How to Find a Proper Ladder

There are a number of ladder types, materials and lengths.

Many overhead jobs involve the use of ladders. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 164,000 people are treated annually for ladder-related injuries. Falls from heights can result in serious and incapacitating injury and, in worst cases, death.



Take precautions not only when working on a ladder but when choosing a ladder for the job. Reduce the chance of injury by following some simple guidelines when selecting a ladder.

Instructions

1. Choose the type of ladder best suited to the job. Most common types include step stools, stepladders, straight, extension and articulated ladders. For indoor and lower jobs, step stools or stepladders might do the trick. For outdoor and higher jobs, a taller straight or extension ladder might work best. Articulated ladders can be used as straight ladders, folded for use as stepladders or formed into a scaffold.

2. Evaluate work area conditions. If the ground is uneven or wet, if climbing will be obstructed, if work will be done near power lines or energized equipment or if it's a high-traffic or limited-space area, ladder choice will be key to job safety and success.

3. Determine what weight the ladder is required to hold. The maximum weight (user plus materials) a ladder is designed to hold is called the ladder's duty rating. According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard 14.5, duty rating categories include Type III light-duty (up to 200 pounds), Type II medium-duty (up to 225 pounds), Type I heavy-duty (up to 250 pounds), Type IA extra heavy-duty (up to 300 pounds) and Type IAA special duty (up to 375 pounds). Every ladder's duty rating is prominently displayed on a color-coded label.

4. Choose the ladder length that will get the job done safely. According to the American Ladder Institute (ALI), using a ladder that is too short or too long increases the risk of falling. A ladder's actual length is shorter than its functional length. Straight or extension ladders must be set up at certain angles, decreasing the height the ladder can safely reach. When deciding on ladder length, remember that it is unsafe to stand on a stepladder's top step or the top three rungs of a straight or extension ladder.

5. Consider the ladder material. Ladders are typically made of metal, wood or fiberglass. Each has advantages and disadvantages. For example, wood cracks and wears sooner than fiberglass, but fiberglass is heavier to transport. Metal is lighter than fiberglass and wears better than wood, but metal is not a safe choice for jobs near energized power lines or electrical equipment, as metal conducts electricity. Fiberglass is durable and nonconductive, but it's not as economical as wood.

6. Inspect the ladder for potential problems before purchase. Watch for loose rungs or steps on all ladders. On wooden ladders, look for cracks, splits or signs of wear. On metal ladders, look for dents, sharp edges, and bent rails or rungs. Metal ladders should have slip-resistant rubber or plastic feet and slip-resistant steps. Fiberglass ladders should be free of cracks and discoloration.

References

• American National Standards Institute: ANSI ASC A14.5-2007 Standards for Ladders
• Ohio State University: Purchase and Proper Use of Ladders
• American Ladder Institute: How to Choose the Right Type of Ladder
• Consumer Product Safety Alert: Ladder Safety Alert
• University of Regina: Portable Ladder Safety