Toolbox Talk: Leaning Stepladders
One of the biggest trends in the ladder industry has been the introduction of the leaning stepladder. These stepladders are specifically designed to be used in a closed position and leaned against a wall — something people have been doing forever with their old stepladders. Those stepladders, however, weren’t designed to be used in that position, which posed a safety concern. Stepladders were originally designed to be used only in the open A-frame position. Recently however, companies have redesigned their stepladders to be used safely in the closed, leaning position, meaning they comply with the OSHA standard by changing 3 design elements of the ladder.
Top Cap - A pads have been added to the back of the top cap. Some companies have modified the top cap to also fit on corners, poles, or the stud of a framed wall.
Back Legs - The need to be locked in the closed position, preventing the back feet from making contact with the ground and causing the ladder to tip or shift.
Feet - The feet have been redesigned with either a curve to maximize surface contact or a swivel foot similar to that of an extension ladder and are slip-resistant.
Most leanable ladders include a type 1A duty rating and a load capacity of up to 300 pounds, making it both a standard stepladder and leaning ladder all in one. These are flexible options when you need to move to different locations quickly, need to access multiple directions while working. Leanable ladders are both OSHA and ANSI compliant and are available in various sizes, ranging from — '4’, 6’, 8’, 10’, and 12’ high. The smart ladder choice prevents worker falls and impact damage to equipment, while providing access to hard-to-reach places. While there are many choices out there, modern technology allows for a more secure and durable product to keep your worksite efficient and safe.
Regardless of your ladder choice, remember to always choose the appropriate ladder for the job. Visually inspect your ladder before use, face the ladder and have a firm grip while climbing. Don’t be distracted and maintain three points of contact. Per OSHA regulations, traditional stepladders should never be leaned directly against a vertical surface because they are designed to be exclusively self-supporting with the legs opened and brace locked.
