🪜

Micro E-Learning

Portable Ladder Safety

Based on WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Part 13

1,077

Ladder-fall claims in B.C. (2019)

325

Serious injuries

4

Deaths

Falls from ladders injure almost 3 workers every day in British Columbia. This 8-minute module will help you stay safe.

📘 WorkSafeBC Ladder Resources →

Module 1

Is a Ladder the Right Tool?

Only use a portable ladder when the task is short, light, and low.

⏱️

Short duration
< 15 min

🪶

Light duty
No heavy loads

🤚

3-point contact
maintainable

📏

Low height
Ladder-appropriate

⚡ Refresh Resources Tip Need both hands to perform work? Need more than 15 min? Request a scaffold or work platform instead. You always have the right to refuse unsafe work.

📘 WorkSafeBC: Ladder Safety Resources →

Module 2

Choose the Right Ladder

Ladders must meet CSA or ANSI standards (OHS Reg. 13.2). The duty rating includes your weight + all tools and PPE.

Tap each card to reveal the duty rating:

🏗️

Grade 1AA

tap to flip

375 lbs / 170 kg
Special Duty
Heavy industrial

🏭

Grade 1A

tap to flip

300 lbs / 136 kg
Extra Heavy Duty
Industrial

🔧

Grade 1

tap to flip

250 lbs / 113 kg
Heavy Duty
Industrial / trade

🏠

Grade 3

tap to flip

200 lbs / 91 kg
Light Duty
⛔ Household ONLY
Not for worksites

⚡ Field Rule Always use Grade 1 or higher on Refresh Resources worksites. Your PPE alone can weigh 15-25 lbs. Near power lines? Fiberglass only — never aluminum. Maintain 3 m clearance.

Module 3

Inspect Before Every Shift

OHS Reg. 13.3 — Inspect before each shift and after any modification. Tap each item to check it off:

Side rails — no cracks, bends, or corrosion
Rungs — all present, tight, no grease/oil/ice
Feet / pads — non-slip, not worn or missing
Locks — rung locks & spreader bars engage fully
Labels — duty rating legible; if missing → remove from service
Hardware — bolts, rivets tight; no missing parts
No repairs — no tape, wire, or makeshift fixes

📘 WorkSafeBC Inspection Checklist →

Module 4

Set Up Safely

Proper setup prevents the #1 cause of ladder incidents: sliding, shifting, or tipping.

WorkSafeBC 4-to-1 ladder setup rule diagram showing proper ladder angle with tie-off points and measurements

Source: WorkSafeBC

The 4-to-1 Rule

For every 4 ft up, place the base 1 ft out from the wall. This gives a safe 75° angle.

Quick test: Stand at the base, toes touching the feet, arms straight out — palms should rest flat on a rung.

Key Rules

✅ Firm, level ground (watch for mud & oil)
✅ Extend 1 m above the landing
✅ Tie off the top to the structure
✅ Stepladders: fully open, all 4 feet down
✅ Clear area of traffic and hazards

📘 WorkSafeBC Setup Requirements →

Module 5

3-Point Contact

Always keep three limbs on the ladder while climbing.

🦶🦶🤚

2 Feet + 1 Hand
✓ SAFE

🦶✋✋

1 Foot + 2 Hands
✓ SAFE

🦶🦶🚫

2 Feet + 0 Hands
✗ UNSAFE

✅ DO

Face the ladder when climbing
Wear slip-resistant footwear
Stay centred between side rails
Use a tool belt or hoist line
Have a coworker spot you

❌ DON'T

Carry heavy or bulky objects
Stand on the top 2 rungs (extension)
Stand on the top cap (stepladder)
Overreach or lean to the side
Use in high wind, rain, or ice

Module 6

Spot the Worksite Hazards

Drag each hazard into the correct category:

Muddy ground Running pumps (vibration) H₂S presence Overhead power lines Ice / snow Hot pipes on skid Oily surfaces Vehicle traffic

🌧️ Environmental

⚙️ Equipment / Traffic

💡 On mobile: tap a chip, then tap the bucket to place it.

Quick Recap

Before You Climb: 5-Point Check

1️⃣ Right tool? Could a platform or scaffold be safer?

2️⃣ Inspected? Checked every rung, rail, and lock this shift?

3️⃣ Correct setup? Firm ground, 4-to-1 rule, 75° angle?

4️⃣ Secured? Top tied off, extends 1 m above landing?

5️⃣ Area clear? No traffic, power lines, or hazards?

All good? Maintain 3-point contact and climb safely.

📘 WorkSafeBC Falls from Elevation →

Knowledge Check

Quiz — 6 Questions

Score 80%+ (5 of 6) to pass.

Q1. How often must a ladder be inspected per WorkSafeBC?

Q2. The 4-to-1 rule means:

Q3. 3-point contact means:

Q4. Side rails must extend above the landing by at least:

Q5. Near power lines, you must use:

Q6. A ladder's duty rating must support:

0 / 6 answered

Results

Your Score

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Completion Record

Module: Portable Ladder Safety

Name:

Company: Refresh Resources Ltd.

Date:

Score:

Status:

Regulation: WorkSafeBC OHS Part 13