While a ladder is helpful, you must use it only when necessary and with caution. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people end up in the emergency room due to ladder-related incidents. It causes more injuries than any other type of equipment – the more reason to be careful when using one.
Here are some ladder safety tips for homeowners.
Select the Right Type of Ladder
Choose a ladder appropriate for the task you will be doing. For instance, fiberglass is ideal for tasks that involve wiring or going near power lines. This material doesn’t conduct electricity like metal and water-saturated wood. Moreover, be sure that the ladder can support your weight and the materials you will carry with you. A ladder with a duty rating of I, IA or IAA is a good choice for most home improvements.
Be Mindful of the Height
Avoid standing on the top rungs because it can cause falls. Keep off the top three rungs of an extension ladder and the top two of a stepladder. To avoid overreaching, which could also lead to accidents, choose a taller ladder that will give you more room to move.
Free Your Hands
It is always a good idea to have a tool belt to hold your tools when climbing a ladder. Hold on to the ladder with both hands to maintain your balance. Don’t forget to focus on the area where the upper section of the ladder meets the lower section.
Angle Your Ladder Properly
The base of your ladder must be angled correctly to keep it from tipping over or slipping from beneath you. Keep the four-to-one rule in mind when angling the equipment. It’s where you place the base one foot from the wall for every four feet of ladder height.
Secure Locks
Before climbing a ladder, secure all rung locks, and glide the fly section to the front of the base. Meanwhile, the rail spreaders of stepladders must be fully extended.
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