How to Make Your Ladder Work Harder for You
It's reported that at least 300 people die each year from accidents attributed to ladders (see reference 1). Most serious injuries and deaths occur when ladders are used improperly or used for purposes other than what the manufacturer intended.
The four major areas of ladder failure include:
Base slip --- when the base of the ladder slips away from the surface is placed;
Top slip --- when the top of the ladder slides sideways;
Flip failure --- when weight is unevenly distributed, causing the ladder to rotate;
Loss of top contact --- when the ladder falls backward. (see reference 2)
There are a number of things you can do to avoid these dangers and make your ladder work harder, safer and better for you.
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Instructions
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1
Inspect your ladder. Always perform a visual inspection on a ladder before climbing. Look for bent hinges, loose steps and anything else that could prevent you from climbing, standing or getting on and off easily and safely.
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Place your ladder on a stable surface. Placing a ladder on uneven ground or soft mud can cause it to shift, leading to falling and injuries.
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Secure the top of your ladder. Fasten the top to a sturdy, immovable object with twine or duct tape.
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Use the one-to-four rule: Place your ladder one foot away from the wall for every four feet it goes up. This provides a solid base that should not tip backward. (see reference 3)
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Store your ladder away from the elements. Moisture in rain and snow can cause wooden ladders to rot and metal ladders to rust, conditions that make your ladder unsafe to use. Always store ladders in the protection of a garage, attic, basement or spare room, and make sure the ladder is available to find in case of an emergency.
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Use the right ladder for the job. Never use aluminum or metal ladders near power lines or anywhere you are working with electricity. Use wood or fiberglass instead. There are also different size ladders ranging up to 30-feet tall.
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Tips & Warnings
Proper ladder maintenance goes a long way toward preventing accidents from falls. If you find a ladder that has been compromised in such a way as to make it unsafe for use, dispose of it promptly. Mark it to ensure that no one else finds and uses the ladder.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit builder on a ladder image by Cherry-Merry from Fotolia.com
