Ladders, Lifts, and Scaffolds
1. General Conditions for Use of Ladders, Lifts, and Scaffolds
1.1 Warning Labels. Read all warning labels attached to
the ladder, lift or scaffold. Follow the directions given
on the labels.
1.2 Inspect the device. Visually check the ladder, lift or
scaffold before using. Do not use it if you suspect there
is some problem; immediately notify your faculty or supervisor
of any problem you suspect.
1.3 Tag the device. When a problem with a device makes it
unsafe, "tag" it with a sign marked "Dangerous
- do Not Use" until the problem is corrected. Faculty
and staff shall determine if a tag may be removed.
1.4 One person. Only one person at a time may mount a ladder,
lift or scaffold.
1.5 Moving. Do not attempt to move the ladder, lift or scaffold
while on it.
1.6 Leaning. Do not lean out over the edge of the ladder,
lift or scaffold to try to reach something; get off and move
the ladder, lift or scaffold.
1.7 Dropping items. Be careful not to drop anything from
the ladder. It is dangerous to those who may be below you
near the ladder.
1.8 Stay out from below persons working on ladders, lifts
andscaffolds. The danger of something being dropped or falling
always exists.
1.9 Electrical work. Metal ladders, lifts and scaffolds should
not be used around electrical circuits unless proper insulating
safety precautions are in effect. Generally, devices with
metal work platforms or stepsshould not be used around electrical
circuits.
1.10 General condition. Ladders, lifts and scaffolds should
be in good, clean, condition, with no broken parts, loose
joints, or sharp edges. They may not be painted.
1.11 Use proper equipment. Do not use chairs, stools, boxes,
etc. as a platform to work from; use a ladder.
2. Portable Ladders (Step Ladders)
2.1 Support. Ladders must be erected on flat, level, secure
surfaces. None of the feet may be blocked up on anything to
level the ladder. Ladders which may possibly slip must be
secured in place or held.
2.2 Opening. The ladder should be fully opened and both spreaders
locked.
2.3 Top platform. Do not use the top platform as a step.
2.4 Use steps only. Do not mount the rear, or support, side
of the ladder.
2.5 Care and storage. Ladders should not be dropped or banged
around. They should be inspected after any abuse. They should
be stored in a dry, reasonably clean place and not piled under
anything.
3. Personnel Lift (Genie Lift)
3.1 Training. Training is required before this device may
be used.
3.2 Support. The lift must be used on a level, secure surface.
All outriggers and bracing must be used in accordance with
the lift's instructions.
3.3 Basket. Do not climb outside the basket at any time except
to enter orexit when the lift is fully compressed.
3.4 Lifting objects. Do not use the lift as a crane to lift
anything into place. Tools and instruments weighing not more
than 50 pounds, carried inside the basket, may be raised along
with the worker.
3.5 Care and storage. The operating key should not be left
in place when the lift is stored. The lift and its parts should
not be dropped or banged around. All parts should be properly
stored when not in use. Periodic inspection and maintenance
will be performed by the Lighting/Audio Technician and noted
in a log.
4. Scaffolds (Rolling)
4.1 Training. Training is required before this device may
be used.
4.2 Assembly. All parts of the scaffold must be locked in
place before the scaffold is used. Check each flexible joint
to made sure it is locked.
4.3 Support. The scaffold must be used on a secure surface.
Care must be taken to carefully secure the locking mechanisms
of the leveling adjusters. Castor wheels should be locked
when in use.
4.4 Care and storage. The scaffolds should be disassembled
and put away in a clean, dry place. They should not be dropped
or banged around and should not be piled with anything on
top of them.