What are the safety standards for access ladders?

Did you know over 20% of falls in work accidents are from ladders or stepladders? The use of these materials is still the second cause of serious falls resulting in workplace disabilities and that is why access ladder standards must be respected. Before choosing a ladder or a stepladder to perform work at heights, read our article on the standards to be respected.

What texts govern access ladder standards in the workplace?

When considered as work equipment, access ladders, stepladders, and even running boards are subject to a number of requirements. These regulatory and legal standards are governed by the CSA-Z11-M81 standard incorporated into three official texts: the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety (article 25.1), the Act respecting occupational health and safety (article 51.) and the Safety Code for the construction industry (Section 3.5 Ladders and stepladders). These standards for access ladders in the professional environment define the obligations of the employer, those of the workers and the criteria for using the different types of ladders.

Standards to be respected concerning access ladders in the workplace

Choose the right type of access ladder according to the work to be done

There are several types of ladders designed for multiple uses in different work environments. However, all of them must meet the latest version of the CSA Z11 standard, which specifies, in particular, their respective load capacities (RSST, art. 25). The type of ladder or stepladder used must be chosen according to the work to be performed or the working environment, the dangers present during the intervention and the duration of the work. In the case of a roof access ladder or even to any height worksite, it must first of all be secured to the ground, rest on a solid base and be protected by a guardrail in order to prevent the risk of workers falling from overhead.

A guardrail for an access ladder is a safety barrier that surrounds the ladder. It is a simple and effective means of protection that installs in a few minutes and allows your site to meet all the safety standards in force in Canada. Because safety does not necessarily require permanent equipment, you can find a freestanding ladder fall protection guardrail kit on the market specifically designed to improve safety around access ladders without damaging the building. Delta Prévention specifically offers a guardrail measuring 12' 6” on each side of the ladder, thus allowing great protection for workers approaching and/or exiting the ladder, still leaving ample free space for movement, thanks to the design of the counterweights. A self-closing safety gate is also available as an option if you wish to increase the prevention of the risk of falls from heights.

According to CNESST (RSST, article 25.1), an access ladder must meet 7 main conditions of use:

1. Be inspected before use to ensure it is in good condition;
2. rest on a solid base and lean on the top on its 2 uprights;
3. be securely fastened in place; exceed the upper landing by at least 900 mm; have a free space of at least 150 mm behind the rungs.
4. be placed in such a way that there is sufficient free space at its base to allow safe access;
5. not be connected to another, end to end, by splice;
6. not to be placed on scaffolding, a lifting platform, in an aerial basket or bucket, on boxes, barrels or in front of a door opening thereon;
7. if necessary, have the sections correctly assembled and the latches securely engaged.

MSK Canada has been a Quebec leader in industrial development for 30 years. Working in the automotive, industrial and commercial fields and fall protection systems, MSK Canada's team of experts will advise you on the best products to maximize your space, increase your productivity and safety when working on roofs. Visit our website at www.mskcanada.com.