Which safety equipment is required for all ladders except extension ladders?

The requirement for fall arrest systems on all ladders, except for extension ladders, stems from the necessity to ensure worker safety, particularly when working at heights. Fall arrest systems are designed to prevent workers from falling by arresting their fall within a controlled distance. This is crucial for ladders since they can pose significant risks, especially when used in construction or maintenance settings.

By using fall arrest systems, workers can be safeguarded against the risks associated with ladder use, such as losing balance or failing to maintain proper footing. Furthermore, the distinction that this requirement does not apply to extension ladders acknowledges the inherent design differences and user circumstances, where extension ladders are often secured and used sturdily against fixed structures.

In contrast, while items like reflective vests, safety helmets, and first aid kits may be essential for overall workplace safety, they do not specifically address the risks involved with the use of ladders in the same direct way that fall arrest systems do. Reflective vests are primarily about visibility, safety helmets offer protection from falling objects, and first aid kits provide medical supplies, none of which mitigate the specific fall hazards associated with ladder use. Thus, fall arrest systems are the appropriate and required safety measure for ensuring worker safety on most ladder types