OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewStairways and LaddersHard
An inspection reveals that a portable ladder on a construction site has a cracked side rail. According to OSHA standards, what immediate action must be taken regarding this ladder?
- ARepair the crack with strong tape and return it to service.
- BUse the ladder only for light-duty tasks until a replacement is available.
- CContinue using the ladder, but limit its use to non-critical tasks.
- DTag the ladder as 'Defective' and remove it from service until repaired by a qualified person.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Tag the ladder as 'Defective' and remove it from service until repaired by a qualified person.
OSHA requires that ladders found to be defective must be immediately marked as 'Defective' or 'Do Not Use' and removed from service. They must not be used again until repaired by a qualified person or discarded.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Taping a cracked side rail is an inadequate repair and would not meet OSHA safety standards.
- B. Using a defective ladder for any task, regardless of duty, is a violation and highly unsafe.
- C. Continuing to use a defective ladder is prohibited and poses a significant safety risk.
Defective Ladder Protocol
Defective ladders must be immediately marked 'Defective' or 'Do Not Use' and removed from service until properly repaired or discarded.
- Prevents use of unsafe equipment.
- Ensures repairs are done by qualified personnel.
- Applies to all types of ladders.
Memory trick: Crack it, tag it, bag it!