It's important to consider Heavy Duty Step Ladder safety when climbing to new heights, especially during Ladder Safety Month, since thousands of ladder injuries are reported every year. Even though most ladder safety instructions focus on being careful when climbing ladders (which is, of course, extremely important), we want to discuss ladder safety before you get started.
THE LADDER YOU SHOULD CHOOSE
It's important to choose the ladder suited to the job before you climb, and last week we discussed that very topic, so if you haven't yet learned about the importance of selecting a ladder that fits your project, we recommend you read that first. To summarize, ensure that you determine the type of ladder that is most appropriate for the tasks ahead so that you can work as effectively and safely as possible.
INSPECTION OF THE LADDER
Make sure you check the ladder before climbing it after picking out the right ladder. Inspections are especially important if you are working on a job site where a lot of people use the same ladder. You should still inspect a ladder once it has been used to ensure that it has not experienced any damage between attempts to climb it at home.
INSPECTION OF RAILWAYS
Check your Telescopic Ladder rails before climbing. Regardless of whether you're climbing an aluminum or fiberglass ladder, this step is essential. There are some things to look for when checking your ladder's rails.
Aluminum Ladder:
Dents
Cracks
Bends
Fiberglass Ladder:
Cracks
Dents
Fiberglass bloom
Fiberglass splintering
It is recommended that you tag and remove your Extension Ladders if you find any of these signs of damage. Several structural issues can compromise the integrity of the ladder, including cracks, bends, and dents.
Fiberglass blooms and splinters are caused by sun and heat damage. In addition to being uncomfortable, fiberglass splinters pose a real danger because of their conductivity. Fiberglass is a non-conductive material, which makes it a good choice for electricians. However, when fiberglass blooms, it can become conductive, especially if it is wet.
FEET
Make sure the ladder's feet are in good condition before climbing. Pay close attention to the treads. They should be in good condition as well as the treads on your tires. If they are too worn, the ladder could slide while in use, creating a dangerous situation.
A STEP AND A RUNG
Your ladder's rungs or steps have fine treads along the surface that you will see as you climb. As with the treads on the ladder's feet, a worn or damaged tread on the ladder's rungs could cause your feet to slide.
YOUR LADDER SHOULD BE SET UP
Inadequate ladder setup results in the tips, slides, and falls commonly seen on YouTube, TV sitcoms, and comedic movies. Although entertaining to watch on screen, experiencing these things for yourself is no laughing matter. Consider these safety tips before setting up.
A RATIO OF 4-1
The following ratio should be kept in mind when using an extension ladder: As you climb your ladder, you should pull its base one foot from the wall for every four feet of ladder length. This ratio ensures that the ladder doesn't slide out from beneath you or fall backward.
Here's a tip to ensure your ladder ratio is correct: Place your toes against the ladder with your ladder leaning against the surface Raise your arms to your shoulders. It should be possible to touch the rungs of your ladder without adjusting it if it is positioned correctly; otherwise, adjust it until it is positioned correctly.
THE OBSTACLES AND THE DEBRIS
It is a fact of life that most job sites don't have a spotless surface. The mess is part of the process, but there are some things we can all do to make it a safer place.
The "Choosing Your Ladder" section can also be helpful. If you are climbing on uneven terrain, make sure the ladder has leg levelers or adjustable outriggers.
When climbing a Loft Ladders in a highly trafficked area, hang signs or put up cones to make sure you can see yourself and your ladder. You don't want someone to bump or drive into your ladder while you're climbing.
THOUGHTS FOR THE END
Taking ladder safety seriously starts before you even climb the ladder and ends when you safely store it after you've finished using it. It's a critical step that could prevent you from a tragic ladder-related accident, even though some may view it as a waste of valuable time.
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