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Using Ladders Safely
It is widely assumed handling and using a ladder is simple, since they are quite familiar to most people. Unfortunately, injury statistics show, that their use creates many hazards. Injuries involving ladders, such as falling down, frequently cause permanent disability. It is very important to set up and use the ladder in a safe and proper manner.
Consider Before Each Use:
- Metal ladders conduct electricity. Keep away from electrical circuits.
- Consult manufacturer for use in chemical or other corrosive environments.
- Use ladder only as outlined in instructions. Ladders are designed for one person only.
- Do not overload.
- Do not use in high winds or during a storm.
- Do not use in poor health, if taking drugs or alcoholic beverages,
or if physically handicapped.
- Keep shoes clean. Leather soles should not be worn.
- Never leave ladder set up and unattended.
- Pay close attention to all safety precautions you should be taking while using the ladder.
While Using Folding/Self - Supported/Step Ladders
- Never use a step ladder over 20 feet.
- Open step ladders all the way, and lock the spreader arms firmly before climbing on the ladder.
- Use help in setting up ladder, if required.
- Set all feet on firm, levelled surface. Do not place on unstable,
loose, or slippery surfaces. Place ladder where access is not obstructed.
- Make sure spreaders are locked and ladder is stable before climbing.
- Climb only from the front side of ladder.
- When climbing up and
down, maintain a firm grip and use both the hands to hold while climbing.
- Remove all oil, grease, mud or any other foreign substance from hands and soles of feet before climbing on the ladder.
- Keep body centered between side rails. Do not overreach. Get down
and move ladder as needed.
- Do not climb, stand, or sit on spreader braces or the ladder top.
- Do not straddle front and back. Do not "walk" or "shift"
ladder while on it.
- Never use a folding ladder as a straight ladder by leaning it against a wall.
While using Single Section Straight and Extension Ladders
- Place the ladder at approximately a 75-degree angle to the ground.
The horizontal distance from the wall to the foot of the ladder should
be 1/4 of the working length of the ladder.
- Make sure the ladder is placed on an even, hard surface (never
loose or uneven footing) make sure rung locks are engaged before climbing.
- Avoid pushing or pulling off to the side of the ladder and do not
shift the ladder while on it. Use
both hands to hold while climbing.
- There should be only one person on the ladder at a time.
- Remove any oil, grease, mud or any other foreign substance from
hands and soles of feet before climbing on the ladder.
- Never work above 4 feet from the top of the ladder.
- Do not climb from one ladder to another.
- Never use a ladder on surfaces covered with oil, grease or ice.
- Keep body centered between side rails. Do not overreach. Get down
and move ladder as needed. Use help in setting up ladder, if possible and if rquired.
- If using a ladder to go onto a roof, the top of the ladder should
extend at least 4 feet above the roofline. It is also recommended
to secure the top of the ladder.
- Face ladder when climbing up or down. Maintain a firm grip.
- Check that top and bottom of ladder are properly supported.
- Extend the extendable section and engage rung locks properly. Make sure that the rope does not
create a tripping hazard or interfere with activity near the ladder.
- Extend and retract the extendable section only from the ground and when no
one is on the ladder.
- Do not overextend above the safety limits provided on the extension
ladder
- Never store material on ladders. Securely support ladder in transit.
- Never drop or apply impact load to ladder.
Most Ladder Accidents are caused by Two Factors
- The use of unsafe ladders
- The unsafe use of ladders
Email: info@stepupladder.com
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