OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, they are one of the departments responsible for putting down guidelines, rules, and safety regulations primarily for work environments.
Are Aluminum Ladders OSHA Approved?
Yes, aluminum ladders are OSHA approved with the exception of it being used when dealing with any electrical work or construction sites.
According to the OSHA rules and guidelines, aluminum ladders must be made with materials that are resistant to any form of corrosion.
As far as durability and absolute safety are concerned, ladders made with fiberglass are the best to opt for, they are optimally in between wooden ladders and aluminum ladders.
While wooden ladders are prone to rot and break upon exposure to the smallest unfavorable weather element. Aluminum ladders can conduct electricity which can be very and they are also prone to rust.
However, they can be used for certain tasks and jobs and it is OSHA approved. Aluminum ladders are the next best ladder after fiberglass ladders.
Can You Use an Aluminum Ladder on A Construction Site?
Aluminum ladders are light in weight and very versatile, however, OSHA and a Harvard article have cautioned against using aluminum ladders in construction sites.
Aluminum conduct electricity and an aluminum ladder would be no different. Construction sites are known to have a lot of electrical sources and openings that could lead to shocks and accidents on the ladder.
There may also be grease, paints, water, or oil that can lead to slips and fall on the ladder.
This is the reason why safety rules advise that aluminum ladders should not be used in construction sites. It is always better to be safe than sorry and remember you cannot be too careful.
Related: Can Lightning Strike an Aluminum Ladder
Are A-Frame Ladders OSHA Approved?
A-frame ladders get their names from their side views that depict the letter A, they are the twin-step ladders you see around all the time.
The A-frame ladders are OSHA approved and they are versatile in functions. The most popular function associated with this ladder type is that it can be used by two people at the same time. The climbers climb up the ladder on both sides and work on a task simultaneously together.
Twin step ladders are one of the most common ladders in the USA today and they are safe and stable enough to be trusted by the OSHA. Of course, you also have to watch out for manufacturers. Try to go for manufacturers who are mindful of the OSHA safety guidelines.
Aluminum twin step ladders also fall into this category, they are safe and stable but must not be used for any electrical works or on construction sites.
A metal ladder as stand-alone equipment is not dangerous, it only becomes dangerous when it comes in contact with things that could potentially lead to accidents or cause the body harm.
Like I mentioned before metal ladders must be made with corrosion-resistant materials but they cannot lose their electricity conducting power. This is why they must not be used for any type of work where they would get exposed to electricity because it would lead to shock or death.
Using aluminum or metal ladders in construction sites can be really dangerous, it could come in contact with electrical sources around the site, grease, oil, paint, or even water. This is why it is better to opt for ladders made with safer materials like fiberglass ladders.
Conclusion
Finally, ladders are essential to our everyday lives but we also have to be careful while using them. the OSHA guidelines are there to keep us safe and accident-free.
Do not use a ladder meant for a specific purpose for any other thing other than the purpose it is meant for.
Ensure you know the weight carrying capacity of the ladder you are using and follow the OSHA guidelines for using metal or aluminum ladders.
Joseph is the owner of LadderGeek. He is a home remodeling enthusiast. He has created this blog to share some of his knowledge on Ladder and accessories.
