Ladder Safety & Fall Prevention

Purpose

Prevent falls and injuries related to ladder use on Spartan Plumbing job sites. Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injury in the trades.

When to Use

• Any time a ladder is needed to access water heaters, piping, attics, or rooftops
• Working at any elevation above ground level
• Setting up scaffolding or elevated work platforms

Procedure

Ladder Selection

Use the right ladder for the job — do not improvise with chairs, buckets, or other surfaces

Extension ladders for exterior access; step ladders for interior work

Ensure the ladder is rated for your weight plus tools and materials

Inspect the ladder before each use: check rungs, locks, feet, and rails for damage

Ladder Setup

Place on a firm, level surface — never on uneven ground or soft soil without stabilizers

Extension ladders: maintain 4-to-1 ratio (for every 4 feet of height, base is 1 foot from wall)

Extend at least 3 feet above the landing point for roof access

Lock all spreader bars on step ladders before climbing

Face the ladder toward your work — do not set it sideways

Safe Use

Maintain three points of contact at all times (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand)

Do NOT lean or reach beyond the side rails — reposition the ladder instead

Never stand on the top two rungs of a step ladder

Carry tools in a belt or bag — not in your hands while climbing

Do not use a ladder in high winds or on icy/wet surfaces

Have someone foot the ladder when working at significant heights

Spartan Roof Policy

• Spartan Plumbing has a NO ROOF WORK policy — technicians are not to perform work on rooftops
• If a job requires roof access (e.g., vent pipe repair), escalate to your supervisor for coordination with a contractor
• Ladder use to access rooftops for inspection only is permitted with proper setup and a spotter

Important Notes

• If a ladder is damaged, tag it and remove it from service — do not use it
• Report any fall, near-miss, or ladder-related incident to your supervisor and Slack (#safety-incidents)
• Spartan provides ladders — if you need a different size or type, request it through the office
• Never rush on a ladder — taking 30 extra seconds to set up properly prevents injuries

Related SOPs

• PPE Requirements — fall-related PPE when applicable
• On-the-Job Injury Response — if a fall occurs
• Job Site Hazard Assessment Checklist — includes elevated work assessment