Ladders bring about a wide variety of hazards, the biggest of which concerns a false sense of security when it comes to exercising safety. In this blog, your local source of the best gutter guard system discusses some of the most common misconceptions about using ladders for various purposes, including gutter cleaning.
Disregard of Ladder Inspections
An integral part of workplace safety is making sure that a ladder is in good working order before using it. It involves checking for missing, loose or insecure steps or rungs, as well as any signs of wear and tear on the base footing and other important components. You don’t have to be in a workplace setting to do this, especially if you clean your gutters regularly or perform any other home maintenance task that requires you to work at a certain height.
The Lack of Fall Protection
Wearing fall arrest protection while on a ladder is necessary under Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA). This is especially true when working at a height of 10 feet. However, the risk of falling and getting injured is still high even at a lower height. When you clean your gutters, consider equipping yourself with a harness before you climb the ladder.
Footwear Requirement
Many homeowners fail to recognize the importance of wearing proper footwear when climbing up ladders to clean the gutter system. In addition to wearing slip-resistant shoes, you should also check if the treads or bumps on the ladder steps are free of mud, grease and other similar substances that can decrease their effectiveness.
Given these precautions, you can’t help but wonder if gutter cleaning is worth all the trouble. If you don’t have the time and energy to do it occasionally, you may consider investing in a gutter protection system that prevents debris from clogging inside your gutters.
At Gutter Helmet of Northern Minnesota, we install Gutter Helmet®, America’s best gutter guard system. It helps keep your gutters free-flowing, preventing unwanted debris from clogging them up and causing them to overflow. Give us a call at (866) 937-3508 or fill out our contact form to learn more about our exceptional products. We serve homeowners in and around Duluth, Minnesota, and the surrounding communities.
