Regardless of the nature, size or complexity of your rooftop, access ladders can play a critical role in your building’s safety. This is especially true in commercial and industrial buildings in Ontario where rooftop access is a routine requirement for maintenance, inspections and installations. In the latest learning resource from Skyline Group, we provide building managers and owners with the essential insights they need to to understand regulatory compliance and best practice for ladder maintenance.
For building owners and managers in Ontario and beyond, ensuring the safety and compliance of these ladders is both a legal and moral imperative. Poorly maintained ladders can lead to accidents, liability concerns and even violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), which can lead to criminal fines and even imprisonment.
Ladder Maintenance: Understanding Ontario’s Regulations
In Ontario, access ladders fall under the remit of several regulations, primarily the Occupational Health & Safety Act as mentioned above, and the Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91). While it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements mandated by both pieces of legislation, we’ve captured some of the key stipulations:
- Safe condition: Ladders must be free from defects, damage, or conditions that could compromise their safety.
- Inspection: Regular inspections are mandatory, ensuring the ladder remains fit for use. Specific inspection frequencies depend on the nature of use and the worksite environment.
- Proper usage: Ladders must meet design and performance standards, including CSA standards for portable ladders and fixed ladders.
- Anchorage and stability: Fixed ladders must be securely attached to prevent movement, while portable ladders must rest on stable surfaces.
In the next section, we outline the key steps your facilities and maintenance teams should take to ensure ladder safety and compliance with the regulations listed above.
How to Approach Ladder Maintenance in Your Building
Your approach should include two key considerations: a comprehensive ladder maintenance plan & schedule, and a checklist approach in terms of issues to identify and resolve.
Creating a Comprehensive Ladder Maintenance Plan
An effective maintenance plan is crucial for ensuring ladder safety and compliance. Building owners and managers in Ontario should follow these steps:
- Document maintenance procedures: Maintain a detailed log of all inspections and maintenance activities. This log should include dates, inspection results, and any corrective actions taken.
- Schedule regular maintenance: Perform routine inspections based on ladder usage. For high-use ladders, inspect weekly or monthly; for less frequently used ladders, inspect quarterly.
- Train personnel: Ensure maintenance teams are trained in ladder inspection protocols and know how to identify potential hazards.
- Replace worn components: Immediately replace any damaged or worn parts. For fixed ladders, consult manufacturers for compatible replacement parts.
- Engage professional services: Work with safety experts like Skyline Group to conduct comprehensive rooftop safety assessments and ladder inspections.
What to Look for During Ladder Maintenance:
Below, we’ve created a checklist of issues your teams should be looking for during ladder inspections:
- Structural integrity: Check for bends, cracks, or deformities in the ladder’s rungs, rails, and supports. Additionally, examine joints and welds for signs of weakening or stress fractures.
- Corrosion and wear: Inspect for rust, particularly in outdoor ladders exposed to harsh weather conditions. Your teams should also look for signs of wear on non-slip coatings or rung surfaces.
- Hardware and fittings: Ensure bolts, screws, and other fasteners are tight and in good condition, and verify that ladder brackets and locks are functional and secure.
- Safety features: Confirm that safety cages, guardrails, and lifeline anchors are properly installed and undamaged.Inspect the condition of non-slip feet and ensure stability during use.
The points listed above only provide a brief overview and should not inform your total approach to ladder safety. Indeed there are a number of other steps you can take to ensure your approach goes beyond compliance to achieve the highest levels of safety.
Beyond these steps, we also recommend exploring the possibility of applying non-slip coatings to ladder rungs to ensure safe footing in wet or icy conditions.
Skyline Group: Your Partner for Ladder Safety
Here at Skyline Group, we support building owners and managers in Ontario in ensuring their ladders go beyond basic compliance measures, taking every reasonable precaution to protect the lives of workers at height. To explore how we can help, book an Onsite Consultation. Alternatively, browse our full range of fully compliant access ladder solutions now.
