There are thousands of injuries suffered by people in the UK from those others suffer disabling injuries from using ladders. Even if you are at home simply taking care of your to-do list or doing a little bit of DIY, keeping safety at the forefront of your mind can help avoid a serious injury or possibly even death.
Inspect a ladder before use
Keep an out for broken rungs or rails for when you are using an extension ladder, also take a look at the pulleys, ropes and locks for signs of excessive wear and tear. Lastly, check the footings to make sure they still have a non-skid surface.
Remember the 1:4 rule
If you are going to use a 12-foot ladder. In accordance with the rule, the base should be three feet from the structure. Various ladders have an illustrated guide somewhere on it to help you with this consideration.
You should be secured
Follow the 3-point rule. Be sure to have two firm hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder at all times.
Face frontwards
When ascending or descending, always face frontwards to the ladder. As well as this, remember to have both hands free to grasp it tightly. Tools should be carried in a tool belt or pulled up with a rope once you have reached the spot you are working in.
Keep balanced
Don’t attempt to overreach! Keep your body in between the side rails of the ladder itself. This helps to reduce the chance of tipping it over or it falling off.
Be aware of the stop point
When using a straight or extension ladder, don’t climb higher than the third rung from the top. For step ladders, the second tread from the top should be your stop point.
Use in Safe Places
Ladders are often temporary. For short access work such as maintenance, with popping one
up, other people may not be expecting you to be there! Do not use a ladder in a driveway or passageway while you can protect yourself. Use barriers and signage, or have assistant constantly in attendance.
Here at Top Tower, when it comes to scaffold towers, podium steps, low-level work platforms or ladders and steps, Toptower is the ultimate national supplier with the most comprehensive selection of equipment at a reasonable price. To find out more, please get in touch.
