Safe Practices Ladder

Follow Rules For Ladder Safety

Ladders are in common use everywhere, whether they are on building sites or used in domestic situations. Although most of them are manufactured in metal there are still some old wooden ladders in private use. Some of these have been handed down from previous generations and if maintained correctly can be safe to use. Extension ladders are handy for reaching higher areas than a normal ladder can and step ladders and larger folding ladders all have their uses in the home or on work sites. No matter how safe the actual ladder is, accidents can happen if the user does not use discretion and take personal safety precautions.

Ladder safety can be achieved by following common sense suggestions and also by using ladder safety accessories which are available online. Firstly, make sure the ladder is in good condition and has feet that won’t slip on smooth surfaces. Then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use which are usually clearly visible on the ladder. Not climbing any further than the second top step makes sense and will can prevent overbalancing and falling because there are no handholds available. This is a simple rule that makes a lot of sense. Ensure you have at least a metre of the ladder above the work surface if you are using an extension ladder. Make sure all ladders that have locking devices are securely in place before working on the ladder.

Before using a ladder outdoors check the ground where it is to be used. If rain has made the ground soft be sure to put something solid under the feet to prevent it sinking and becoming unbalanced. Ensure the area you are working in will not have contact with power lines. Thongs are foolish footwear for working on ladders. Wear sensible non slip shoes. By following simple commonsense guidelines you will avoid accidents. After all, who wants to be forced to endure lengthy hospital stays. Your family needs you at home.

Safety guidelines are beneficial if followed each time the ladder is used. Accessories can turn a ladder into safety ladders which adds to the safety gained by being sensible. One excellent accessory on the market is the Lock Jaw Ladder Grip. This is an easy to use item that takes very little time to attach and detach. When attached it grips both ladder and gutter locking them together and preventing any movement of the ladder. It is available for a small outlay so if you want to be safe on ladders, make sure you look into it.