When is it permissible to use conductive ladders in high-voltage work?

In high-voltage work scenarios, the use of conductive ladders is generally prohibited due to the inherent risks they pose. However, there are exceptional circumstances where their use may be permitted. When the employer demonstrates that using nonconductive ladders presents a greater hazard than using conductive ladders, then it is permissible to utilize conductive ladders. This may occur in situations where the stability, weight, or structural integrity of nonconductive ladders could lead to a higher risk of accidents or injuries in a high-voltage environment.

The key factor here is that the employer must provide evidence that the risks associated with nonconductive ladders outweigh the risks of using conductive ladders, highlighting the importance of risk assessment in ensuring safety during high-voltage work.