CCPIA’s Fixed Ladder Safety Course for Commercial Property Inspectors teaches students how to use fixed ladders safely and how to inspect fixed ladders for potential safety issues.
Fixed Ladder Safety Online Course Overview
Fixed ladders are found at most commercial buildings as a means to access various building systems and components, including low-slope roofs and mechanical equipment. Commercial property inspectors must know how to climb fixed ladders safely and about the potential hazards. This online course reviews the following topics:
- Related Building Codes and Standards
- Inspecting Fixed Ladders
- Climber Safety
- Safety Culture
Related Building Codes and Standards
There are several building codes and standards pertaining to fixed ladders. This course primarily focuses on OSHA 29 CFR, Part 1910.2, which sets forth requirements for fixed ladder design, installation, and use. ANSI-ASC A14.3-2018 is similar to OSHA 29 CFR, Part 1910.2, and is also referred to throughout this course.
Additionally, students will learn about challenges for maintenance, service, and inspection personnel accessing low-slope roofs and mechanical equipment, as detailed in the requirements for fixed ladders at commercial properties in the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC).
Inspecting Fixed Ladders
This section teaches students how to inspect several different types of fixed ladders, including rail ladders, caged ladders, side-step ladders, through-ladders, and individual rung ladders based on the design and installation requirements set forth in OSHA 29 CFR, Part 1910.2, and ANSI-ASC A14.3-2018. They reflect the updated regulations that affect existing fixed ladders and installations (as of November 19, 2018, and later) that extend more than 24 feet above a lower level. An inspection checklist for fixed ladder safety is also presented.
Climber Safety
Students will learn how to prevent falls and injuries by assessing a fixed ladder’s safety before their ascent. Students will also learn proper climbing techniques and precautions to keep in mind while on the roof. Also reviewed are safety specifications for accessing equipment on elevated surfaces, particularly multi-level roofs.
A video is included in this section that demonstrates portable ladder safety for when the inspector finds that the fixed ladder at a commercial property is out of service.
This section also reviews fall-protection fundamentals. A video series is included, which covers the ABCs of fall protection, types of fall-protection equipment, inspecting and maintaining fall-protection equipment, and how to properly put on a harness.
Safety Culture
Inspectors use fixed and portable ladders so often that basic safety can easily be taken for granted. This section of the course discusses the importance of company-wide safety protocols for both self-employed inspectors and employees of a multi-inspector firm.
Continuing Education
International Code Council (ICC) has approved Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association’s (CCPIA) Fixed Ladder Safety Course for Commercial Property Inspectors for 0.40 CEUs. For more information visit, ICC Approves CCPIA’s Fixed Ladder Safety Course. This course is also eligible for InterNACHI® continuing education credits.
Additional Course Information
This is a self-paced course. There are quizzes throughout, and students are required to answer all quiz questions correctly before moving on to the next lesson. There is a final exam at the end of the course. The student has an unlimited number of attempts, but a time limit of two hours, to complete the exam. Upon successful completion and passing the final exam, the student will be able to download a Certificate of Completion, which is auto-generated in their own name.
InterNACHI’s Ladder Safety Training Course is the recommended prerequisite to this online course. It covers portable ladders.
CCPIA’s Fixed Ladder Safety Course for Commercial Property Inspectors is ideal for commercial property inspectors, and students who have a background in home inspection and/or property/facilities management, as well as people in the commercial construction trades.