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Ladder Safety
We commonly use ladders around the house for painting, gutter repair or clean out and working on the roof. You should always use proper safety precautions. Throughout the US there are an estimated 50,000 significant injuries and over 300 deaths each year as a result of working on ladders.


Items needed: Step ladder Extension ladder Scaffolding	Safety Suggestions and Tips READ THE INSTRUCTIONS on the ladder for weight limits. If you are afraid of heights - DON'T CLIMB LADDERS!	Level of difficulty Time Required: 1 hour

Steps

Step ladder

Step 1: Ladder Selection

The first step is pick the appropriate size ladder for the job. If you plan on working extensively in an area, you may want to use scaffolding, instead (Step 8). For example, a six-foot step ladder will only allow access about 10 feet above the ground. You should not use either the top platform of the ladder or the top-most step.

Check rung locks

Step 2: Check the Extension Ladder

First examine the ladder while on the ground. Be sure that the rung locks are working.

Raise extension ladder rope

Step 3: Raising the Extension Ladder

Assuming you need more to access more than 10 feet, raise the extension ladder, first placing the base of the ladder securely. It helps to have two persons for this job.

Correct ladder angle

Step 4:

The ladder will be placed such there is one foot of distance for every four feet of height. This is the 4-to-1 rule.

Feet dug into ground

Step 5:

On loose soil, the feet should firmly dig into the ground. On flat surfaces, the rubber feet should firmly grip.

Raising extension ladder

Step 6:

Raise the extension ladder in the unextended position. Once upright, raise the ladder, pulling on the rope. Never climb past the third rung from the top of a ladder. If you plan to access the roof, the ladder should extend 3 feet past the edge of the roof.

Do not lean step ladder against wall

Step 7: Using a Step Ladder

When using a step ladder, you should always open the ladder and place this about 2 feet from the wall or building. You should not lay the ladder against the building.

Scaffolding

Step 8: Using Scaffolding

If you are using scaffolding, assemble the end units with cross ties where you plan to be working. The scaffolding is made of stackable units.

Legs on feet or blocks

Step 9:

Start with assembling the feet, or at least protect the bottom-most stand by placing a block of wood to keep the base from sinking into the ground.

Lubricate nuts

Step 10:

Be sure to keep the nuts and wing nuts lubricated.

Step Ladders:

Never climb past the second rung from the top.
Do not over-reach while working on the ladder.
Do not lean out over the base for support.
If placing a ladder in front of a door, be sure to lock the door.
Do not paint a wooden ladder as this will hide possible deterioration.
Do not place the ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable surfaces.
Wooden or metal step ladders should not exceed 20 feet in length.

Extension Ladders:

Single section ladders should not exceed 30 feet
Two-section ladders should not exceed 48 feet.
Extension ladder should rise 3 feet above the the roof or landing place.
Ladder base or feet should be roped to secure against slippage.
The top of the ladder should be tied off, especially on windy days.
Always maintain a 3 point contact at all times with hands and feet.
(either 2 feet and one hand or one foot and 2 hands).
Do not extend the truck of your body past the side of the ladder.
Lower the ladder to lowest position before moving the ladder sideways to a new position.
A second person securing the base of the ladder is advisable.

All Ladders:

Do not carry tools in hands. Use a tool pouch or belt.
Only one person should climb the ladder.
Always face the ladder.
Do not use a metal ladder near electrical lines.
Do not use a ladder as a walkway for scaffolding.
Carry ladders in a horizontal position, never in a vertical fashion.
Don't use broken of faulty ladders.
Keep the rungs free of grease.

Ladders Inspection:

GENERAL
Loose steps or rungs
Loose screws, bolts, or other metal parts
Cracked, split or broken uprights, braces,
steps or rungs
Slivers on uprights, rungs or steps (wooden)
Damaged or worn nonslip bases

STEPLADDERS
Wobbly (from side strain)
Loose or bent hinge spreaders
Broken stop on hinge spreaders
Loose hinges

EXTENSION LADDERS
Loose, broken, or missing extension locks
Defective locks that do not seat properly
when the ladder is extended
Worn out or deteriorated rope, frozen pulley
Missing foot tread or inoperable hinged foot spikes

Ladder Safety