While painting a ladder can be a fun and creative upcycling project, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t paint a functional ladder, particularly if it’s one that is used regularly at home or at work. This blog will explore why…
1. Painted surfaces become slippery
Painted surfaces - particularly those painted using glossy or oil-based paint - can easily become slippery, especially when wet. This can make the rungs harder to grip and your feet more likely to slip when climbing the ladder which can be incredibly dangerous. Although some people may recommend using textured paint to avoid this issue, the risk can never be eliminated entirely.
2. Paint can hide structural damage
Paint can conceal signs of wear and damage including rot, substantial cracks and even attempted repairs that compromise the ladder’s structural integrity. A painted ladder is impossible to fully inspect during pre-use checks, meaning that there would be no way to confirm the ladder is safe and inspected as required by the HSE.
Moreover, many ladders have labels on them that instruct the user as to the safe use and weight limit. By painting over these labels, you risk the user overloading the ladder or missing a crucial step in the set-up which could lead to catastrophic consequences.
3. Paint chips and peels
The constant movement of opening, closing and carrying a ladder can cause paint to chip and peel. This can cause the ladder to have an uneven surface which poses a risk of trips, slips and falls to the user. Plus, even a thin layer of paint can add weight to the ladder and although the risk is minimal, this could cause slight imbalances.
4. Paint compromises the original finish
Many different kinds of ladders often come with a protective finish depending on their usage. For example, fibreglass ladders often come with a finish that resists damage from UV rays and chemicals and metal ladders often feature a rust-resistant finish. By painting over these protective surfaces, you compromise the ladder’s durability and protective properties, leaving it vulnerable to rust, UV damage and more.
Fibreglass ladders are also non-conductive, making them suitable for electric work. If the ladder’s surface is painted over, this non-conductive property could be compromised, leading to additional serious health and safety risks.
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Overall, if your ladder is being used for decoration, painting it can be a fun and creative task; however, if you use your ladder for practical purposes at home or at work, it is always best to keep safety and functionality in mind and leave your ladder paint-free.
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