Guardrails & Ladders: Elevating Safety in the Workplace

Guardrails and ladders are indispensable tools in our daily operations. Guardrails are protective barriers, preventing falls from elevated surfaces, while ladders provide access to different elevations.

Protecting Against Falls

Guardrails serve as protective barriers along exposed sides, edges and other vulnerable areas of working surfaces. These barriers are intended to prevent individuals from falling to a lower level and are designed to withstand the force of workers inadvertently bumping into or backing against them. They consist of three key components:

1. Top Rail: Positioned 1 to 1.2 meters above the working surface, the top rail can support up to 200 pounds.
2. Mid-Rail: The mid-rail is located between the riser and top rail, which is not more than 50 centimeters apart from the top rail.
3. Toe Board: Capable of withstanding a force of 50 pounds, the toe board prevents materials from falling and workers from slipping over an edge.

Regular inspections of guardrails are carried out to ensure they remain in optimal condition. Any detected defects are promptly reported to the supervisor to ensure timely maintenance and repairs. If work necessitates the removal of guardrails, only the sections required for the task are taken out. Once the job is completed, we promptly reinstall the guardrail to maintain site safety.

Ascending With Caution

Ladders are equipment with rungs or steps that facilitate access to different elevations within our worksites. Understanding the proper usage of ladders is vital for the safety of our employees:

• Straight ladders must extend at least 36 inches above any platform or landing they serve. This ensures secure access and egress.
• Step ladders must have positive locking spreaders that are fully spread and locked during use. They should not be used as straight ladders or for performing tasks from the top two steps.
• Extension ladders must be placed on a firm, level surface with secure footing. Raising or lowering them should be done from the ground.
• Metal ladders require periodic cleaning to prevent the accumulation of materials that might compromise their non-slipping properties. Additionally, all metal fittings should be checked carefully for rust and corrosion.
• Ladders should only be placed in front of doors that open towards them if locked. Furthermore, they should never be utilized as runways or scaffolds in horizontal positions. Always return ladders to the designated storage area when not in use.

By following the general rules outlined here, our employees can confidently perform their duties while minimizing the risk of incidents. Safety is our shared responsibility, and these measures ensure that every step is secure.

If you have any questions, concerns or require further information about our safety protocols, please do not hesitate to contact us. We value your input and are here to provide the assistance and guidance you need to maintain a secure working environment. Safety is our top priority, and we look forward to hearing from you.