Ladder safety is essential for everyone but especially when using an extension ladder for commercial work like a building site, warehouse, tree lopping, window cleaning and many other locations and uses.
Extension Ladders are an essential piece of equipment for so many trades like: electricians, carpenters, painters, roofers, plumbers, roof plumbers, fire fighters, tree loppers, window cleaners and numerous other trades.
extension ladders are made from aluminium, wood or fiberglass and come in five duty ratings.
Each material has characteristics which make it best for certain applications for instance wood and fiberglass ladders are essential when working around electrical wires.
Aluminium ladders are great for exposure to certain chemicals.
The duty ratings are generally listed as light, medium, heavy, extra heavy and special rugged professional.
It is advisable to ensure the ladder being used is correct for the application.
Work injuries affect so many people: 1) the injured worker who suffers the pain and even death 2) their family - parents, spouse, children 3) the people who witness the accident, it can be a very traumatic experience for them 4) the employer - the loss of a worker, even for a short time, may affect contract schedules.
Issues of workers compensation claims and possible liability if correct procedures of health and safety weren't implemented.
Possible costs for property damage.
5) colleagues at work often experience depression when a friend has been injured or worse, the work place should be prepared for this situation.
Safety Tips for Extension Ladders: 1) Do not set up extension ladder near doors or doorways, if it necessary ensure the door is locked so no one can accidentally walk through the work area 2) It's definitely unsafe to work in poor weather conditions, rain or wind 3) The ladder base should about one quarter of the height of ladder away from base of wall i.
e.
twelve foot ladder should be three feet away from wall.
If the ladder base distance is any less than one quarter away from wall, the risk of the ladder falling backwards increases 4) Ladder stabilizers fitted to the ladder base are a great safety accessory 5) Never over reach - a good tip is always keep your belt buckle within the rails of the ladder 6) Beware of overhead or nearby electrical cables 7) Wear good quality robust shoes, preferably work boots with no laces and a heel to stop foot slipping forward 8) Always have an assistant close by in case of an emergency.
How to Safely Erect an Extension Ladder: Lay the ladder, unextended, on the ground with the ladder base against the wall Pick up the top of the ladder, using safe lifting procedure i.
e bending legs not the back, whilst pushing ladder against the wall, start to walk your hands from ladder rung to next ladder rung at the same time extending each arm directly above your head to your maximum reach.
The ladder will start to raise higher and higher.
When reach about half way along ladder is when the weight of top of ladder becomes difficult and care must be taken that it doesn't fall back down on you.
Focus must be maintained continuing with walking hand over hand until the ladder is positioned against wall.
Then manually move the base of ladder out from wall and slowly use the rope and pulley system to extend the ladder to height required.
Its best to have one foot on bottom rung of ladder to stabilize it.
Once in position check the base of ladder is about one quarter of the height away from the base of wall.
When removing ladder reverse the above procedure.
Follow these Ladder Safety Tips for Extension Ladders and enjoy a safe work environment.