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Ladder Safety Tips
Use Care When Climbing Ladders
ByRod Brouhard, About.com
Guidehttp://firstaid.about.com/od/injuriesathome/qt/06_ladders.htm
Updated November 18, 2006
With the right ladder and proper use, working above ground level
should be no problem. Make
sure you have an appropriate ladder and use correct technique
for placement and climbing.
Choose the Right Ladder
There are three basic portable ladder types:
Type IIndustrial: heavy-duty with a load capacity not more than
250 pounds. Type IICommercial: medium-duty with a load capacity not
more than 225 pounds.
(Suited for painting and similar tasks.)
Type IIIHousehold: light-duty with a load capacity of 200
pounds.
There are many types of ladders available on the market. If it
is intended to be portable and used
by a single person, it should fit into one of the three basic
categories.
The most common type of ladder in the home is a stepladder.
Mariette Mifflin, About's Guide toHousewares, offers tips
forchoosing the right stepladder.
Only choose ladders with the UL seal from Underwriter's
Laboratory. Ladders commonly comein three materials: aluminum,
wood, or fiberglass. Aluminum is the most durable, but will
conduct electricity, making it dangerous for use around
electricity. Wood may rot. Fiberglass is
the best combination of durability and non-conductivity, but is
also the most expensive.
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Using a Ladder
Make sure the ladder is suited for the type of job you plan to
do (see the types above). Before using a ladder, especially a
ladder that has been stored in the garage for a while,
inspect it for cracks or broken joints.
Place your ladder on a stable, even, flat surface. Never place a
ladder on top of anotherobject.
Use the 1:4 ratio to ensure a stable working platform. Place the
base of the ladder 1 footaway of whatever it leans against for
every 4 feet of height to the point where the laddercontacts at the
top (see graphic).
When using an A-frame stepladder, make sure the brace is locked
in place. If climbing onto another surface, make sure the ladder
extends at least three feet past the
platform you're climbing onto.
Secure tall ladders by lashing or fastening the ladder to
prevent movement. Always face the ladder when climbing or
descending. Keep both feet on the ladder - never put one foot on a
rung and the other foot on a
different surface.
Do not climb higher than the second rung on stepladders or the
third rung on straight orextension ladders.
Never stand on the top or the paint shelf of a stepladder. Keep
your belt buckle (if you have one) positioned between the rungs so
it doesn't catch. Never leave ladders unattended - kids love them.
When working with electricity, use a ladder made of wood or
fiberglass.
Maintaining Ladders
Inspect ladders regularly. Stepladders and extension ladders
should be inspected for broken or
frozen joints or latches. Aluminum ladders should be inspected
for cracks and broken welds.
Aluminum ladders should also be inspected for rough spots and
burrs before first use.
Wood ladders should be inspected for cracked wood, splinters,
and rot. Look for broken or loosehardware. Protect wood ladders
with linseed oil or clear sealant. Never paint a wooden ladder
-
the paint may hide imperfections such as rot or cracks.
Fiberglass ladders are protected with a clear sealant. If the
fiberglass is damaged through the
sealant, sand lightly before applying another coat of
lacquer.
Reference:
Cyr, Dawna L., and Steven B. Johnson. "Ladders, Lifting and
Falls."National Ag Safety
Database. September 2006. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. 13 Nov 2006
[url]http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d000801-d000900/d000826/d000826.html[/url].
