Ladder Handrail Extension System

A ladder handrail extension system is a kit that provides two offset handrails for transition from ladder to an upper landing surface.

Description:

A ladder handrail extension system is an engineering control that can provide safe transition from the top of the ladder to an upper landing surface.  This accessory attaches on top of the ladder and extends 3 feet above the top of the ladder.

 


(Photo courtesy of Guardian Fall Protection Inc.)

The ladder handrail extension system, such as the Safe-T Ladder Extension, contains two powder-coated aluminum extension arms that are compatible with ladders with side-rail dimensions 1¾-inch maximum width and 3¾-inch maximum depth.  It requires no tools, drilling, or bolting to install.


(Photo courtesy of Guardian Fall Protection Inc.)

Installation requires sliding an extension arm over each ladder side-rail.  To secure, lock the extension arms over the top rung with the latches and tighten the knobs.

Risks Addressed:

Climbing extension ladders and transitioning to an upper landing surface without assist can increase the chance of a fall leading to an injury or even death.  Fractures are the most common injuries associated with falling from a ladder, followed by strains, sprains, and abrasions. "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 80% of all falls from ladders occur at the top of the ladder and 50% of falls from ladders occur during the transition from the ladder to a second surface." A ladder handrail extension system can provide workers access to handrails and assist in making the upper landing surface transition.

How Risks are Reduced:

A ladder handrail extension system can reduce the likelihood of falls because they allow workers to grip onto handrails resulting in a more secure upper landing surface transition.

There have not been independent published studies measuring the effect of using ladder handrail extension systems on reducing ladder falls.  Nonetheless, safety and health experts anecdotally believe that ladders with security handrails over the top of the ladder can provide workers with more security when transitioning to an upper landing surface.

Additional Considerations:

The Safe-T Ladder Extension System is patented piece of equipment that assists workers in complying with OSHA Construction Standard 1926.1053(b), which states, “When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access.”

Please visit our other solution, Proper Ladder Selection, for more safety information regarding general ladder safety.

Ladders should be inspected regularly by a competent person.

Superintendants, foremen and trades workers must be trained on the proper methods of ladder inspection, erection and use.