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There is absolutely no reason for anybody to
get hurt, disabled or killed while using a ladder.
Yet it happens every single day. Somebody steps on
the safety sticker that says "This is not a
step!" and ends up with a broken leg. Another
worker puts a rock under one of the legs because
the ladder is "just not quite stable
enough". On the way to the hospital, it
occurs to her, through the pain of her broken arm,
that maybe that was not such a good idea after
all. On another job, a fellow reaches out just a
little bit to far and...well...he's no longer with
us. Virtually every single ladder accident could
and should have been prevented. It only takes a
little bit of common sense, SAFETY SENSE, to
prevent a accident from occurring while using
ladders. Stick to the following simple rules to
ensure that you or your fellow workers are never
injured while using a ladder.
- CHOOSE THE RIGHT LADDER: Always select a
ladder which is the correct length to safely
reach the working height. Also ensure that the
ladder is of the correct duty, or weight
rating. The combined weight of the user, their
tools and materials should NEVER exceed the
rating of the ladder. Most ladders are
available with weight ratings of 200, 225, 250
and 300 lbs. Select the right one or GET the
right one.
- CHECK THE CONDITION OF THE LADDER: Read all
the labels on the ladder then check for split
or cracked side rails, missing or broken
rungs, loose rungs or other weaknesses. Also
check for splinters and sharp edges.
- PLACE THE LADDER WITH YOUR SAFETY IN MIND:
Use your head and think safety before you
setup the ladder. Make sure the ladder has
firm footing and that it's feet are
one-quarter the length of the ladder away from
the upright surface to be climbed. Don't use a
step ladder as a single ladder. If you are
using a step ladder, make sure it is fully
open with the spreaders properly locked.
- CLIMB THE LADDER CAREFULLY. Keep your mind
on where you are and what you're doing. Wear
the proper shoes with good soles and that are
free of grease or mud. Always face the ladder
and use both hands when climbing up or down.
Don't carry your tools or materials: raise and
lower them with a hand line: don't have
someone toss them up to you or just drop them
when you are finished. If you don't feel
well, DON'T climb the ladder. Always climb and
work from the center of the ladder. Don't
climb up the "back" side of a step
ladder and never stand on the top of it.
- NEVER OVERREACH! MOVE THE LADDER
INSTEAD: Breaking this one simple rule causes
more accidents than you can possibly imagine.
- TIE OFF THE LADDER: Once you have climbed to
your working height, tie-off the ladder and
use a safety belt.
- TAKE CARE OF YOUR LADDERS: When you are
finished with your ladder, put it back where
it belongs. Always keep them clean and free of
excess material. Store them in a safe and dry
place, out of direct exposure to the sun and
the elements. Make sure your ladders are tied
down during transit. Never paint a wooden
ladder. You can however use clear wood
preservatives.
Your ladder is one of your most
important tools. It is also is one or your most
unforgiving if misused or mistreated; so use it
safely and wisely.
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