Ladder Safety

Practicing ladder safety can prevent personnel injuries. Know how to use a ladder safely will also prevent property damage. Performing a brief safety inspection of step ladders and extension ladders can prevent ladder accidents too. When ever you plan on using a ladder insure that it is save to use before climbing on it.

Ladders cause hundreds of injuries each year. Most of them can be preventable if proper guidance and usage of ladders are followed and many others can also be prevented by simply inspecting the ladder each time before they were used.

Faulty ladders, damaged or bent ladders are responsible for a large portion of the accidents that occur when working on ladders. Ensuring that ladders are checked before each use is not only sensible it is also an OSHA requirement. Even though you may be using a ladder privately, OSHA ladder safety rules should be followed to prevent injury to yourself and damaging equipment.

Choose the right ladder for the job. The first consideration when inspecting any piece of equipment prior to use is to ask yourself if it is the right tool for the job. Selecting the wrong ladder is one of the reasons for accidents and injuries.

Different Types of Ladders and There Use:

Leaning ladders and extension ladders are used against walls of other vertical surfaces. Leaning ladders and extension ladders are commonly used outdoors and can be extended to several times their original length. When climbing extension ladders place one foot directly above the other in the center of the rung to avoid tipping the ladder. Use ladder stabilizers when working at high heights.

Step ladders are more commonly used indoors such as for working on ceilings or inside walls. The steps can provide a good platform for tools and for working on. When using a step ladder never stand on the very top of the ladder. The ladder is not designed to support your weight on its top surface. You should never ascend a step ladder above the top two steps.

Roof ladders are used on steep angled roofs and are suspended from the roof for working on the roof slope.

Ladder Safety Inspection:

Before every use inspect the ladder to insure there are no bends, buckling or misshapen rungs. Check for any cracks or splinters in the metal or wood. Pay particular attention to where the rungs are attached to the uprights. Check that the rungs are all secure and do not move.
Check the base of the ladder. If there are rubber feet insure they are not worn or broken off and that they are flat. Often when a ladder has been used in an uneven surface the feet can wear on one side causing it to be unstable. If the feet are excessively worn repair them or replace the ladder.
If a ladder is damage insure that the ladder is not used, not only by you but also by anyone else. It should be clearly marked in such a way to indicate the damage so the ladder will not be used.

Ladder safety is very important if you intend to work at heights and avoid injury.