Fall is on the way. In fact, it’s less than two weeks away, so get out while you can and enjoy these warmer temperatures! As you prepare your home for the upcoming winter months, you may find yourself on a ladder cleaning gutters, looking at your roof, or attending to windows. Every year there are over 164,000 emergency room visits in the US relating to ladders (Ross, 2011). There are over 300 ladder related fatalities every year (American Ladder Institute, 2011). Do not take shortcuts. Below are a few tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (2011) to help keep you safe. This is not a complete list, but rather a few key points to keep in mind.
- Make sure the weight your ladder is supporting does not exceed its maximum load rating (user plus materials). There should only be one person on the ladder at one time.
- Use a ladder that is the proper length for the job. Proper length is a minimum of 3 feet extending over the roofline or working surface. The three top rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder should not be stood on.
- Straight, single or extension ladders should be set up at about a 75-degree angle.
- All metal ladders should have slip-resistant feet.
- Metal ladders will conduct electricity. Use a wooden or fiberglass ladder in the vicinity of power lines or electrical equipment. Do not let a ladder made from any material contact live electric wires.
- Be sure all locks on extension ladders are properly engaged.
- The ground under the ladder should be level and firm. Large flat wooden boards braced under the ladder can level a ladder on uneven ground or soft ground. A good practice is to have a helper hold the bottom of the ladder.
- Do not place a ladder in front of a door that is not locked, blocked or guarded.
- Keep your body centered between the rails of the ladder at all times. Do not lean too far to the side while working.
- Do not use a ladder for any purpose other than that for which it was intended.
- Do not step on the top step, bucket shelf or attempt to climb or stand on the rear section of a stepladder.
- Never leave a raised ladder unattended.
- Follow use instruction labels on ladders.
Finally, remember that a ladder is a tool. Do not use a ladder if you are not feeling well. Make sure that the weather is cooperating, and that your ladder is in good working order. Three-points-of contact will help minimize the risk of falls by keeping you more stable (American Ladder Institute, 2011). Enjoy the fall season!
For more information visit:
www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/ladder.html
www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafetyGuide/sg_ladder_w001.asp
References
American Ladder Institute (2011). Basic ladder safety. www.laddersafety.org
Ross, M. (2011). CPSC offers safety tips to prevent ladder injuries. US Consumer Product Safety Commission. www.cpsc.gov