Authored by Ed Davidson with Long Foundation Drilling Co. See video highlighting the importance of ladder safety below.
Yep...
There ya have it folks...
I belive that wrung his bell!
There are certain tools you can use that a slight mistep may go unnoticed...a ladder is not one of those tools.
There are more than 300 ladder-related deaths and over 130,000 emergency room visits related to ladders each year, as well as 2,000 ladder-related injuries every day. Improper ladder use has serious implications—it’s time to get serious about ladder safety.
Ladder safety is something that everyone should get behind because ladders are used for a number of everyday tasks. Whether you’re changing a lightbulb, doing some outdoor spring cleaning, or grabbing something from the top shelf of your kitchen cabinet, you could be at risk of injury without a proper understanding of safe ladder practices.
1. Use the right ladder for the job
It is important to choose a ladder that has the proper load capacity for the job. Consider your own weight as well as the weight of your equipment, tools and materials. The ladder must be long enough to work from without using the top 3 feet.
2. Inspect the ladder before use
Check the ladder’s stability.
Ensure that all screws, bolts and hinges are tight and that the base of the ladder is secure.
Look for loose or damaged rungs, steps, side rails, supports and any other structural damage.
Check for any dirt, grease or paint that could cause slips and falls.
Remove ladders with structural damage from service.
Your ladder should not be in close proximity to electrical wiring.
3. Set the ladder up correctly
Ladder placement is important. When using a portable ladder, make sure it is placed on a level surface and that it has non-slip base pads. Protect the base of ladder with a barricade in high traffic areas. Be sure to lock or block any nearby doors that open toward you. If you’re using a stepladder, ensure that it is fully open before use.
A straight ladder should be placed at a four-to-one ratio, which means that the base should be 1 foot away from the wall or vertical surface for every 4 feet of height to the point of support.
4. Climb and descend the ladder with caution
Stay near the middle and face the ladder while holding onto the side rails with at least one hand when climbing or descending. Carry your tools on a belt or hoist and always keep at least three limbs on the ladder.
5. Be safe and use common sense when using a ladder
Do not lean outside the ladder rails.
Keep the ladder and the surrounding area free of clutter.
Never use a ladder for something other than its intended purpose. Never use a ladder horizontally like a platform.
