Everything You Need To Know About Using A Ladder Safely
I admit that I sometimes look at a burnt out lightbulb on the porch or a clogged gutter and just dread dragging the ladder out of the garage. It feels like such a hassle to set everything up for a five minute task, not to mention my fear of heights. But I have learned that rushing through these high up chores is exactly when accidents happen. So, here is everythign that you need to know about ladders to use them safely.
Choosing The Right Ladder
The first mistake happens before you even step outside. You need to pick the right ladder for what you are doing. If you are working near power lines or doing electrical work you absolutely must use a fiberglass ladder because aluminum conducts electricity. You also need to make sure the ladder is tall enough. If you have to stand on your tiptoes at the very top, then you need a bigger ladder. Never try to stretch a short tool into a tall one.
Giving It A Quick Once Over
Before you climb up you should give the ladder a quick health check. I know it seems tedious, but look for loose rivets or cracks in the rungs. If the rubber feet are worn down or missing, the ladder can easily slip out from under you. It is better to find a crack while you are standing on the ground than discovering it when you are twelve feet in the air. If it looks damaged, just do not use it.
Finding A Solid Place To Stand It
The ground you place the ladder on is just as important as the ladder itself. You need a surface that is flat and firm. If you put the feet in soft mud or on a pile of wet leaves, one side is going to sink and throw you off balance. If the ground is uneven you can use wide wooden boards to create a level base. And never try to stack bricks or random boxes under the legs to gain extra height.
Getting The Angle Right
There is a simple math trick for setting up an extension ladder. For every four feet of height, you need to move the base one foot away from the wall. If the ladder is too steep it can tip backward and if it is too shallow the bottom can slide out. A good rule of thumb is to stand with your toes touching the feet of the ladder. If you extend your arms and your palms rest comfortably on the rung, then the angle is safe.
Three Points Of Contact
You have probably heard of the three points of contact rule. It means you should always have either two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot on the ladder at all times. This makes it kinda hard to carry tools up with you, so I suggest wearing a tool belt or having a helper hand things up to you. Trying to climb while juggling a drill and a hammer is just asking for an accident.
Resisting The Urge To Reach
This is the one that always gets me. You are up there painting and you just need to reach three more inches to the left to finish the section. Instead of climbing down and moving the ladder we try to lean. Do not do it. Keep your belt buckle centered between the side rails of the ladder. If your belly button goes past the rail you are leaning too far and the center of gravity shifts dangerously. That’s how ladders fall and people get hurt. Just get down and move the ladder.
The Forbidden Top Step
I know it looks like a step, but the very top cap of a stepladder is not for standing on. It is there to hold the structure together. When you stand that high you have absolutely nothing to hold onto to steady yourself. Your knees have nothing to brace against. Manufacturers put those warning stickers there for a reason. If you cannot reach your target without standing on the top shelf then you simply need a taller ladder.
Take The Time To Climb Down
It is incredibly tempting to try and hop or shimmy the ladder while you are still on it to save a trip down. We have all seen people do it but it is incredibly dangerous. The ladder can buckle or catch on a pebble and send you tumbling. Just take the extra thirty seconds to climb all the way down and move it safely. Your safety is worth the extra effort.
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-How to Clean Gutters Without a Ladder – Quick and Easy
-6 Tips For Cleaning Your Ceiling Fan (The Right Way)
Using a ladder safely really just comes down to fighting the urge to rush. We all want to get back to relaxing on the weekend, but skipping safety steps is never the right shortcut. Treating the height with respect and following these simple rules ensures that you get the job done right. I hope this helps you feel a little more confident the next time you have to climb up high. Stay safe out there.
Bliss Donahue-Power
