Ensure that:

• Members of the Workforce complete and maintain the required training for working with ladders, scaffolds, and elevating work platforms prior to performing the indicated work activity or fulfilling the indicated role.
• For Members of the Workforce whose job duties involve the use of ladders or scaffolds, training must include at least one of the following:
  • Computer-based training (CBT) available through TEDS (see ESH100.2.IS.17 ).
  • On-the-job training (OJT).
  • Specialized training.
  • Video training (safety videos are available through the Technical Library).
• The following required training for Members of the Workforce whose job duties involve the use of elevating work platforms (aerial lifts) is available through TEDS: 
  •       Aerial Lift Training LSA200, (Boom and Scissor Lifts).
  •       Aerial Lift Training LSA201, (Scissor Lift only).

Members of the Workforce who have completed training must:

• Understand manufacturers' operating and maintenance manuals/instructions.
• Demonstrate safe equipment set up and operation.
• Demonstrate basic inspection procedures.
• Utilize personal fall protection equipment as needed (requires special training–see ESH100.2.IS.4, Implement Fall Prevention and Protection).
• Be aware of organization-specific technical work documents (TWDs).

• Review ladder requirements with the division ES&H team before initiating a ladder requisition to ensure selection of the proper ladder type and to resolve questions concerning the design and safe load limits.
• Never overload a ladder.
• Select the appropriate ladder based on the task, vertical height or elevation, and environment.
• Use Table 1, Duty Rating Capacities of Ladders, to determine the duty rating capacity of the ladder based on the anticipated use.
• Use the proper ladder, based on applicable height restriction(s). At times the site conditions impose a height restriction on the extension ladder’s working length. If longer ladders are not capable of being erected at the proper angle (75 ½ degrees), do the following:
  • Know height or elevation of the top supporting point. If using the ladder for access to higher work areas, add 3’ above top supporting point and secure top from movement.
  • Maintain a proper angle and prevent the bottom of the ladder from sliding. To do this, select either a shorter extension, or a self-supporting ladder. (Consult Table 2, Ladder Size, Working Length, and Height, from ANSI 14.2, “Ladder Size, Working Length, and Height.”)
• Use a self-supporting ladder only if it can be set up properly on level surfaces. If a surface is un-level, and a top support is available, an extension ladder might be the better choice

Observe manufacturers' data.

Note: Additional safety practices are available in SF 2001-LSG, Ladder Safety Guidelines and Inspection Checklist (Word file/Acrobat file).

Observe the manufacturers' safety instructions and data.

Note: Additional safety practices are available in SF 2001-SGI, Scaffold Safety Guidelines and Inspection Checklist (Word file/Acrobat file).

Ensure that ladders, fixed ladder systems [SF 2001-FIX (4-2010) SNL Fixed Ladder Inspection Checklist (MS Word/Acrobat file], scaffolds, and elevating work platforms are maintained in a safe condition by performing the following:

• Inspect portable and fixed ladders for defects when new, before each use, periodically, (fixed ladders require annual inspections) and according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Ensure that all fasteners (e.g., rivets, bolts, and welded joints) are in place and secure before the item is used. Note: More frequent inspections may need to be made as determined by use, exposure conditions, and manufacturers’ requirements.
• Report any suspect or counterfeit items or materials related to any of these items as an occurrence. Note: See the Suspect/Counterfeit Items Program website for additional information and mitigation assistance with suspect and counterfeit items. See ESH100.4.RPT.3, Report Occurrences, for reporting requirements.
• Remove from service and repair any defective or damaged ladders, fixed ladder systems, scaffolds, or elevating work platforms (i.e., any fastening bolts or welded units are missing, cracks are noted, or the joints between the rungs and the side rails are loose). Note: For repairs, contact Facilities Management Operations Center.

• Ensure that the following inspections are performed and documented:
  • A pre-use inspection performed at the start of every shift or before use each day.
  • A frequent inspection performed  on any elevating work platform that has been in continuous service for 3 months or 150 hours.
  • A frequent inspection performed for platforms that have been out of service for more than 3 months.
  • An annual inspection performed every 13 months by a qualified mechanic trained on that specific equipment.

• Ensure that the area in which the platform is to be used is inspected for possible hazards, such as, but not limited to:
  • Drop-offs.
  • Bumps and floor obstructions.
  • Debris.
  • Overhead obstructions and high-voltage conductors.
  • Inadequate surfaces and supports to withstand all load forces imposed by the platform in all operating configurations.
  • Wind and weather conditions.
  • Presence of unauthorized persons.
• Ensure that platforms intended for use around electrically energized components meet the electrical re-testing and maintenance criteria set forth by the manufacturer. See the elevating work platform contact for requirements and testing.

Ensure that:

• Only authorized, qualified operators are allowed to operate elevating work platforms, and that prior to using a platform, the operator has been provided with approved fall protection equipment and other safety gear for all Members of the Workforce on the platform.
• Authorized, qualified operators are re-trained in the event of a change in work site conditions (e.g., different equipment or additional hazards), as appropriate.
• The purpose is within the scope of the intended applications defined by the manufacturer.

• Use appropriate fall-protection equipment. Note: Fall-protection equipment is required for operators using vehicle-mounted or boom-supported elevating work platforms.
• Report any use of suspect, counterfeit, or defective parts or fasteners as an occurrence. See ESH100.4.RPT.3, Report Occurrences for reporting requirements.
• Perform pre-use inspections, including a visual inspection and a functional test, before each use of elevating work platforms or at the beginning of each shift
• Maintain a firm footing on the platform floor.
• Do not use planks, ladders, or any other device for achieving additional height or reach.
• Before each movement of an elevating work platform and after repositioning it, verify that:
  • The elevating work platform is operated on a surface within the limits specified by the manufacturer.
  • The outriggers, stabilizers, extendible axles, or other stability enhancing means, are used as required by the manufacturer.
  • Guardrails are installed and access gates or openings are closed per manufacturer's instructions.
  • The load and its distribution on the platform and any platform extension are in accordance with the manufacturer's rated capacity for that specific configuration.
  • There is adequate clearance from overhead obstructions.
  • The Minimum Safe Approach Distance (MSAD) to energized power lines and parts for non-insulated platforms, as listed in Table 3, Minimum Safe Approach Distances, are maintained.

Ensure that:

• Written consent is obtained from the manufacturer before modifying any elevating work platform.
• Equipment modifications are made only by authorized mechanics.
• All replacement parts or components are identical or equivalent to parts or components installed on the original elevating work platform.

Note: See the Suspect and Counterfeit Items Program (SCM100.3.13, Manage Suspect or Counterfeit Items) and the S/CI website for more information about suspect or counterfeit items.

• Retain the following records as required by corporate procedures:
  • Certificates of training for authorized, qualified operators.
  • Documentation of equipment pre-delivery preparation performed by the equipment supplier.
  • Name and address of the manufacturer sorted by serial number and date of delivery.

• At least one  of the following:
  • LSA100, CBT Interactive Ladder Safety Training.
  • On-the-job training (OJT).
  • Specialized training.
  • Video training (safety videos are available through the Technical Library).

• At least one  of the following:
  • On-the-job training (OJT).
  • Specialized training.
  • Video training (safety videos are available through the Technical Library).

Members of the Workforce who use elevating platforms

• LSA200, Aerial Lift Training (Boom and Scissor Lifts).
• LSA201, Aerial Lift Training (Scissor Lift only).

• LSA100, CBT Interactive Ladder Safety Training
• On-the-job training (OJT).
• Specialized training.
• Video training (safety videos are available through the Technical Library).