Ladder safety at home

Ladders are useful tools that help us in our everyday life- whether you need to change a lightbulb at home or fix a sign outside your workplace. Accidents caused by improper use of ladders is fairly commonplace but entirely unavoidable. Aside from making sure the ladder you’re using is suitable for the job, it’s important you know how to use it safely. 

Here are 5 quick tips for staying safe before starting work on your ladder. 

1. Setting up a ladder correctly 

Before climbing a ladder, make sure it’s set up in place properly. Locate a stable surface, level out any uneven ground and always make sure that your ladder is fully open with the locking mechanism in place. Remember to never prop ladders up on boxes or other objects to make them taller; instead, find a ladder that is the right height for you. 

2. Maintain 3 points of contact 

Always maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder while using it. Either place both feet and one hand on the ladder, or both hands and one foot. Make sure you’re climbing the ladder by holding on to the rungs, not the side rails while staying as centered as possible. This is recommended because it reduces the risk of sliding and falling off the ladder. 

3. Know the weight capacity of your ladder 

Keep in mind that a ladder should only be used by one person at a time (unless the ladder is specially designed for more than one climber). Remember to check the ladder’s performance and weight capacity before purchasing it to avoid overloading and causing damage to it. 

4. Wear safe clothing 

You might assume that clothing isn’t a big deal when it comes to ladder safety, but wearing the right clothes that won’t restrict you or catch on the ladder is a good approach to avoid any unnecessary mishaps. Your footwear is also vital; they should be slip-resistant and have a good grip.

5. Store your ladder properly 

After you’ve finished using it, store your ladder in a safe, well-ventilated location. If you don’t store your ladder properly, it can be damaged, making it less safe. Laying the ladder flat in a clutter-free space or resting it against a wall is a suitable storage option.. Make sure it’s properly visible to bypassers as well; to ensure that no tripping or tipping accidents happen. 

If you’d like our help choosing the right kind of ladder, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Our friendly team will help you make the right purchase.