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K. Ladders, Scaffolds and Aerial Lifts Just getting to where we will sometimes need to perform our work can be a challenge. In previous sections we talked about shoring in trenches and when ladders must be used, how far away from employees they must be and how far above grade they must extend. The same holds true of ladders above ground, but there are a few more regulations that apply with ladders. Sometimes we must use scaffolding to get personnel to the underside of a bridge for an installation. Other times we may need to climb to that position or make use of an aerial lift to get there. There are some basic rules for doing all of these things that must be met, and we will talk about them here. inspecting ladders —This must be done regardless of our intended purpose for using the ladder. There are only a few components to inspect, but each part of a ladder, because of their simple design, is very important in regard to its safe use. ■ Rungs — must be inspected for secure attachment to both side rails, and secure attachment of any under braces to side rails. • Side rails — must be inspected for damage that could fail under the ladder's maximum loaded weight. • Feet — must be inspected for rubber pads that are in place, not dry rotted or partially missing. • Extension ladder stop hooks — must be inspected for proper operation and be free of damage. No extension ladder is acceptable to use with only one stop hook. Extension ladders MAY NOT be separated and used as two separate ladders. • Manufacturer stickers —should be legible and explain what the ladder type is, it's maximum allowable load, electrically conductive/non-conductive protection and prohibited step height. Scaffolding, what is legal and what is dangerous? — Because we rarely need to use scaffolding, we sometimes do not know what the rules are and what compliant scaffolding must consist of. Here are some of the basics: • Scaffolding must be erected from materials that are compatible and meant to be used together to form a system — look for mixtures of different styles or types of materials installed together — this is dangerous.and can never be rated properly for use. 27.