There are a variety of state and federal regulations that govern the occupational use of ladders. This program establishes procedures to ensure the safe and legal use of ladders by UCSB personnel, contractors, and vendors. It is designed to minimize fall-related injuries and promote compliance with applicable safety standards
The UCSB Ladder Safety Program applies to all UCSB departments, field stations, and leased properties that own, use, or store ladders — regardless of length. While previous guidelines applied only to ladders greater than three feet in height, this program includes all ladder sizes to ensure comprehensive Cal/OSHA compliance.
Ladders are essential tools, however, improper use can result in serious injuries or death.
Departmental Responsibilities
Departments, PIs, and supervisors who manage ladders must:
- Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all ladders
- Inspect ladders annually and keep inspection records
- Remove ladders from service that do not pass inspection, are unsafe, or are in need of repair
- Properly discard ladders that are beyond repair
- Provide initial and refresher ladder safety training
- Keep training attendance records
- Evaluate ladder work tasks for fall protection needs
- Offer alternative access solutions when ladder use is unsafe
- Respond promptly to ladder-related reports from users
Ladder User Responsibilities
Faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and vendors must:
- Complete ladder safety training (ladder users and supervisors)
- Inspect ladders before each use (and document deficiencies)
- Follow UCSB’s Ladder User Safe-Work Procedures
- Assess each task for safety risks and fall protection requirements
- Never use unsafe ladders or ladders without current inspection records
- Report ladder defects to supervisors
- Suggest safer alternatives (e.g., scaffolding, aerial lifts)
- Use UCSB’s safety hazard identification form to report hazards or suggest improvements
EH&S Responsibilities
UCSB Environmental Health & Safety will:
- Assist departments with ladder selection and safe practices
- Provide ladder safety training resources
- Conduct program audits and spot inspections
- Update the UCSB Ladder Safety Program as laws or conditions change
Training & Certification
Under California law, ladder users and their supervisors must be trained on:
- Proper ladder selection and use
- Prohibited ladders uses
- Hazard recognition and task assessment
- Inspection, maintenance, and destruction/disposal
Refresher training is required after a ladder-related incident, equipment changes, or observations of unsafe use.
To request Ladder Safety Training or for questions, contact EH&S Industrial Safety at IS@ehs.ucsb.edu.
