Ladder Safety in Three Easy Steps
Published by Gerald Rafferty on 2010-03-01 14:40:13
Whether you're painting a house or just hanging the Christmas lights, not everyone has a perfect knowledge of practical ladder safety. Although there is inevitably always risk in working on elevated areas, you don't always need to fail to exercise care. No matter what type of ladder you are using - roof ladder, folding ladder, or telescopic ladder - knowing proper safety procedures is paramount. If you have a desire to gain a better understanding of ladder safety you can do so by following three steps that are outlined in this article. By inspecting and maintaining, placement of the ladder, and being prepared you can rest assure that you will be safer on a ladder.
Step One: The first fundamental to ladder safety is that before you even place one foot on that ladder you should thoroughly inspect the ladder. This examination should be completed prior to every intended use. When inspecting you should make sure that the steps and sides are free from any oil, grease, or any other liquid substance. Should you fall from slipping you could inflict serious injury. It is also just as important to be cautious and aware of any structural defects in case the ladder should accidentally collapse.
Step Two: After you have carefully inspected the ladder, before you mount it, it's essential that you make sure that the ladder is set up correctly. Depending upon the ladder you have chosen to use you should set it up at the correct angles. This either being a certain amount of length away from the house, or fully stretched with its legs securely on the floor. If your ladder is not placed properly than it could either slip from under you or fold underneath you. Both of these results leave you on the ground so it's wise to position the ladder correctly to achieve ladder safety.
Step Three: The last component to ladder safety is being prepared. This is so vital if you intend to use the ladder appropriately. It is recommended that you where rubber soled shoes to grip the ladder steps to prevent you from falling. Also remember to constantly face the ladder while climbing up and down and use both hands. In addition to these tips, you shouldn't stand on the top two steps because there is the possibility of you losing balance and falling. And the last bit of helpful information in ladder safety is to wear a tool belt. They allow you to carry your tools in a pouch so that you don't have to go up and down so much to keep grabbing tools; hence lowering your risk of injury.
Most people don't expect to fall from a ladder but it honestly happens more than often. By remembering to inspect your ladder, maintain it, and be prepared with your tools, you can obtain ladder safety.
