Fixed Ladder Inspection and Safety Online Course

Fixed ladders are commonly found at commercial buildings and provide access to building systems and components, including low-slope roofs and mechanical equipment. This online course teaches students about the different types and applications of fixed ladders, along with their design, installation, and potential safety concerns. The course also covers how to inspect various types of fixed ladders, including rail ladders, caged ladders, side-step ladders, through-ladders, and individual rung ladders, based on design and installation requirements.

The course also explains how to safely use fixed ladders to help prevent falls and other injuries to inspectors, building occupants, staff, and future contractors. This includes proper climbing techniques, key precautions while working at height, and the fundamentals of fall protection. Since inspectors use fixed and portable ladders so frequently, safety practices can sometimes be overlooked. This course emphasizes the importance of consistent, company-wide safety protocols and describes essential protocols to consider implementing.

Several national standards related to ladder safety and accessing elevated equipment are referenced throughout, including the International Building Code (IBC), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ideal for commercial property inspectors, facility managers, maintenance personnel, and anyone who uses or encounters fixed ladders.

Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• understand related building codes and standards for fixed ladders and roof access;
• identify different types of fixed ladders, including rail ladders, caged ladders, side-step ladders, through-ladders, and individual rung ladders;
• inspect fixed ladders for potential safety issues and hazardous conditions;
• apply an understanding of fixed ladder design requirements, such as rung, cleat, and step details, clearances, step-across distances, slide rails and grab bars, caged ladder parameters, landing platforms, and roof hatch terminations;
• understand fall-protection fundamentals, including types of fall-protection equipment, fall-protection equipment inspection and maintenance, and how to properly put on a harness.
• safely use a fixed ladder by applying proper climbing techniques;
• prevent falls prior to climbing the ladder, during ascent, and while on the roof; and
• evaluate safe access to additional elevated surfaces from the roof.