Safety is extremely important in any workplace. In an industrial or warehouse environment it is essential that management understand the safety risks and the precautions that need to be taken to minimize the possibility of injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides regulations that can make a workplace safer. Here is some insight on the procedures for using manually propelled mobile ladder stands and scaffolds.

Working Loads.

The scaffolds and ladders must be designed to carry the proper load for their use. The proper tools must be used for varying conditions and they must be constructed with the proper materials. OSHA offers calculations for the load for categories including light, medium, and heavy workloads. Consult the website for more information.

Work Levels.

The maximum height must not exceed four times the minimum dimension of any ladder of scaffold. Approved outriggers may be used to achieve the base dimension. It must have a support structure with rigid bracing and platforms at work levels. The steps must have slip resistant treads. The ladder or scaffold must be constructed with approved materials for use.

Wheels or Casters.

Because the essential feature of these ladders and scaffolds remaining movable the wheels or casters must meet certain safety precautions. They must be designed to support four times the working load. Casters must have a lock to prevent movement. When a platform must be leveled it needs to employ screw jacks or other adjustment mechanisms that are approved.

Handrails.

Handrails are required depending on the height of the ladder or scaffold as well as the use and purpose. They must be a minimum of 29 inches high using the center of the step as the measurement point.

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