Ladders are one of those pieces of equipment that can easily be overlooked by their users because they’re such a staple. However, just like all tools and pieces of equipment, they need to be maintained so they can be operated safely and at their fullest potential.
From cleaning to footer accessories, here are some of the ways that you can keep your ladders maintained:
Regular Inspection and Cleaning
To help ensure that you get the most out of your ladders and that they have a good lifespan, it’s important that you inspect and clean them at regular intervals. Generally, it’s advised to do this every three to six months.
What to Inspect: When you inspect your ladder, you’ll want to look for a few things: are there any defects to the feet or the top of the ladder? Are there any dents that might limit its hinges or slider mechanisms? Is there any grease or oil on it that could seep into sliders? Are there any cracks or damages to the steps and rungs?
Cleaning: Most ladders are aluminium so you’ll want to get some aluminium cleaner, or you can try using vinegar if you can’t find any. Add this to some warm water and rub the solution along the ladder with a cloth. Leave this to soak for five to ten minutes and then wipe it away for a shiny, clean ladder.
Installing Ladder Brackets
Ladder brackets can be installed onto a wall and they allow the ladder to be stored in a more space-efficient and safe manner. These brackets allow it to be stored horizontally and off the ground, keeping it away from any dust or grime that could cease up any joints or slider mechanisms. This will avoid the ladder falling over or having anything heavy dropped on it which could loosen the steps or rungs or deform the stiles, reducing its overall integrity.
Ladder Footing Accessories
Another good way to increase the longevity of your ladder is to use a ladder stopper or to install some form of rubber feet grips. As well as increasing the safety of the ladder, it will also reduce the wear of its feet. Failing to do this can result in uneven ladder feet, especially if the ladder is usually used on rougher surfaces, which can cause more damage further down the line.
Here at Top Tower, we want you to be as safe as possible when you’re working with ladders because falls from a height are very common in the industrial and construction sector. Our range of products, from feet grips to brackets, will help you to use and store your ladders more safely. If you have any questions about ladder maintenance or would like to discuss any of our products, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by calling 0121 585 5858 today!
