage, missing or loose steps, cracks in the fiberglass, damaged or worn non-slip feet and worn or loose spreaders, locking devices and hinges. Make sure the ladder is dry and free of any coating or debris that could cause your boot to slip, such as oil, grease and dirt.

Follow the 4 to 1 ladder rule when setting up the ladder

Placing an extension ladder at the proper angle increases stability. According to OSHA, a non-self-supporting ladder should be set up at a 75.5-degree angle, which translates to a 4:1 ratio of the ladder’s working length to the set-back distance. In other words, place the ladder so it’s 1 foot away from the wall or other vertical surface for every 4 feet of working length.

Some ladders have bubble indicators that help you find the correct angle. A ladder safety smartphone app from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a measuring tool that does the same. You may also be able to estimate the correct angle using your arms: Stand at the base of the ladder with your toes touching the rails, and reach out both your arms. Your fingertips should just touch the rungs that are level with your shoulders.

Don’t climb to the top

Never climb higher than the third rung from the top of an extension ladder or the second tread from the top of a stepladder.

Maintain three points of contact

Keep two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot on the ladder at all times. It may be tempting to let go of the ladder so you can work with both hands, but don’t take the risk. Carry your tools in a toolbelt or raise them using a hand line.

Tie off an extension ladder for added security

When using an extension ladder to access a roof or utility pole, tie it off to keep the ladder from slipping or skidding. How to tie off a ladder for safety? Electricians commonly use cable hooks, V-rungs, pole lashes and tie-off straps. Be sure to choose a secure anchor point.

Follow the 3 foot rule when accessing elevated services

If you’re using the ladder to access a roof or other elevated surface, the ladder must extend at least 3 feet past the intended access level according to OSHA regulations.

Use accessories for increased stability

Various ladder accessories are available to increase stability, in addition to those used to tie off ladders. These include ladder stabilizers, some of which look like handlebars and “grip” walls (ladder stabilizers come in many types), and rubber ladder mats and boots, which are helpful when using a ladder on waxed floors.

Practicing ladder safety starts well before you mount the ladder. Choosing the right ladder and accessories, inspecting the ladder regularly, setting it up for stability and following best practices while on the ladder can help you avoid a trip to the hospital. A short ladder safety training course can teach new workers the basics or act as a refresher for anyone who uses a ladder on the job.

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