Perhaps one of the most intimidating tools that home DIYers or even professional workers have to face is when they need to use an extension ladder.
Statistics prove that leaning ladders - similar to extension ladders - are one of the most dangerous types of ladders to use regardless of the level of skill or experience you possess.
Each year hundreds of leaning or extension ladder users are injured - and several are killed.
This information isn't to scare you out of using this equipment on your next project, but instead is to help you keep in mind the importance of safely and properly using this very practical and useful tool for working at heights.
The real danger posed is user-based, as improper use or lack of understanding with regard to risk are the chief causes of injury.
Because leaning and extension ladders are used by leaning them against a wall, there are a lot of things that can affect the overall safety of this equipment.
If the correct procedures are followed, the risk of using of an extendible, extension or any other type of leaning ladder can be greatly reduced.
The first thing you should to is to inspect the ladder you are going to use for any cracks or damage.
If the ladder is bent or if the sides and runs of the ladder are damaged, you should instantly consider this ladder as unsafe and unusable.
You should not use the ladder and dispose of it as soon as possible, but until it can be thrown out you should report it (if at work) or at least post a sign for others to not use it as well.
Your ladder should be in a clean condition - free of paint, grease or other spills.
At any height, oil or grease could cause a dangerous or sometimes fatal fall for the user.
You should wear good-quality work boots that feature a thick sole and unworn tread.
For optimum safety, your ladder should be leaned at exactly 75-degrees, because if the angle is too steep it could fall over, if it is too shallow it could slip.
You should ensure that both feet of your ladder are firmly on the ground, meaning that your work area needs to be level as well as dry and clean.
If your ladder is extendible, you should be certain that the fastenings are secured when it is extended.
You should never attempt to climb any ladder if you have tools in your hand - be sure to rope them up safely or wear a balanced tool belt.
You should ensure that you keep three points of contact to your ladder at all times.
Make sure that you don't reach over the sides and that there are a minimum of three runs above your feet, and that your feet are firmly placed together on the same rung.
Even if you don't see any damage on your ladder, if you have any doubts about its safety or age, you should purchase a new ladder.
Statistics prove that leaning ladders - similar to extension ladders - are one of the most dangerous types of ladders to use regardless of the level of skill or experience you possess.
Each year hundreds of leaning or extension ladder users are injured - and several are killed.
This information isn't to scare you out of using this equipment on your next project, but instead is to help you keep in mind the importance of safely and properly using this very practical and useful tool for working at heights.
The real danger posed is user-based, as improper use or lack of understanding with regard to risk are the chief causes of injury.
Because leaning and extension ladders are used by leaning them against a wall, there are a lot of things that can affect the overall safety of this equipment.
If the correct procedures are followed, the risk of using of an extendible, extension or any other type of leaning ladder can be greatly reduced.
The first thing you should to is to inspect the ladder you are going to use for any cracks or damage.
If the ladder is bent or if the sides and runs of the ladder are damaged, you should instantly consider this ladder as unsafe and unusable.
You should not use the ladder and dispose of it as soon as possible, but until it can be thrown out you should report it (if at work) or at least post a sign for others to not use it as well.
Your ladder should be in a clean condition - free of paint, grease or other spills.
At any height, oil or grease could cause a dangerous or sometimes fatal fall for the user.
You should wear good-quality work boots that feature a thick sole and unworn tread.
For optimum safety, your ladder should be leaned at exactly 75-degrees, because if the angle is too steep it could fall over, if it is too shallow it could slip.
You should ensure that both feet of your ladder are firmly on the ground, meaning that your work area needs to be level as well as dry and clean.
If your ladder is extendible, you should be certain that the fastenings are secured when it is extended.
You should never attempt to climb any ladder if you have tools in your hand - be sure to rope them up safely or wear a balanced tool belt.
You should ensure that you keep three points of contact to your ladder at all times.
Make sure that you don't reach over the sides and that there are a minimum of three runs above your feet, and that your feet are firmly placed together on the same rung.
Even if you don't see any damage on your ladder, if you have any doubts about its safety or age, you should purchase a new ladder.