Ladder Safety

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

A homeowner on a ladder cleaning his gutters, with his wife holding on to the ladder for safety.

There’s a lot of safety risk when it comes to climbing on ladders. Falls from portable ladders are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. The following is a list of safety tips and suggestions to make sure you, and everyone around you, stay safe.

• Make sure you read and follow the instructions on the ladder.

• Look for overhead power lines before moving the ladder. Don’t use metal ladders near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment.

• Always do an inspection on your ladder before use. If something is broken or bent, either replace it, or get it repaired. If it’s a commercial ladder, make sure you tag it and pull it off line so another co-worker doesn’t grab it and use it.

• You should always keep a 3-point contact when climbing (two hands and a foot, or two feet and one hand). Keep your body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing.

• Make sure you use the right ladder and accessories for their designed purpose.

• The ladder must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps, or feet.

• Don’t use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step unless it was designated for that purpose.

• Use a ladder only on stable/level ground, unless the ladder is secured to prevent displacement.

• Don’t use boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to gain extra height for the ladder.

• If the ladder needs moved or shifted, make sure that everyone and equipment is off of it.

• The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface.

• If using the ladder in a place where it can get displaced by other work activities, make sure it’s secured.

• Keep all traffic away from the area around the ladder.

• Make sure that the locks on the on the extension ladder are properly engaged.

• Be aware of the weight capacity of the ladder, and don’t exceed the maximum load. You need to take into account your weight and anything you carry on it.

Take a few minutes before getting on your next ladder by doing that inspection, and being mindful of its placement. By following these suggested ideas, serious injury can be prevented.